For families of Alzheimers patients

Thanks to another OFF member (I think it was Annette - sorry if I haven't give proper credit, but my brain is fried right now), I found a great resource for families of Alzheimers patients.  I just wanted to share it with you: http://alzheimers.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/frm/f/214102241

It's a messageboard like OH, frequented by AD caregivers like me - or you -

Jean

i have to say that i feel that caregivers of any sort can learn a great deal form those who care for alzheimer patients...seems their resources are on top of the needs of many many ppl...i know that in my dealings with michael's illnesses and ailments etc the sessions i had in 2000 helpe dme immensely.... i am sur e that this resource will be of benefit for yourself and others!!!
thx for sharing this jean...i so hope and pray that you can find some peace in this devastating time iwth your mother. God Bless!

Margo,
Thanks for your lovely reply to me in regards to my Mom...    Sometimes angels come from far away ..
hugs to you and gods blessings
Shirley

Jean...I have been thinking about you for several days now and want you to know how sorry I am.  It is one of the hardest things in life to do....see your parents age and get sick.  My Mother, bless her soul, passed away 4 years ago at the age of 88.  She had a stroke in 1998 and we had to have her in the nursing home.  Luckily I lived close to the facility and visited her almost every day for 4 years until her passing.  My Dad continues to live by himself but had a grandson living in his basement apt. to look after him some and he did well until he started losing weight and going downhill rapidly.  At the time there was no room at the Nursing home so he was placed in Swing bed at our hospital on a waiting list for the NH. The Doctors found a mass on his liver but Dad decided he did not want to have it biopsied or any type of exploratory surgery and my brothers and I honored his wishes.
He quit eating and refused his meds. and passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 91. So dear Jean, I know exactly what you are going through except there was no dementia or Alzheimers involved.  You love your parents and do not want to see them suffer.  They took such good care of us and we want to do the same but feel so helpless and hopeless at times.  I am glad you have perhaps found some support from the site that was posted.  There are so many wonderful books and information out there on Alzheimers.  One of my cousins let me read a book she had gotten so much comfort in when her Mom, my Aunt was diagnosed with Alzheimers.  I wish I could remember the name of it.  My aunt passed away at the age of 96.  We all feel blessed that our loved ones,(my Mom, Dad, and Aunt) had been so healthy and strong for so many years and lived good long lives
but God decided we had had them long enough and now it was HIS turn to have them.

I wish I could put my arms around you and hug you.

Love,
Sandy

Jean,

Alzheimer's impacts the entire family. When Mom finally died, it was almost (not completely) a relief to see her at peace. She had been searching for Dad (he was dead), wandering, making phone calls for a couple of years. I KNEW she was back at his side. That gave me a sense of peace.

There are going to be hard times, then harder times ahead. Utilize all the resources and support for yourself. I think the disease reaches a point when the caregiver suffers more than the patient.

Prayers to you
Annette

My dad died from Alzheimers... 13 years ago.  He was only 70. 

Hi Jean,

Thanks for the link, I will have to check it out as we deal with Alzheimers with my mother-in-law. She is in a nursing home now and that has helped relieve some of the day-to-day stress.

Paulette