Hi
I'm very aware that I'm new to this forum, and that some of the questions I face now may have been asked - and answered - many times before.
I'm 21 years younger than my husband (Philip, 75), who's been diagnosed with vascular dementia and possibly AD. Compared to what I've been reading on TP he's at a relatively early stage. I'm working full time and he's still able to perform a few chores in the home. He's never put himself in danger (although he has thrown away a few things I'd rather have kept, which put him in danger for a split second when I found out - but they're only things). He has better and worse days, and also some physical health problems. I take days/half-days off whenever he needs to go to an appointment or needs my assistance.
My worry is the next stage. It looks pretty inevitable that the time will come when he'll need some care, then more care, then a lot of care. My own inclination at this point, and the advice I've had from friends (with AD experience, not just well-meaning people who don't have a clue)is that I shouldn't give up my life completely to become a full-time carer. If I do, I give up my present (personal achievement, social contacts) and my future (no chance at my age to re-enter the job market, vastly reduced pension for the years I will - if things take their natural course - spend on my own).
Is there anyone out there with experience of keeping their job for as long as possible, using outside help, whatever available?
Best wishes
Kathy
I'm very aware that I'm new to this forum, and that some of the questions I face now may have been asked - and answered - many times before.
I'm 21 years younger than my husband (Philip, 75), who's been diagnosed with vascular dementia and possibly AD. Compared to what I've been reading on TP he's at a relatively early stage. I'm working full time and he's still able to perform a few chores in the home. He's never put himself in danger (although he has thrown away a few things I'd rather have kept, which put him in danger for a split second when I found out - but they're only things). He has better and worse days, and also some physical health problems. I take days/half-days off whenever he needs to go to an appointment or needs my assistance.
My worry is the next stage. It looks pretty inevitable that the time will come when he'll need some care, then more care, then a lot of care. My own inclination at this point, and the advice I've had from friends (with AD experience, not just well-meaning people who don't have a clue)is that I shouldn't give up my life completely to become a full-time carer. If I do, I give up my present (personal achievement, social contacts) and my future (no chance at my age to re-enter the job market, vastly reduced pension for the years I will - if things take their natural course - spend on my own).
Is there anyone out there with experience of keeping their job for as long as possible, using outside help, whatever available?
Best wishes
Kathy