Heartfelt Gratitude

jomarie1951 · October 4

I’m overwhelmed at the kindness, concern, and helpful suggestions of books, online therapy, and other resources- especially the reminders of the importance of self-care. The latter is the one I have always had a difficult time with but I know and heed all your comments. That said, does anyone have any recommendations for online therapists? Are they covered by Medicare? I live in south Central Florida in a rather sad county for medical or any type a f elder care and especially for Alzheimer’s. This has been such a struggle as the disease worsens and having my DH think of me as “some lady who comes in to cook lousy meals and steal from me.” He has always loved my cooking and bragged on it, it is so difficult for me to keep reminding myself it is not my husband, the best friend I married over a half century ago, it is a stranger, an often times cruel and accusing stranger who I don’t know. I had always looked forward for Sunday’s when I could spend a quiet faith-gilled hour with Our Lord, I now get accused of seeing someone else’s on the side so ceased church. We have no children, no family, I have an older brother who lives in Colorado and is battling cancer.

I just wanted to reach out and thank all of you for welcoming me and giving me a place to. “Talk.” God bless all of you and the spouses you are so devoted to. My DH’s sister who lives 5 miles away told me she couldn’t deal with her brother and I should have him committed! Not an option.

Thank you, you are all heartfelt answers to many long hours of prayer. I am also thankful for my 4-year old Maltese Gracie who has left my side, who has literally licked gallons of tears from my eyes, and who brings me so much companionship and support. I need to find out how to get her certified as a support dog; she is truly my lifeline, as are each of you.

ronda b · October 4

I would call my ins.company and ask them what online ones they will cover.

trottingalong · October 4

I know you can google online services. Most will state upfront what insurance they accept. And if you don’t care for the person you get, you can always change. I k is my daughter has benefitted greatly from online counseling.

Biggles · October 4

Dearest Jomarie you sound tired, exhausted and bewildered by this awful disease. We are all in the same boat and hold out our hands of friendship and strength to you. I am in Australia and generally you have to pay for for any therapy but I went through the Australian Dementia Association and a medical assessment and I was lucky enough to get Jane who is free online for 6 sessions before being reviewed again. Perhaps you could enquire through a Dementia Association in your state.
This site though will comfort and support you through every high or low time. I spent months just crying. All our previous friends have abandoned us and I felt so alone but there are organisations out there, take advantage and try everything you can, you can always not do something or not go if it doesn’t suit. My sister can't deal with this situation either she breezes in and breezes out she conveniently lives 1500kl from me anyway.

We also have a 15month old Schnoodle who is constantly by my side, licks my tears away and cuddles me with his long neck. He is a registered (in America but surfaces here) emotional support puppy and I take him everywhere. I’ll attach details.

Google Support Dog and it should come up. Take care.

Karen711 · October 4

What would we do without our dogs and This Group!!! Jomarie- I just looked this up and got the following quote from google AI (I didn’t vet, but seems worth checking out):

Top online therapy providers that accept Medicare include Talkspace, Brightside Health, Talkiatry, and Total Life. Coverage varies by your specific plan, so it's essential to check directly with the platform and your Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan to confirm in-network status and understand your financial responsibility (copays, coinsurance).

Sending you a hug!

Karen

Milo is very cute Biggles!