Just thought I'd write a little (or not so little!) update of our situation as I haven't been on for a little while and we seem to have made some progress (possibly).
Yesterday, my Nan was seen by the district nurse who came to check her general health (diabetes and incontinence problems) and also seen by a psychiatrist. She was given the Mini mental state exam and did not do well. As I'm sure you're probably aware by now, we've never been given a diagnosis of Nan's condition, but upon leaving yesterday, the psychiatrist told my Mum that it was 'Alzheimers or something linked'. I feel a bit unnerved by this. Although we all knew it was dementia, it's quite hard to deal with the reality that it really isn't going to get any better and what we have to face.
The psychiatrist asked my Mum whether they had power of attorney set up which they do, and said that he thought they should go about putting into action soon. He is putting his findings into writing, as it was difficult for my Mum or him to talk in front of my Nan, so hopefully we'll find out some more when the letter arrives. He's also arranged for a CPN to visit (at last!).
Thing seem to be at a real crossroads at the moment, as my parents still both work full-time. My Mum is really doubtful that my Nan should be left alone all day everyday, but no-one knows what to do about the situation. They don't earn a great amount so don't really want to have to pay for services, and can't afford for my Mum to give up work to care. It's also complicated financially to go about putting my Nan into care as proceeds of her flat went into buying our current house so that she could live with us.
My head's spinning a bit with it all at the moment - sorry for ranting on!!
Yesterday, my Nan was seen by the district nurse who came to check her general health (diabetes and incontinence problems) and also seen by a psychiatrist. She was given the Mini mental state exam and did not do well. As I'm sure you're probably aware by now, we've never been given a diagnosis of Nan's condition, but upon leaving yesterday, the psychiatrist told my Mum that it was 'Alzheimers or something linked'. I feel a bit unnerved by this. Although we all knew it was dementia, it's quite hard to deal with the reality that it really isn't going to get any better and what we have to face.
The psychiatrist asked my Mum whether they had power of attorney set up which they do, and said that he thought they should go about putting into action soon. He is putting his findings into writing, as it was difficult for my Mum or him to talk in front of my Nan, so hopefully we'll find out some more when the letter arrives. He's also arranged for a CPN to visit (at last!).
Thing seem to be at a real crossroads at the moment, as my parents still both work full-time. My Mum is really doubtful that my Nan should be left alone all day everyday, but no-one knows what to do about the situation. They don't earn a great amount so don't really want to have to pay for services, and can't afford for my Mum to give up work to care. It's also complicated financially to go about putting my Nan into care as proceeds of her flat went into buying our current house so that she could live with us.
My head's spinning a bit with it all at the moment - sorry for ranting on!!