My 59year old dad was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's last week. I'm absolutely terrified about what's to come and still in shock about the diagnosis even though the signs have been there for a few years. We haven't told my younger sisters yet (11 years old and 17) because we just don't know how to break the news to them. I also can't bear thinking about my 11 year old sister having to see my dad deteriorate
will doing mind games like puzzles and crosswords help my dad or is this just a… read more
Hold on, is a long, long walk. Trust Jesus. Accept help. Be calm. Her his legal issues at hand. Transfer everything or of his name.
Love, peace, hope. Don't lose it. Please listen, foscus on a plan... you can not stress.
New day every day. Keep your joy and hobbies.
Accept loveGod. Be intentionally slow....
I've been n this 10 years. Kim is 56. I raised 3 children... holding down a job... Not living near family put many friends..
I learned... better pay heed... stress is a killer
God.. he lives and loves...
Connect with the nearest Alzheimer's Resource agency. They are a wealth of information. Read as much as you can about the disease, and keep in mind that early inset is almost a different disease than the later onset. It progresses differently. Just educate yourself as much as you can, and prepare for what is coming. By all means, keep him as active as you can. Mentally and physically! This dies have an impact on how quickly the Alzheimer's progresses! Take care of all legal issues as soon as possible (power of attorney, financial, wills, etc). You key not need it now, but if you wait until he can no longer take care if finances or medical decisions, then he will also be incapable legally of appointing someone to handle those affairs. It quickly becomes a nightmare!
Most of all, take the time to enjoy your time together. You'll learn to appreciate every smile, every moment that he is able to interact with you. Cherish the time you have and focus on each and every day, one day at a time. And pray, learn to let Jesus take some of the load off you.God Bless!
Love joeb answer!!!
I would add
Engage him in as much of things he can still do! Swimming is wonderful
This is a long twisted road we are all on. Read as much as you can, ask the questions you need.
I can't stress enough on getting a elderly lawyer to draw up power of attorney etc. they did a Living Trust for Betty while she could still make decisions and it's been invaluable as the disease progresses
One day at a time and praying for peace
Thank you for your kind words and advice. x
Keep him active physically and mentally. Change as he changes. Don't wait until you are all exhausted to get help. You can start with once a week to bring him to his favorite places and people. Kids are amazing on how they cope. They role with the punches. Be open and honest. Find books. Contact the Alzheimers Association and they will send you information. They will help you talk to your sisters. They probably already know something us up. Be open and honest with your dad too. Allow him to talk openly about his frustrations. He will get angry and frustrated but then that will eventually stop. Find a support group. Prepare things early. Know what he wants now. Keep 5 years of his income on record. If you can put your name I'm his accounts do it. Make sure he signs paperwork that you can talk to doctors and the bank and whatever other financial things he had. Believe me doing it after my mom became incompetent is no fun at all and is a nightmare. Get all your ducks in a row now. See an Elder Lawyer. They are very helpful.