Hello - I am brand new on the forum and I do apologise if my post is in an inappropriate place.
Both of my parents (78 and 84) have recently been diagnosed with dementia. My Mum is much more advanced than my Dad, but they are both finding life a struggle.
After a recent hospital stay (for something unrelated) their GP became increasingly concerned about their welfare and contacted social services, occ health etc. Over the last 3 weeks things have moved so quickly that I can barely catch my breath. They have gone from nothing to 2 care visits per day. And now they are talking about withdrawing Dads ability to drive. I cannot criticize their GP or any of the other departments. They have been really efficient and attentive - but it has all happened so fast.
The problem is that my parents don't think there is anything wrong with them whatsoever. They are very unhappy indeed and feel that they have suddenly been "taken over". Dad is terrified about having his driving license taken away. I have had long, lengthy discussions with both of them - talking them through from a position of being very angry and anti, to a position of acceptance. But because of the nature of the illness, by the time they wake the next day, they have forgotten it all again. I have a financial assessment form which has to be completed - but I just know that when I present it to Dad, he will get very angry. In his view, why should he pay for something which he feels he doesn't need?
I just don't know what to do. I have barely slept for the past week and am constantly in a state of anxiety. It is so hard to speak to them and see them so unhappy - like they are being forced into living a life they don't want. Yet I do believe they need this support (certainly my Mum does). This past 3 weeks has been nothing short of overwhelming for all of us.
I am not sure that any of you lovely folk can give me any advice or answers. I think really I just needed to vent my feelings. Seems a little more constructive than being teary all the time.
Both of my parents (78 and 84) have recently been diagnosed with dementia. My Mum is much more advanced than my Dad, but they are both finding life a struggle.
After a recent hospital stay (for something unrelated) their GP became increasingly concerned about their welfare and contacted social services, occ health etc. Over the last 3 weeks things have moved so quickly that I can barely catch my breath. They have gone from nothing to 2 care visits per day. And now they are talking about withdrawing Dads ability to drive. I cannot criticize their GP or any of the other departments. They have been really efficient and attentive - but it has all happened so fast.
The problem is that my parents don't think there is anything wrong with them whatsoever. They are very unhappy indeed and feel that they have suddenly been "taken over". Dad is terrified about having his driving license taken away. I have had long, lengthy discussions with both of them - talking them through from a position of being very angry and anti, to a position of acceptance. But because of the nature of the illness, by the time they wake the next day, they have forgotten it all again. I have a financial assessment form which has to be completed - but I just know that when I present it to Dad, he will get very angry. In his view, why should he pay for something which he feels he doesn't need?
I just don't know what to do. I have barely slept for the past week and am constantly in a state of anxiety. It is so hard to speak to them and see them so unhappy - like they are being forced into living a life they don't want. Yet I do believe they need this support (certainly my Mum does). This past 3 weeks has been nothing short of overwhelming for all of us.
I am not sure that any of you lovely folk can give me any advice or answers. I think really I just needed to vent my feelings. Seems a little more constructive than being teary all the time.
