Hello everyone. My dad got his Alzheimers diagnosis on Wednesday and was totally blindsided. He had no idea that anything was wrong other than a bit of forgetfulness. The main issue was being told not to drive. He hit the roof and argued with the doctor. He also blamed my sister who accompanied him. As luck would have it, his car was at the garage at the time as he'd done something to the battery (as well as the many other dents and bumps on it). By the next day he'd forgotten all about the diagnosis, and that he was banned from driving and was really chirpy on the phone. We'd asked the garage to hold on to the car for as long as possible until we figured out what to do, but he managed to get up there and drive it home. My sister took him grocery shopping yesterday (though he was puzzled as to why he couldn't take himself) and managed to take the car keys home with her.
He's seen her today and was okay, but he's got home and seen her note on his whiteboard that she has his keys and he's been ringing her screaming down the phone that he wants his keys right now and that he never wants to see her again. Interestingly he didn't ask her why she had them, so obviously he knows something's wrong on some level. He's always had a bit of a temper but she's now quite frightened and worried that he's going to turn up in a taxi. He's also threatening to call the garage to get the locks changed on the car. So what to do now? Is it a good idea to call the local police tomorrow and warn them to look out for his numberplate? I know the obvious solution is to remove the car, but my sister is concerned he'll call the police and for her job she needs a clean advanced DBS. And I've also been wondering about calling social services for advice. Does anyone have experience of this? Have they offered help? He's so totally in denial/can't remember about his diagnosis and declining ability. I have a young family and live 150 miles away so can't offer day to day support. My sister is local but works full time and is currently undergoing cancer treatment. She has been visiting him most days, however the way he spoke to her today has shocked and upset her. We have managed to get a carer in once a day to remind him to take his medication but we haven't had the first invoice yet so I don't know if we're in for a fight about paying for them. He already thinks it's silly. We do have power of attorney (although my paperwork from his bank hasn't come through yet). I guess I'm just asking for advice for practical steps we can take now. We knew he would be angry but this has really thrown us.
Thanks everyone.
He's seen her today and was okay, but he's got home and seen her note on his whiteboard that she has his keys and he's been ringing her screaming down the phone that he wants his keys right now and that he never wants to see her again. Interestingly he didn't ask her why she had them, so obviously he knows something's wrong on some level. He's always had a bit of a temper but she's now quite frightened and worried that he's going to turn up in a taxi. He's also threatening to call the garage to get the locks changed on the car. So what to do now? Is it a good idea to call the local police tomorrow and warn them to look out for his numberplate? I know the obvious solution is to remove the car, but my sister is concerned he'll call the police and for her job she needs a clean advanced DBS. And I've also been wondering about calling social services for advice. Does anyone have experience of this? Have they offered help? He's so totally in denial/can't remember about his diagnosis and declining ability. I have a young family and live 150 miles away so can't offer day to day support. My sister is local but works full time and is currently undergoing cancer treatment. She has been visiting him most days, however the way he spoke to her today has shocked and upset her. We have managed to get a carer in once a day to remind him to take his medication but we haven't had the first invoice yet so I don't know if we're in for a fight about paying for them. He already thinks it's silly. We do have power of attorney (although my paperwork from his bank hasn't come through yet). I guess I'm just asking for advice for practical steps we can take now. We knew he would be angry but this has really thrown us.
Thanks everyone.