[jeanb]

Anyone else dealing with a parent who has Alzheimer's?

My 81 year old mother turned my 85-year old father's care over to me. I moved Dad into a memory care facility near me. I pay his bills. I visit him several times a week (not that he remembers that i visit...) I get phone calls when he asks me where is he? Why isn't he home? When he was hospitalized with a crushed vertebrae, i was there 8-10 hours a day because he can't speak for himself. He doesn't know his medical history, can't answer doctors' questions.

It's a struggle for me because the stress and wear and tear depletes my already waning energy.

But after all those complaints, the truth is I dearly love my father and I truly cherish the time we have together. (yes, he still knows me) He is such a warm, kind, funny person. But it does break my heart to see him go downhill - and the progression seems to be happening faster.

[jeanb]

Stitcher emailed me with a good suggestion - start a blog. So I have done that. It may be cathartic for me. And who knows? It may be helpful to others.

http://wheredidmydadgo.blogspot.com/

[Conductor71]

Originally Posted by jeanb

Stitcher emailed me with a good suggestion - start a blog. So I have done that. It may be cathartic for me. And who knows? It may be helpful to others.

Jean,

I am really sorry for what you are going through. I think the blog is a great idea, and if it's anything like your PD4life site, it will help many others.

Laura

[jeanb]

Laura, Thank you so much. I got a phone call from Dad this afternoon:

"Jean, I want to go home now..." It's so hard.

Jean

Originally Posted by Conductor71

Jean,

I am really sorry for what you are going through. I think the blog is a great idea, and if it's anything like your PD4life site, it will help many others.

Laura

[lurkingforacure]

Sounds selfish, no? Think of how much help you would be if YOU were flat out, then you understand. I think, in addition to the blog if that helps you, that you be sure to schedule, in writing so you stick to it, some things you can do just for yourself every week.

Also, there may be a forum just for Alz. caregivers, like there is for PD, and it's a wonderful place, caring people who are living your life in many ways, understand what you are going through, and often have helfpul advice. See if there is one, and join if there is! There may also be a community support network for Alz. caregivers in your area, check into that as well.

We all know how much humor can help, so start lining up some funny movies, DVDs, whatever, to keep your spirits up. I often find the most retarded ones are the ones that help the most (like "Blades of Glory", too dumb for words).

I cannot imagine how hard this must be for you, with PD on top of it all. Prayers for your strength to weather this storm.

[jeanb]

Lurking - I am lucky to have a wonderful support network, but it still is overwhelming. This morning on my bike ride I just stopped and sobbed. (Ok I must admit I need to get a refill on my antidepressants ... )

Yesterday was a bad day - it's always bad when I get a phone call from Dad:
"Jean, I'm ready to go home now."

I explain that he IS home. And I've written this up so he can read it when I am not there ... that he has alzheimer's ... that my mother can no longer care for him ... that he is in a retirement community near where I live.

We talk and then I go see him. He sits in a chair waiting for me.

and so it goes...