Dad recently diagnosed, how to support him and my mum

[Teo]

My dad has just been diagnosed with mixed vascular dementia and Alzheimer's. I live in the same own of my parents and have taken on the role of main support for both my mum and dad. My mum has gone into panic mode and is catrasophing and I am feeling overwhelmed with the weight of responsibility for both of them and my family (three kids). Have you got any advice in how to get support for my mum and myself whilst we are supporting my dad. Since diagnosis, I have been helping to organise stuff for my parents to the detriment of my kids summer holidays and my own needs. How do you strike the right balance. They get no outside hep at present as it is all very new although warning signs have been present for a while.

 

[Cat27]

Welcome to DTP @Teo.
A dementia diagnosis can be devastating for a family & takes time to sink in.
Do you have Power of Attorney in place? If not, I’d get that sorted sooner rather than later.
Please keep posting as you’ll get lots of support here.

 

[Izzy]

Hello @Teo and welcome to the forum.

I’m sorry to read of your situation. It might be worth seeing if there is an Admiral Nurse in your area. I’ve heard very good things about how they support the family and not just the person with dementia.

https://www.dementiauk.org/get-support/admiral-nursing/

I see you say that they have no outside support. I wondered if your dad has had an assessment of needs. Your mum should also have a carer’s assessment.

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/legal-financial/assessment-care-support-england

 

[Teo]

Thanks for advice, currently trying to do LPOA and will follow up admiral nursing and carers assessment.