Connect
← Return to Introductions: Are you caring for someone with dementia?
Discussion
Introductions: Are you caring for someone with dementia?
Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: Aug 16 2:33pm | Replies (762)Comment receiving replies
Hello new here. I’m caring for my father stage 3 Dementia. My father is 90 I retired early 59 my husband is 69 we have no children but we live in a tri- level house. This is a big concern, I worry at night he might fall down the 7 steps. He has sun downing so he is up about 2 to3 times at night. He is also diabetic. I have been taking care of my dad for only 3 month going on 4 and aleady seems a life time. He also has conjested heart failure so he is on a limited liquid,low sodium and low sugar diet. Also has a diabetic ulcer on his big toe. He is now doing hyperbaric oxygen just had his 3rd treatment but it takes a 3+ hour chunk out of your day. Plus a little longer getting him dressed.
I make his meals from scratch/ very simple but I have lowered his sugar count and I no longer have to give him his shots. Which is great. I do have other siblings but they all work full time.
Yes I would love to talk to anyone else out there too.
Replies to "Hello new here. I’m caring for my father stage 3 Dementia. My father is 90 I..."
@tonialice Good to see your post. Sorry to hear your story. What a great job you are doing. My husband has Primary Progressive Aphasia and Mild/moderate cognitive impairment which is getting worse. This is a super place to vent and share and get some inspiration through this long stressful journey. Make sure you are able to take care of yourself. God Bless. Dianajane
Connect
Hello @tonialice While I am sorry to read of your father's journey with dementia, I am glad to e-meet you here and that you found Mayo Connect! Welcome to a wonderful community of caregivers! I am Scott and I was one of the caregivers for my mother-in-law while she had dementia as well as my wife, who had many dementia-like symptoms during her war with brain cancer.
I found Mayo Connect when I was years into caregiving for my wife and was having great challenges due to the isolation of intensive caregiving. It is an incredibly tough job and I wish you all the best in it!
it sounds like you are doing a terrific job for your father and his multiple needs! That is amazing what you have been able to accomplish with his diet and diabetes! Congratulations! I hope the sore on his toe heals. I had a really tough time with pressure sores on my wife's knees over the years.
In my mother-in-law's case we installed a dog gate across the couple of stairs that were a problem in her home. In our home for my wife I installed a more permanent babygate since it was at the top of a full flight of stairs. Then I put a small jingle bell on a thread on the gates so when they were touched I could hear a warning of sorts. It did help, plus with my MIL we were able to help her understand (at first when things weren't too advanced) that ringing the bell was something to avoid.and made it as a game. Not for everyone, but in her case it did help and just a suggestion.
I am not familiar with hyperbaric oxygen treatment. What does that involve?
Sending strengh, courage, and peace!