Support Group for Those of Us Living With Mild Dementia

I’m currently looking for an assisted-living/memory care facility vs. in home care. I am just preparing for the future. I don’t have family close by who can take care of me. The facilities I have toured so far (3), are different based on if they participate in Medicaid or not.
Any which way one goes, it’s VERY expensive. Medicaid will cover the costs when you have almost depleted all assets, and the patients’ quality of care are reduced.

I have approx. 1-2 years (I hope) before I will need full time care. The rooms in the facilities are very small so almost all of my stuff will have to go.

Needless to say, I’m not looking forward to any of this!

Your artwork is wonderful. Especially like the "animals". Am 83 and helping my MCI dh and special needs dtr. In many ways, they are alike.

I have noticed I’m having more trouble with my memory than most people my age (71). And some friends in their 80’s. My mom died from Alzheimer’s and her dad as well. I notice I am having some behaviours as my mom in her early stages. And my ability to find words when I’m talking is getting worse. I had a CT scan a few years back and they told me there were areas that were more common in people in their 90’s. They said I should follow up in a year. That was when I was 68. My G P says I don’t need a scan and besides, it would take over a year to get one. I’m not sure what to do. I’m really scared.

Also, I live in Winnipeg, so it’s very hard to get another Dr. or even pay to get a test that’s needed.

Well that Answers my question about why the wait. I’d tell him put me on the list.

And hey - see if your primary will order neuropsych testing. At the end of the day, the tests we really care about are the ones telling us how the brain is working. I came out of that test session with a diagnosis of mild to moderate neurocognitive disorder. I will retest every 15-18 mos. I will use those results to inform decisions such as when to give my son my car keys etc. i don't want to be passive and leave the hard decisions to him. Based on my family history and my research, I predict I am 3-4 yrs from that decision. But theres no predicting exact timing.

Good luck!

Dear Participant
I am sorry to hear of your struggles. I have been encouraged by the content provided on the podcast Defy Dementia and Driving with Dementia at drivingwithdementia.ca . Both of these resources are prepared by reputable organizations. Finally if you are interested in some rigorous diet recommendations check out Dale Bredesen's book called The End of Alzheimer's : the First Program to Prevent and Reverse Cognitive Decline. It is not new
but it is comprehensive.

I would like to add you write beautifully, without any indication of the issues you are experiencing. Use that skill to journal the positive steps you are taking. Your brain will focus on what you consciously focus it on. Relax, Do what you can. Yesterday is over. Tomorrow has not happened yet. Don't let yesterday and tomorrow ruin today! Blessings, Nancy McF Occupational Therapist.

check side effects of prescribed medicines.

ONLY MED IS INSULIN TWICE A DAY ONCE IN THE am and once
in the pm..I am now 80 and it is the same....no worse no better...M..

Just got your message from LAST YEAR...same old this year...THANKS M.O. Hoboken.....................