My Dad is 64 with Moderate Alzheimer’s

hannah0070777

My Dad was just recently diagnosed Sept 29th with moderate Alzheimer’s. This has really affected me not in a good way. If anyone has any advice I’d love to hear it please!

lilacgirl

So young, I’m so sorry. Without really knowing your situation it’s hard to offer advice, but in general I’d say: 1. Make sure you or someone else has POA. 2. Learn all you can about the disease and start looking into all future options for your dad— ie., in-home help, assisted living, memory care, etc. 3. Take care of yourself!! Therapy, anxiety meds, support group, whatever it takes.
This forum can help you a lot. It truly saved me when I was first dealing with my mom’s condition. Hugs to you.

H1235

The advice above is spot on. A DPOA is very important, don’t put it off. When you learn about dementia you are better prepared and maybe slightly less devastated when new symptoms appear. Some facilities can have a waiting list to get in. Costs, Medicaid, Medicaid waiver, what is covered and what isn’t, qualifications, out of pocket pay it’s a lot to figure out. The responsibility is overwhelming! I was an absolute basket case until I finally talked to my doctor about medication to help with my anxiety. This site has been a wonderful resource.

kateyc

This community is amazing. It has and continues to teach me the value of community and frankly the concept of a support group. The most empathetic and well meaning person cant really know what you are going through. This community does. It goes both ways. From my personal experience, I have and continue to be one or two steps behind the next calibration stage. I 100% agree with getting a DPOA, living will, advanced directive and possibly an irrevocable trust in place. This is overwhelming, at least for me it was, as I asked my mom to relinquish all her assets (to me). But, It ultimately empowers you to do what is in your loved one's best interest. A decent family law attorney can help you navigate.

I recently had a new calibration stage. My mom wandered from her usual walking route and was brought home by police after a neighbor recognized a disoriented senior on a bench in our neighborhood. We thought we were on it. Yeah, no. Thankfully she remembered my last name. We now have GPS monitoring and ID that she cant remove. There but by the grace of God go I.

Always thinking about placement but still feel she is better with us.