first time posting

Welcome. Trying to plan is so difficult. With Alzheimer’s the progression is usually a slow decline, but you never know. My mom has vascular dementia and I’m told it progresses in steps. It’s been 3 1/2 years and I’m still wondering when I will see that first step. I guess that’s a good thing, but I can’t help but feel on edge. I’m a planner, I hate being caught off guard. In my opinion it’s worth looking into your options for when things do progress. Make some calls about in home care. See what is available, how expensive, minimum number of hours and anything else you can think of. See if you can find a day care senior center. Your local commission on aging may be helpful. I would tour a few memory care facilities and see what you think. Many do have a waiting list to get in, but even if you’re not ready for that just having some idea of which ones you like might be helpful down the road. Maybe having some kind of rough plan for the future would give you some peace of mind. You might want to talk with your doctor. There are many of us here that have been so overwhelmed by all of this that medication is needed to get through. My doctor prescribed a very mild anxiety medication and it has helped a lot. I hate taking medication and avoided it for a long time, but it’s made a difference. I will add a few resources for you. The inability to recognize symptoms or limitations is a common dementia symptom called anosognosia. It can be difficult to navigate.

When I renewed my dh's license, I changed it to a state ID but he wasn't aware. He hadn't been driving in a year or more anyway, so we went and got a new picture and it was all the same but he still didn't drive. I felt like there might be a need for an ID at some point (and I think I did end up producing it for someone at some point, but I don't remember why).

Two things: if he is no longer driving, then just don't renew his license, and secondly, when it is time to renew, sign him up for the state ID instead. Just an FYI, as long as he has a license, you have to pay for auto insurance on him, regardless of whether he drives or not.

A lot, maybe most, POD are unaware that they have cognitive issues. That is not abnormal. My DH knows that he has ALZ…even tells people so, then turns around and says that the Dr tells him he is above average.

Download the DBAT mentioned earlier. It is a great reference to plan ahead. What steps will you need to take at stage such and such…indoor security cameras? Incontinent pads? waterproof sheets? and so on. If you have local family, have a planning session on who can do what so that you can have some help with this.

Many of us caretakers are elderly, quasi-infirm, dealing with cancer treatments, etc. You can do this. Work through your fear about all the "what ifs", then do it. You can do this.