HI
Im really not sure where to start but once again I feel completely out of my depth and just not sure what to do. Dad has Alzheimers(diagnosed Jan) and since last Fri has a number of other physical things that need addressing so has a number of appointments coming up to deal with. Mum has had a brain scan and is waiting for the memory clinic and is dad's main carer. She too over the past three months has developed more physical problems including Lymphoema in both her legs and has to visit the GP every other day for a dressing to be changed. She also has a heart condition. Basically they are not coping and things have got bad in the past two weeks. Dad appears to have worsened and is due to have his meds upped but mum is getting in such as state with all her appointments(any practical advice here?) and with dad's constant strange behaviour. None of us siblings live close in fact I'm the farthest away at 1.5 hrs drive but I try to get to see them every other week or week if I can. My siblings do the same. I've just contacted the social worker who came out to see them in February because things have worsened and although in Feb they put on a brave show and pretended all was ok I'm hoping this time things will be different. I asked her for advice which she didn't give that much of but she did say that she would go and see them on Thursday which is good as dad will be in his Cognitive T group so mum will be alone. I'm hoping she may open up to her but I don't know. Mum and dad eat ok but I know their clothes need washing and the house needs a real good clean which I've tried but mum wont let me do anything. Can anyone suggest what may happen now with the social worker or what can we do or set up as a family? I just don't know the next step but as a family we feel the next step must be taken. What happens when two parents both have dementia but want to stay in their own home and with each other? I feel like I should be doing more but mum does put up barriers and even at the age of 49 she can scare me!! I love my parents and I hate what is happening to them. Sorry to rant on but after a distress call from my sister I need to get this all out!!
Im really not sure where to start but once again I feel completely out of my depth and just not sure what to do. Dad has Alzheimers(diagnosed Jan) and since last Fri has a number of other physical things that need addressing so has a number of appointments coming up to deal with. Mum has had a brain scan and is waiting for the memory clinic and is dad's main carer. She too over the past three months has developed more physical problems including Lymphoema in both her legs and has to visit the GP every other day for a dressing to be changed. She also has a heart condition. Basically they are not coping and things have got bad in the past two weeks. Dad appears to have worsened and is due to have his meds upped but mum is getting in such as state with all her appointments(any practical advice here?) and with dad's constant strange behaviour. None of us siblings live close in fact I'm the farthest away at 1.5 hrs drive but I try to get to see them every other week or week if I can. My siblings do the same. I've just contacted the social worker who came out to see them in February because things have worsened and although in Feb they put on a brave show and pretended all was ok I'm hoping this time things will be different. I asked her for advice which she didn't give that much of but she did say that she would go and see them on Thursday which is good as dad will be in his Cognitive T group so mum will be alone. I'm hoping she may open up to her but I don't know. Mum and dad eat ok but I know their clothes need washing and the house needs a real good clean which I've tried but mum wont let me do anything. Can anyone suggest what may happen now with the social worker or what can we do or set up as a family? I just don't know the next step but as a family we feel the next step must be taken. What happens when two parents both have dementia but want to stay in their own home and with each other? I feel like I should be doing more but mum does put up barriers and even at the age of 49 she can scare me!! I love my parents and I hate what is happening to them. Sorry to rant on but after a distress call from my sister I need to get this all out!!