I agree that sometimes moving to an AD Facility is a symptom of a downturn and not the cause. IMO, though, it can also be a cause. Many people move to an AD facility when theyÂre already experiencing a downturn, and sometimes major change in their lives can cause a downturn. ThereÂs no way to know for sure. My dad landed in the ICU for a couple of weeks, transitioned to a full-blown nursing home for a couple of months, then moved into an assisted living facility. He experienced a major downturn. Any or all of these things could have contributed. But I do know this: he felt very angry and betrayed by having to give up his old life, his car, his dog and his freedom. He resented the transition from independent adult to child. This kind of stress can, and often does, cause a decline in AlzheimerÂs patients. When my father moves to the dementia ward, he will lose his last bit of freedom, which is so very important to him. I anticipate another decline. But heÂs in a decline right now, and a lot of the fight has gone out of him lately. The move may not impact him much. I hear yÂall about the whole "my grandmother had AlzheimerÂs" thing. We always think of our grandparents as elderly, but can remember our parents as the young, confident rulers of our universe they once were. A spouseÂs illness is a whole other level entirely. ThereÂs also an enormous difference between being a full-time caregiver, a part-time caregiver like I am, and a visitor (which is what most people luckily are). Although most of my friends have been extremely supportive and sympathetic, they cannot truly empathize. Most people left the room with their grandparent needed a fresh diaper and turn pale at the mere mention of a colostomy bag. Emotional baggage aside, itÂs very different being responsible for your loved one. WeÂre the ones who make medical and legal decisions on their behalf, get phone calls from the hospital, and manage their finances. ThatÂs why IÂm so deeply appreciative of the people on this forum. YÂall donÂt just say you understand, you really, truly get it.

If all he does is repeat stories over and over, that is probably a sign that he doesn't have any thing else to think about. It MIGHT be the start of Alzheimers, but it might be something else. Is he living alone? Does he eat a good balanced diet? It could be a vitamine deficency of some sort. Perhaps you could gently inquire as to whether or not he has been to a doctor lately for a full check up. At this point, that's about all you can do. Merely repeating stories isn't enough. There would also be a problem with short term memory and confusion about location, people, etc.

Good to hear from you Maryliz....wow you have been busy...I took a fabric dying class and it was a lot of fun...not something I want to do much of in my house. I am going to visit a lady for a class on painting on fabric and then you put it in the sun to set the colors...maybe then I can decide what I want to invest my money in, paint or dyes. Wonderful you are moving your sewing out of the basement to your very own space....you will love it...don't forget to include good lighting in your new room...aren't hubbys wonderful when it comes to our hobby. This summer is pretty quiet for us...last year we painted the house, garage, fences...15 gal. of paint and my shoulder still complains. We also had quite a bit of company and I did get to the Moose Jaw Quilt Show in April...so I guess I will enjoy seeing pictures and writeups on trips others take this year. I have dragged out a quilt that I started quilting in 2003 by machine....gave up because it was too heavy....couldn't get the stitching out so now I am hand quilting what is left. This was a block exchange my guild did so I treasure it. Looking back I sure have learned a lot...my borders are terrible...I did diamonds on the sides and they didn't work out even...I am chuckling as it is almost ugly. Keep us posted on your projects and pics and have fun with that new sewing studo. Jean

I can't help with most of it, but if you have molds, and supplies for dollhouse size dolls (6" tall or smaller), I can post a link for you on my mini doll list. There are about 4000 members from all over the world on the list, somebody might be interested.