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Sudden
Carol Bradley Bursack
Friday, June 05, 2009 at 10:02 AM -
Untitled Comment
Leah
Friday, June 05, 2009 at 07:15 PMOh, my, shebuddy, this has NOT been a good year for you and your family! Please accept my condolences in the loss of your brother and father.
Life is taking many twists and turns, but you sound like you have a level head on your shoulders.
Have your mom checked out from head to toe by doctors. Aricept is wonderful; I take it and it has helped me to live a fuller life. Watch for depression in your mother as it often accompanies dementia; don't just write it off to the recent losses of loved ones. There are many great meds on the market which can be helpful; check with the dr.
Watch for wakefulness, or sleeplessness, in your mother; that, too, often occurs with dementia. You will need to be aware of what lies ahead and how to handle it. This website should help a lot!
Please know that we are all here for you! God bless you and your mom.
Leah
re: Untitled Comment
shebuddy
Sunday, June 07, 2009 at 06:35 AMCarol, Thank you for your helpful advice. I have a lot of homework to do concerning my Mother. I wasn't really thinking too much about a "home" right now, but you got me thinking that I should be checking them out and being prepared. I'm going to be looking for someone to come during the day while I work 3 days a week, at a reasonable price I can afford. That last company wanted $2256 a month! Whoa! Maybe I'll find a friend of a friend who needs a little extra money and doesn't work.
I was reading about that Namenda drug for dementia. I'm going to suggest it to my Doctor. I hope my doctor takes medicare patients.
Leah......My Mother is on an antidepressant, but when I looked it up, it said it was for compulsive disorder and described other things to that matter. I don't really think that's the right medication for her. To tell the truth, I don't think too highly of the last doctors she was going to. Glad I got her out of there.
But about the sleep thing. She sleeps really good. Goes to bed about 9pm and sleeps about 9+ hours. I've been a bit concerned about her sleepiness. She complains of being sleepy all day. I know we've been working a bit hard this past month moving and all, but I learned that she has a stomach aneurysm. She had an ultra sound a month ago, and since we couldn't make it to the appointment for the results, they didn't tell us a thing. That makes me mad, to say the least.
As soon as I find a doctor or am able to take her to mine, I'll get everything checked out.
Thank you for the reply.
Teresa
re: re: Untitled Comment
Leah
Sunday, June 07, 2009 at 05:11 PMWow, Shebuddy, when it rains, it pours! It sounds like you have everything under control...well, except for maybe the doctors...and they can certainly be a handful! I wish the best!
Leah
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i feel your pain
shirlee
Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 05:04 PMhi sudden caregiver. i to am a sudden caregiver. your story sound similiar to mine
except that i am an only child. my whole life seem to have been turned completly around since march. everyday bring something new. good and bad. i am the primary care giver. i am with my mom 24/7. i am no longer able to work unless i can find
someone to come in, howerver; i did find an adult daycare that is willing to let her
come in for a two week trial. if things workout then she will be able to continue the
program. that is my worry i am not sure how she will do there. so my prayers are with you.
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Welcome, Shebuddy. I'm glad you found this site. You've made a brave decision and now you will be coping with your mother's progressive dementia. Aricept is a common first prescription. Often the doctors add Namenda. Each person is different, so it's a day at a time.
Keep telling her that you will take the best care of her that you possibly can, but stay away from promises about nursing homes. You at least made some "what ifs" and that is good. Nursing homes today are, for the most part, much better than in the past. There are still terrible ones, however, and I don't know where you live.
I would suggest you look reality in the face and tour local homes so you are in a position to know where she should go when the need arises. You won't be able to care for her alone and work, as well. She will need in-home care, adult day care and eventually nursing home care, unless some disease takes her before the late stages of her dementia. It's good to find a good home and get on their list. Then you are prepared for the future.
Whatever money she has will likely go to her care. That's what it's for, so use it. It will give you peace of mind to know she is looked after when you are at work. Wandering is something that is common, and people with Alzheimer's have been found on highways, or out in freezing temperatures, or driving the wrong way on an Interstate highway. So, in-home care may be in your future - or adult day services. Adult day services (or day care) could be a blessing, as she would have social contact with peers and would be looked after.
Good luck with all you have taken on, and bless you for your caring heart.
Carol