Hello, I'm new to this forum and don't know where to start, the advice said a new thread, so here goes.
My Nan who is 88 years of age has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimers (mild) which was an initial shock but looking back since around 2005/6 the signs have been there. I am in the position in that I'm the only nearest family member she has and therefore the only real support. I work in an older people's team so am very aware of services etc etc, but the realisation is that when it's your own, it's a whole different ball game. I've got her all her entitlement etc, got in what I think is appropriate care at home and have just sent the Enduring Power of Attorney off for registration - that side I'm handling, the emotional is different. My Nan started on her prescribed Galantamine XL last week and the side effects were quite adverse - something I was dreading and expecting because she simply does not eat enough and when she does it's cakes (she can still get to sainsbury amazingly!) - she was really bad yesterday, her carer rang concerned and she was very drowsy, unresponsive, low in mood and complained of feeling nausious + could see she was dehydrated - I had to practically bully her to drink water and I admit I nearly snapped when I tried to persuade her to eat some of her meal (the mash & gravy bit thinking that bit goes down easy) Got medical advice and told I was doing right thing and not to give her the pill (will seek CPN advice on Mon). I didn't want her ending up in Hospital bascially. Today she was a little better and flatly refusing to continue with the pills - can't say I blame her.
The fact that I am the only member of family to support her gets me sometimes - my uncle lives in Canada and hasn't seen her since 2005 and if he saw her now he'd be shocked at her deterioration - my Aunt lives in Manchester, sees her about 3 times a year, not greatly supportive and has depression and can't handle her. I do e-mail them regularly so they know what's going on. Oh my mum died in 2002 - had she been here she would have had this, but with my support - my step dad used to sort her finances out but as she got worse, he backed off and it was left to me - wished he'd just told me - had to keep asking about getting me the copy of the will etc - got it all now.
Just after soon mutual support and understanding as there must to lots of you in similiar situations as myself - I work full time too and have a son of 9 - the whole situation puts a real strain on my marriage at times - oh and I'm premenstral right now. Oh and when I don't feel quite so bad as this and my head's straight I can offer many of you support and advice too I'm sure.
My Nan who is 88 years of age has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimers (mild) which was an initial shock but looking back since around 2005/6 the signs have been there. I am in the position in that I'm the only nearest family member she has and therefore the only real support. I work in an older people's team so am very aware of services etc etc, but the realisation is that when it's your own, it's a whole different ball game. I've got her all her entitlement etc, got in what I think is appropriate care at home and have just sent the Enduring Power of Attorney off for registration - that side I'm handling, the emotional is different. My Nan started on her prescribed Galantamine XL last week and the side effects were quite adverse - something I was dreading and expecting because she simply does not eat enough and when she does it's cakes (she can still get to sainsbury amazingly!) - she was really bad yesterday, her carer rang concerned and she was very drowsy, unresponsive, low in mood and complained of feeling nausious + could see she was dehydrated - I had to practically bully her to drink water and I admit I nearly snapped when I tried to persuade her to eat some of her meal (the mash & gravy bit thinking that bit goes down easy) Got medical advice and told I was doing right thing and not to give her the pill (will seek CPN advice on Mon). I didn't want her ending up in Hospital bascially. Today she was a little better and flatly refusing to continue with the pills - can't say I blame her.
The fact that I am the only member of family to support her gets me sometimes - my uncle lives in Canada and hasn't seen her since 2005 and if he saw her now he'd be shocked at her deterioration - my Aunt lives in Manchester, sees her about 3 times a year, not greatly supportive and has depression and can't handle her. I do e-mail them regularly so they know what's going on. Oh my mum died in 2002 - had she been here she would have had this, but with my support - my step dad used to sort her finances out but as she got worse, he backed off and it was left to me - wished he'd just told me - had to keep asking about getting me the copy of the will etc - got it all now.
Just after soon mutual support and understanding as there must to lots of you in similiar situations as myself - I work full time too and have a son of 9 - the whole situation puts a real strain on my marriage at times - oh and I'm premenstral right now. Oh and when I don't feel quite so bad as this and my head's straight I can offer many of you support and advice too I'm sure.
