Have any questions about how to use the community? Check out the Help Discussion.

Sundowners

I've been caring for my wife who is suffering from Alzheimer's. She is in the middle stages and it is progressing.
Since the time change her sundowners is getting worst every night
She does not know I'm her husband
Demands I Leave the house, its her house and not mine.
I currently only have the help from her sister but it is limited
I'd love to find some home care assistance but money becomes an issue.
Plus there will be a day I can no longer care for her at home
She does not qualify for Medicaid
first step for me is to find some home support say 2 days a week for 4 or 5 hours per day.
I live in Spring Grove IL
Open to any suggestions
I've been reluctant to reach out for help, but things have become overwhelming
I love my wife and want to give her the best care I possible can
Tagged:

Comments

  • Milo4455
    Milo4455 Member Posts: 52
    25 Likes 25 Care Reactions 10 Comments 5 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member

    Best thing I've done, thus far, is get some part time in home help. We (or at least me) can't do this alone! We are on our 2nd aide. First wasn't a good fit. My DH doesn't particularly care for the outside help, but I tell him that she is here to help me. It helps also to have someone to talk to, since conversations are now no longer with DH. It sometimes helps with the fiblet. There are professional in home agencies, but thus far we have used word of mouth referrals from people we know in town. I say it's better to start early, instead of for a burnout crisis. The other plus is the aid, we hired now, will sit at hospital if needed.

  • Belle60
    Belle60 Member Posts: 85
    25 Likes 25 Care Reactions 10 Comments First Anniversary
    Member

    You didn't indicate if your loved one is on Medicare or not but if she is she may qualify for the Guide program through medicare. They provide support and a stipend to assist with respite. she may also need some medication to assist with the sundowning. We use Guide and it has been extremely helpful.

    GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) Model | CMS

  • SDianeL
    SDianeL Member Posts: 2,517
    1,000 Care Reactions 1,000 Likes 500 Insightfuls Reactions 1000 Comments
    Member

    Welcome. A Elder Care Attorney might be able to assist with explaining Medicaid for your state. If you decide on memory care, some memory care facilities will take self pay and transition to Medicaid when she becomes eligible. You can also call the toll free Alzheimer’s Association phone number and they may have resources for caregivers in your area. 800-272-3900.

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