Find your local Alzheimer's Association by putting your zip code here. You will find all kinds of local help and information, and most likely, even caregiver meetings.

Here is a link that might be useful: Alz.org

Thank you, I will do just that.

There is a wealth of information out there. We had very good speaker at our Senior Meeting from the the Alzheimer's Association. She also handed out information. Mayo Clinic has good information as does John Hopkins. Just be aware that many people will have all sorts of information. Read it, evaulate it and find out the source. Make sure the medical staff is trained and qualified to serve both the patient and family. Are you near any assisted living homes specializing in caring for people? We have several in Minot, ND and they will help you also. Make sure all the legal stuff is in order before the patient gets to the point that he/she cannot/willnot cooperate. One thing, Alz. patients do tend to get very angry later in the disease. Don't be afraid to ask questions here, and evaulate the answers you get. If you have children, keep them informed. They can be a valuable resourse to help out as sometimes grandparents respond better to kids as to adults, especially spouses and daughters/sons. Good luck and keep us up to date.
Marie

Two.25, first of all, I am sorry for the road that you are all abut to travel. It is heartbreaking, and at times can be cruel. One of my dearest friends is going thru this with her dear mom, we talk often, that is going to be so important, be there for her. Did you happen to see Ellen today? Glen Campbell was on, he is doing his farewell tour since he was diagnosed 6 months ago.

I did a fast google search "Alzheimer's support forums" and found a bunch. Take a look to see if they are active or not. Beth found a local group here in our tiny town so you may have luck with that as well.

Here is a link that might be useful: Search Results

Thanks for the information. My challenge is that I'm able to find some stuff but it's my mom who's going to need the assistance. I of course will need to be her sounding block. We've taken care of most of the legal/trust issues. Found that mom's medical power of attorney was still assigned to her husband, we are now changing that to me. There's 6 kids, I'm the only girl and my brothers aren't much help with this stuff but when I have to ask them because there's so many, I can generally get help from one or two. law of large numbers. I'm just trying to find stuff in my mom's area, she is now responsible for all driving as the doctor told him no more driving. He gets to keep his license for id purposes only. Fortuneatley I take care of all of their auto/home and umbrella insurance coverage's so that's one less thing to worry about. Thank you again for the information.

is he on any meds? i don't know if it's because my uncle "caught" it early enough, for my aunt, but she's been taking the one med for several years..she can't be left alone anymore, but i call every few months and she still knows my voice...we have "comversations" usually rambling but i don't care...

they are finally thinking of going to a elder highrise, but for now, the kids have helped downsize...of course selling the home of 57 years (perfect shape) is not going well... 4 others for sale...

besides support, elder day care is another option to check...i gives the caregiver some "alone" time to pause and regroup...

why is it, dds seem to get the brunt of care???

No meds, they just got the diagnosis on Tuesday and had him go to a neurologists on Wednesday. He is experiencing weakness in his limbs. Also has Diabetes, insulin now as well as high blood pressure. He's a mess. He's also a veteran so I am checking into what is available to him if anything. Want to get them on a schedule so I can keep track of how things are going. We are an hour away from them which makes it a bit more difficult. Personally I believe he is beyond the onset stage and has really progressed quickly to the 2nd stage. We saw him on Saturday and he had already forgotten my moms 75th birthday party that we had July 30th. It was a big party.
Because sons generally have wives who generally have parents of their own.

My Mom had Alzheimers. My brother was her primary care giver. She lived with him for 8 years before she went to a Long Term Care Home. The Alzheimers Association helped us tremendously!
They arranged for in home help for my brother. They came 3 or 4 times a week. They bathed her, took her for walks or car rides, and allowed my brother some time for himself. Without that help he had to be there 24/7. When Mom began to wander, and once disappeared for several hours we made the decision to move her into the long term care facility. There she received wonderful care and was quite happy.
Please do not be afraid to ask for help. The worst part of this disease is how exhausting it can be on the care givers.

For the caregiver of an Alzheimers patient,the day is a 36 hour one-not 24-this HAS to be understood by all around,otherwise the caregiver will play/burn out quickly.

The biggest thing-whatever the patient talks about,talk/agree with them-do NOT change what they are saying,even if it doesnt make sense-that will only confuse them.

confusion is the really big thing-so,one has to keep most everyday life happenings on a very tight schedule for the alzheimer person-a simple "drive" for the afternoon can send them into a real tizzy.

Give the "drive" or time out to the caregiver-they will need it moreso.

good luck to your Mom-oh,and btw 2nd stage isnt that bad "yet"..there are meds out there that will "slow" the progression-by no means will the meds stop the disease,but they can help to slow it and give the patient a much better quality of life.

A caregiver of my own Mom-for almost 15 years......

Thank you again for the information. I've started to put all the information in a binder that I take with me daily to include all medications, doctors names/phone numbers etc. I'm working with my mom to gather all recent doctor visits/test/procedures etc. so that if something comes up I have the information at hand. For now we are working on keeping his routine the "same" as much as possible. Next I think I need to start working on my mom and what she will need and what we will be able to help with. She doesn't want to move closer to any of us for now but that in itself can be a challenge. It puts allot on her to do and her health at 75 isn't the greatest. She had a stroke about 3 years ago, a mild heart attack and cataracs. Physically she is not strong enough to do much.

Could you find some support groups in your area for you? It is also important that you get someone to talk to, etc also check yourself for signs--sad to say, we as caretakers forget to take care of ourselves. Stress is as damaging as physical problems.
Wishing you the best
Marie

Glad to know you've started a note book.. it will be most helpful...

Since he is a veteran, please contact a local VA office or the VFW. They can give you a wealth of information on help that is available to him. I'm not suggesting this to you--I'm begging you to do this for your mother. You will be surprised at the help available. E-mail me if you want what info I can help you with.

Hope you don't mind if a sometime lurker jumps into the conversation. Both my parents had Alzheimer's, and both went all the way to stage 7. I'd like to echo what ont_gal said. Pay a great deal of attention to your mother and her health. Don't let her sacrifice her health in an effort to care for her husband. The cruel reality is that eventually, one way or another, you will lose the Alzheimer's patient. You don't want to lose your mother too.

Also, check out the books and online videos of Naomi Feil; she has some wonderful recommendations. My thoughts are with you and your family. .