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nikkiRMA
nikkiRMA Member Posts: 2
First Comment
Member
in Caring for a Parent

Hello everyone!
My name is Nicole and my Dad has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. He has been in a cognitive decline for a couple of years but just went to the neurologist last week to confirm his diagnosis. I feel like since then it’s made me sad . I’m trying to do what I can to help . He lives at home currently with his wife , (stepmom) . I would love to connect with others going through this

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  • SDianeL
    SDianeL Member Posts: 2,404
    1,000 Likes 500 Insightfuls Reactions 1000 Comments 500 Care Reactions
    Member

    welcome Nicole. Glad you are here but sorry for the reason. This is the best place for info and support. First get their legal affairs in order if they are not. You will need DPOA, Medical POA and HIPPA forms. Meet with an Elder Law Attorney. Next learn all you can about the disease and progression. Read the book “The 36 Hour Day” which was recommended by a nurse. Then search online for dementia caregiving videos by Tam Cummings and Teepa Snow. Start looking into options for his long term care. Will that be hiring help at home or placement in a memory care facility? The people on this forum understand what you’re going through. Come back often. Hugs. 💜

  • towhee
    towhee Member Posts: 585
    Eighth Anniversary 500 Comments 100 Likes 25 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member
    edited October 8

    Hi and welcome. If you have used your real name as your screen name please change it. While you have to be a member to post on these boards, anyone can read, so it is best to be cautious.

    This is a very good place to come for support. You can also contact the Alzheimer's Association Helpline 24/7 at 800-272-3900, and the Alzheimer's Association sponsors numerous support groups both in person and virtually. In person local groups are very helpful for information on local resources, doctors etc. and if you cannot make those try a virtual one. All sponsored groups have a trained facilitator/moderator and I do recommend that for someone who is new. You can call your local chapter for info or call the helpline. The Association website (Alz.org) has information on support groups as well as a lot of other good information, but it can be a bit clunky to use, and you might have to wade thru some fundraising ads. Local senior centers and assisted living/ nursing homes also sometimes host support groups.

    It is often recommended here that the best way to help is to support the primary caregiver. The kind of support needed varies, and it can be a little bit of a tightrope sometimes as you might see a need that the primary caregiver does not, or that they might even resist.

    You might want to browse a little in the Spouse/Partner section of the Board. Again, welcome, visit often.

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
Read more

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