What stage are we at?

@mariebrown4338 I have the same hard decision to make with a twist. That is, we live in a CCRC and the whole reason that we moved here is that memory care would be readily available when it became evident that my husband should move from our independent living apartment. I think he is between stage 4 and 5 right now, and I am feeling overloaded, taking care of everything regarding our household and him to a certain extent. He has not yet developed any issues where I have to care for him physically although hygeine has declined. His memory and executive function abilities are really shot. Any ideas as to what would be the deciding factor to move him to memory care, which is actually in the same complex as our apartment and where I could easily visit.

@ret2tus
I am wondering the same thing. My husband is stage 5 and I have a place in mind for him that we toured and he said he liked. I have not yet completed the intent application because so far I am managing fairly well alone (not always well).
I guess I will know when it truly is always overwhelming (right now it is occasionally overwhelming).
Hugs 💮

@judimahoney
Yes PC is tuned in. About the only thing left is Rexulti which carries too many risks for her age and disease stage. Already taking the 3 major drugs for Alzheimer’s plus an SSRI.

Greetings,
I use the 7-stage model for dementia, but keep in mind it is sometimes easier to gauge stages in hindsight rather than while you are in the arena. Sounds a bit like Stage 4 or even 5, which for me as a caregiver was the most difficult transition. Perhaps because at this time our loved one has progressed beyond the simpler "I forgot your birthday" stages.

For reference, here is a very simplified explanation of the 7-Stage Model for Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Stage 1: All is well. No dementia.
Stage 2: You notice something is “off” with your loved one, but no one else does. Very mild cognitive decline. You may notice, but doctors, loved ones, and friends do not.
Stage 3: You know something is wrong, and others sense something is “off.” Mild cognitive decline. Loved ones begin to notice, decreased performance at work.
Stage 4: Everyone notices. You enter panic mode and begin seeking help from doctors. This is your transition from spouse to caregiver. Early-stage dementia, moderate cognitive decline. Difficulty socializing, concentrating, forgets recent events, trouble with finances. Day/date/time difficulties. Caregiver(s) becoming more involved in managing tasks for the patient.
Stage 5: Your loved one can no longer manage alone. Mid-stage dementia. Needs assistance with all activities of daily living. No short-term memory. Confusion and forgetfulness. Urinary incontinence may begin. Caregivers seek hands-on help. This is when caregivers seem to discover this forum, many of them already desperate and exhausted.
Stage 6: Speech makes no sense, personality and memories are completely gone. Mid-to-late-stage dementia. Does not know anyone’s name. Communication difficulties, both in speaking and understanding the spoken word, inappropriate behavior, may be agitated, wandering, no longer recalls personal history, address, or phone number. Double incontinent. Must be supervised and managed 24/7. Caregiver(s) require help now.
Stage 7: Can no longer walk unassisted, nor eat or drink without assistance. May be bedridden. Late-stage dementia: Difficulty eating and swallowing, angry outbursts, loss of speech. Must be supervised and managed 24/7. This is the final stage before death.

I hope you find this helpful, and I am sorry you are on this awful journey with us.
Love Bill2001

@lost55 What are the three major drugs for Alzheimer's, what SSRI is being taken already?

@1learningalot23
Aricept, Namenda, Mirtazipine
SSRI - Duloxetine

@bill2001
Hello!
Thank you for the description of the stages of cognitive decline. I would just like to point out that much like the stages of grief, the symptoms can move back and forth sort of like on a sliding scale I guess between stages. Sometimes I think my husband is at stage 3 but then he will exhibit symptoms of stage four also. It gets kind of confusing doesn't it? I think we are all kind of desperate to pinpoint what exactly is going on with our loved one, but sometimes there's a bit of a gray area too. Sometimes I just don't know what to do because I think maybe he's getting worse and then I think well we had a good day so maybe he's not. Feedback is always welcome! Thank you thank you

Greetings,
I use the 7-stage model for dementia, but keep in mind it is sometimes easier to gauge stages in hindsight rather than while you are in the arena. Sounds a bit like Stage 4 or even 5, which for me as a caregiver was the most difficult transition. Perhaps because at this time our loved one has progressed beyond the simpler "I forgot your birthday" stages.

For reference, here is a very simplified explanation of the 7-Stage Model for Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Stage 1: All is well. No dementia.
Stage 2: You notice something is “off” with your loved one, but no one else does. Very mild cognitive decline. You may notice, but doctors, loved ones, and friends do not.
Stage 3: You know something is wrong, and others sense something is “off.” Mild cognitive decline. Loved ones begin to notice, decreased performance at work.
Stage 4: Everyone notices. You enter panic mode and begin seeking help from doctors. This is your transition from spouse to caregiver. Early-stage dementia, moderate cognitive decline. Difficulty socializing, concentrating, forgets recent events, trouble with finances. Day/date/time difficulties. Caregiver(s) becoming more involved in managing tasks for the patient.
Stage 5: Your loved one can no longer manage alone. Mid-stage dementia. Needs assistance with all activities of daily living. No short-term memory. Confusion and forgetfulness. Urinary incontinence may begin. Caregivers seek hands-on help. This is when caregivers seem to discover this forum, many of them already desperate and exhausted.
Stage 6: Speech makes no sense, personality and memories are completely gone. Mid-to-late-stage dementia. Does not know anyone’s name. Communication difficulties, both in speaking and understanding the spoken word, inappropriate behavior, may be agitated, wandering, no longer recalls personal history, address, or phone number. Double incontinent. Must be supervised and managed 24/7. Caregiver(s) require help now.
Stage 7: Can no longer walk unassisted, nor eat or drink without assistance. May be bedridden. Late-stage dementia: Difficulty eating and swallowing, angry outbursts, loss of speech. Must be supervised and managed 24/7. This is the final stage before death.

I hope you find this helpful, and I am sorry you are on this awful journey with us.
Love Bill2001

@mariebrown4338 I have the same hard decision to make with a twist. That is, we live in a CCRC and the whole reason that we moved here is that memory care would be readily available when it became evident that my husband should move from our independent living apartment. I think he is between stage 4 and 5 right now, and I am feeling overloaded, taking care of everything regarding our household and him to a certain extent. He has not yet developed any issues where I have to care for him physically although hygeine has declined. His memory and executive function abilities are really shot. Any ideas as to what would be the deciding factor to move him to memory care, which is actually in the same complex as our apartment and where I could easily visit.