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Axellej Asked November 2020

How can I be sure of what stage of dementia my Dad is in?

His memory is getting worse.
He repeats things constantly, not so much questions but stories.
He is losing things like house keys and money belt frequently in.his home.
He doesn't eat much because of having a lot of stomach operations over the years and he doesn't really like hospitals.
Cognitive impairment where he doesn't trust and is suspicious of family members.
Makes up stories/ lies.

Dianalco Nov 2020
What is H477?
Beatty Nov 2020
My written allowable version of Aitch.Ee.Ell.Ell - the devil's place of residence.
AlvaDeer Nov 2020
Only a good exam by his doctor, who will likely refer you to neuro-psyc for full exam and testing, can really answer this question for you.

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Beatty Nov 2020
"age-related decline, alzheimer's / dementia" listed on profile. When I see this, I am never sure if this is assumed based on symptoms, a general practice Doctor has diagnosed it or specialist after a full assessment.

Full neuro-psych exam will show up what areas Dad is having trouble with. That will be the best way forward IMO. To plan what specific help he will need.

Dementia is progressive but I would want to know what type (if possible) to plan best for the future. Some have rapid decline over 2-4 yrs but Alzheimer's can be 4-8 years - even up to 20.

Providing care for Dad could be the most rewarding thing in your life or... not. It will be tremendously challenging.

My other advice is keep reassessing your plan. Keep talking to your DH. Is the plan still working for ALL of you?

sjplegacy Nov 2020
You can Google FAST scale. It is pretty descriptive. However, people don't go thru all stages and may vacillate between stages.

AnnReid Nov 2020
Honest answer-“stages” of dementia are great servants but poor masters.

Your father has some situations that may or may not contributing to his mental status.

Hearing loss, vision loss, depression, his stomach problems, all may be impacting on his overall functioning.

If you have access to a geriatric specialist, have him evaluated. Unless you (or your father) have been specifically told by someone with training in geriatric assessment, don’t assume that his forgetfulness and repetition are stages of dementia.

If you are determined to bring your father into your home, do you have his POA? Has a POA been granted to anyone? IF THIS HASN’T BEEN DONE, BE SURE THIS IS DONE ASAP.

Also, please keep doing your research into care and support for elderly Loved Ones. Read up on all you can about his issues INCLUDING at least a check on websites of local residential care centers for the elderly, so that you have at least some sense of alternative ways of meeting his needs as they increase.

Be sure that you and your husband have provided for relief time for EACH of you and both of you together, before your father arrives. Try to be as realistic as possible if (when) his care needs exceed your ability to provide his 24/7 care. Base your decision making on facts. You are obviously deeply devoted to him, but keep in mind your welfare and that of your husband too.
Beatty Nov 2020
Absolutely agree Ann.

MUST have enduring POA & HPOA before moving in.

Taking on the care without the authority is a rookie mistake. It is the road to h477.
gladimhere Nov 2020
Dad is not going to perfectly fit into a stage. Those are only guidelines and he will most likely have symptoms across several of the stages.

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