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What to do?

My DW is 70 and I am 67.

My DW has Alzheimers. Currently she has forgotten owr 32 years of marriage. At least she still recognizes me. She at times thinks she is still in high school.

I don't know where to start or whe r e to go.

I am disabled with mobility issues. I can no longer keep up our house. I fix our food,normally microwave or Air Fryer.

Could someone hive me a starting point or what organization to contact? I am really worried for us.

Comments

  • jfkoc
    jfkoc Member Posts: 5,057
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    There is help out there. Contact your Area Wide Ageing/local churches and the Alzheimers Assoc and do talk with your Dr.

    We, of course, will be here to hel as much as is possible.

  • H1235
    H1235 Member Posts: 1,819
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    Welcome. So sorry you are in this awful situation. I would contact your local commission on aging. Even if they can’t help you directly, they should be able to give you phone numbers for service agencies in your area that can help. It may be time to consider assisted living, memory care or a nursing home. These are all very expensive. Something else to consider is that these places may have a waiting list to get in. If money is an issue, you will probably need to apply for Medicaid. The requirements to qualify and what is covered varies by state. It might be a good idea to see a lawyer. The Medicaid process is complicated. I will attach a link that may be helpful, but like I said it can be confusing. I hope this helps some.

    https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-income-chart/

  • jgreen
    jgreen Member Posts: 332
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    Hi @bikerpoet

    So glad you found us. And sorry you have to be here.

    Good advice so far. I recommend you contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 1-800–272-3900. Let them know your situation and see if they have a checklist of steps to take.

    Depending on your finances, you may want to look into a facility that has levels of care, from independent living to assisted living to memory care. With your disability you don’t need to be working with household chores/maintenance and meals. If you have kids - give them jobs such as looking into such facilities and anrrowing the search for you. Look for and ask for support - like you are doing with us.

    Please come back and let us know how you are doing. God bless you!

  • Quilting brings calm
    Quilting brings calm Member Posts: 3,147
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    I would look into assisted living for you and memory care for her. Within the same facility if possible.

  • annie51
    annie51 Member Posts: 632
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    So sorry to hear of your situation. That’s very hard on you with your mobility issues. Your local Area Agency on Aging would be a good place to start and should be able to direct you to assistance. Keep us posted as to how you’re doing.

  • Michele P
    Michele P Member Posts: 394
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    If there is an Oasis Senior Services in your area, contact them. I highly recommend that you look into assisted living and memory care facilities. You will not be able to care for your wife at home. The stress and requirements to care for her will severely impact your health. Speak to an Elder Law attorney for advice on how to navigate this.

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