I am a new user to what seems to be an excellent message board. My mum has recently been diagnosed with AD and is on Aricept. My problem is that I am 150 miles away - she lives alone but very close to her partner with whom she spends every evening and night. He gets a break during the day but for how long I dont know as she hates being alone. She is very depressed and guilty about how this is all affecting him and I feel terrible that I am not closer and cannot visit more than once or twice a month.
I have asked the consultant for a social services assessment - is this a good idea and what sort of things could they offer? She has always been such a sociable and outgoing person and it is devastating to see her so frightened and depressed. She is aware of her memory problems which seems to make it worse as she gets so upset when she cant remember things.
I wonder whether she might be happier in a residential home where she can still see him every day but the pressure would be off him as a "carer" - is this a "pie in the sky" idea? I would love her to come and live nearer me but accept that she is so dependant on him that it would be devastating for her so we are in a bit of a catch 22!
Any ideas gratefully received.
I have asked the consultant for a social services assessment - is this a good idea and what sort of things could they offer? She has always been such a sociable and outgoing person and it is devastating to see her so frightened and depressed. She is aware of her memory problems which seems to make it worse as she gets so upset when she cant remember things.
I wonder whether she might be happier in a residential home where she can still see him every day but the pressure would be off him as a "carer" - is this a "pie in the sky" idea? I would love her to come and live nearer me but accept that she is so dependant on him that it would be devastating for her so we are in a bit of a catch 22!
Any ideas gratefully received.