Help!!

[jasmith49]

Hi, my name is Joyce. My husband has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. This is all new to me and I need some help in knowing how to deal with this. Is there anyone in the central Missouri area that would like to chat?

[daddyt]

Hi Joyce. If check with this site's admin., I'm sure that he could direct you the right resources in your area. There is also information on YouTube posted by Alzheimer's support groups that could provide additional information. You are not alone on this journey... there is help and support out there.

[ChristianElliott Partner]

Hi Joyce, welcome to the community. In addition to this source of online support, you may want to explore caregiver meeting groups in Missouri. Here's a place to start: alz.org/greatermissouri/in_...

All the best to you.

[jaykay777]

Joyce -- Until you find someone in your area, you may want to start by posting more here. Also, look for state and local resources for information about Alzheimer's. How old are you and your husband? Do you have any children living at home or adult children? Do you work?

[jasmith49 in reply to jaykay777]

Hi, thanks for your comment. I am 67 and my husband is 72. We are moving in a few weeks closer to our two sons so they can be more involved in our lives. My husband, Bill, is retired from a lifetime of construction work, and I am disabled and in a power chair. Bill has been my caregiver for many years and now this new development in our lives has thrown us for a loop. We hope to have in-home services established as soon as we get moved and that will help. From what I understand they will help us both to learn how to deal with all these changes. At this point he is in full denial, thinks he is fine and that I, and our sons, are making it all up. He is very angry at having be watched and monitored all the time. We are trying to allow him as much freedom and independence as possible. We don't want to take his dignity away either. I welcome any advice you could give me. Thanks and God bless.

[jaykay777]

daddy t -- Thanks for mentioning Utube info. I will check it out.

[MiYang]

Hi Joyce, I am so sorry for the bad news that both of you have received. Life can still be lived one day at a time and if you focus, then you can live with the good that life has to offer. I learnt quickly that these days are the best days we will have, so don't let them go, enjoy them. Don't sweat the small stuff but be accepting of what you can continue to share and enjoy. Abilities can be with us one day and gone the next. Don't question the loss, just fill the gap and continue to find all the happiness you can. Alzheimer's is a journey and whilst abilities change regularly it doesn't all happen at once. Know what is in the future, but then leave it there and only deal with what you have today. Accept all the help that is offered, but manage it to suit both of you. Don't forget, you both need individual counselling for as long as the journey lasts...and then some.

Kindest Regards and Warm Wishes

Diane