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Medications seem to have helped a bit. Can't be sure, for now. I'm also giving her prevagen. She has difficulty walking, and I try to be available to assist her. She'll be 81 in October, 2020 and I'm 81. My house is a small house with no room for a walker. I do have a walker I can use when I need to take her for an appointment, but she has difficulty trying to use it herself and it is too wide for our hall from the bedroom & bathroom/toilets to the living area. For now, the main problems are when she thinks her father has moved next door, or her sister who lives in New Jersey lives next door. I've read how to respond, but it's difficult for me to fib to her, though I've started just saying "I don't know....." or change the subject, which seems to help. I have a 2 acre farm and besides taking care of her, making meals, doing the laundry & other household chores, I have to take care of my livestock and poultry, buy groceries and hay and feed for the farm. Yes, this is more than a question, but I don't know if my insurance will cover assistance and we're on Social Security. Is mobility difficulty part of dementia & alzheimer's diseases?

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Yes, physical symptoms also arise and become much more pronounced as the disease progresses - if you stop and realize that dementias are all diseases that involve deterioration of the brain you can see why memory problems etc are only part of the problem.
From the description of your house I think that you are going to have to make some major life changing alterations in the very near future because it does not sound like a home suitable for anyone who is disabled, your first steps should be to speak to your area agency on aging to see what resourced are available and also to speak with a lawyer and financial planner who is well versed in elder law and medicaid planning. Your local Alzheimer's society may also have some good information to help you learn about and plan for what lies ahead.
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Your hall not being wide enough for a walker is a problem because that means its not wide enough for a wheelchair. Would it be possible to put a railing on one side so she has something to hang on to?

I would call you area Office of Aging and ask if they can evaluate your home. They may be able to help with resources. Medicaid in ur state may have "in home" help. O of A should be able to help you hear.

It will get harder too help your wife. Caregiving takes its tole on people. We are just not made to care for someone 24/7.
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I appreciate all the replies. I'm doing the best that I can to take care of my dear wife. Yesterday, July 3, 2020, was the 9th anniversary of my late wife's death from lung cancer. Life hasn't been a bed of roses in the last 10 years, as our only child, our son, died at age 47 in February, 2010. I'm trying to contact Medicare and I've called a few companies that provide help, but they often return my calls when I'm busy on my small farm. I'm taking things one day at a time, "playing it by ear", and perhaps this new medication is helping. I don't pray anymore. I prayed every day when my son was in an induced coma in the hospital and every day after my late wife was diagnosed with lung cancer. Things are made worse with this Coronavirus pandemic. If anyone knows of a "dementia anonymous" group, let me know. Again, thank all of you, keep safe and take care of one another.
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You have a very large load of responsibility on your plate and you need help...some how, some way. You need to be very honest with her doctor and find some help. Most doctors now,especially those with geriatric experience, have resources for their geriatric patients who need help. Medicare does cover some in-home help, but the only way you’ll find out what they will pay for for you is to call your local. Medicare office and ask. Most states have programs to help Seniors stay in their homes. Help is out there but you need to do research to find them.
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Mobility is a difficulty with SOME dementias more than others. Lewy's is notorious for it. And other than that, balance just becomes a problem with age. And for some a large problem. My brother's balance was very bad. Mine is not good, and at 78 I must walk daily, do balance exercises daily to keep in balance. I always laugh with my partner when I observe that now on a city bus I literally fly about like a leaf. It sure isn't my weight as I now weight 145, which is a good 30 pounds more than I weighed when I could stand my balance centered on the earth. A cane may help her, and she may like those "walking sticks" they use all over Europe.
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Dear marjohn1939,
I congratulate you for learning how to respond to her delusions of her dad and sister living next door. Although "fibbing" to her doesn't seem right, it's one of the responses we learn when living with our loved ones with dementia. Changing the subject and saying " I don't know" are also perfectly acceptable responses on your part. Because she honestly believes in what she thinks, your job is to go along with her to avoid any arguments. For us older folks, it's hard to find the energy to care for our loved one. I think you're doing what you need to do and I commend you. Being a caregiver is all on the job training, there's no user manaul.

As for the Prevagen, stop using it. The company is currently in a class action suit for false advertising. There is no scientific proof that the product improves memory or mental sharpness. This company is taking advantage of the dementia epidemic the US finds itself in.

Notify your Area Agency on Aging or your state Dept of Aging in NV. Both are a great resource for caregivers.

Good luck.
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I feel for you. Your post brought tears to my eyes. Dementia is a horrible disease. I’m having a hard time watching my 81 year old father with dementia decline. He refuses my help because he doesn’t know anything is wrong. One day at a time is all we can do. Hope you get some help soon.
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