Alzheimers: When should someone not be left alone?

When we had one for my mom she fought it for a long time. She may have to do something like that if she continues to go to see her dad. To me I don't know. My husband would be more important. And I would secure someone for my dad. Go out there not as often and have him go with.

Hi @suerc One of the hard parts of any chronic disease is the unknown. I know in my wife's case as she journeyed through her war there was no map, no hard and fast rules (other than when she failed her driver's test), my caregiving, and much more.

Again, in my wife's case they told us she might be lucky to live with her condition for 7 years and fought for more than double that. Same when she entered home hospice they said possibly six weeks and she was in that for over 14 months. We just never know in many such situations.

It is only my opinion, but on the animal care I'd say the moment you believe it is any kind of burden or difficulty for him, I'd quit.

I also guess, again just my opinion, that his wife will have to make the judgement call of when she should get him more care that what she can, or is, giving.

Nice to know you, as a neighbor, have a watchful eye out for his wellbeing.

What kind of pets do you have? I'm a dog guy myself 🙂

Thank you for your response it helps alot. We have a border collie / pit she is the sweetest thing. And then my son needed someone to take there choc lab for awhile while they move however we have had her awhile and it looks like it's easier for us to keep her as they have a 3 yr old that is not very nice to her and a 1 yr old. I think the 3 yr old has been very jealous for a yr that she does not get all the attention any more. But gabby is happier here. We also have a cat Teddy. Busy house

You are right, @suerc A busy house! I have one dog and that seems like a lot at times! Being larger dogs that could weigh on your neighbor too I might think. You never know I guess!

How do the dogs and the cat get along? Hopefully nicely! 🙂

Strength, courage, and peace!

@IndianaScott @suerc It seems that medical conditions have such a wide variance. My mother passed in 1996 from a combination of Alzheimer's and Dementia. She went 10 years with increasing symptoms, but as we look back we saw some signs of it prior to that, we didn't know what we were observing. My father kept her at home the entire time and it was not easy for him. He went for a walk each morning before she woke up. He did not have any respite care, not sure if that was his decision. I do know that her symptoms varied quite a bit. She was typical of many patients in that she interacted very well with animals, but would not with people. When the visiting nurse would come that gal always brought her German Shepherd dog and my mother would interact with the dog but not with the nurse! May you find strength knowing we are here to listen, offer support and a sounding board.
Ginger

Hi @suerc - I think the issue of when its safe to leave a dementia patient alone is one of the most difficult ones that caregivers face. Everyone is different. And even in the same person, capabilities can vary from day to day. My guess is that if you are seeing issues, the wife has already seen them and is trying to deal with them. My heart goes out to anyone who is trying to care for both her husband with Alzheimers and her elderly dad. If you are close to her and you are starting to worry about what you are seeing, I would suggest talking to her and letting her know you want to help. Having that conversation might also give you some insight into how mild or advanced his condition is. My husband has dementia. I am so fortunate to have lovely, caring neighbors. They take extra time to chat with him when he's out working in the yard and to check on him if anything looks out of the ordinary. If I'm away, they will look in on him from time to time. Right now, that's all we need and it gives me peace of mind without having to hire someone to stay with him - which he would resent and probably refuse right now. Have you had any one-on-one interaction with the wife? If you decide to, I would suggest inviting her over for coffee/tea so she is able to talk freely without concern of the husband being right around the corner.

@debbraw Very valid points you brought up. Boy, this gal is probably so torn and weary, perhaps she is hoping what she may be seeing in either her husband or dad are not as severe as they may be. @suerc If there are any family members [siblings/grandchildren/niece/nephew] hopefully she will approach them for their help. Most towns have a respite care system; in a town I lived in there was an order of nuns who were nurses, and did respite care regardless of faith. Also there are caregivers' groups. I wager she will welcome that coffee and a chance to talk.
Ginger

Aww, I have a Staffy mix who’s name is Gabby. She’s a rescue as all my others have been. She is the one one the right. I was reading through this because my father suffered this ghastly disease. His mother and two brothers were also diagnosed before death. I tested positive for the APEO 4 gene. Scary, although I know it’s not a promise that I’ll suffer also. The most frightening thing is that I’m so aware of the early signs now since we were able to have hindsight on Daddy’s, I am recognizing signs in myself. I have a girlfriend who talks with me and acknowledges that she has seen them too. I can’t get my family to agree and take it seriously.

I made a reply under @seurc about the dog and explained about my father and family and this disease. I’d just like to know when you can get your family to open their eyes. That ignoring the facts won’t make then go away.

Hello @debrat1 Love your pups! I have a rescue Lab and our daughter will be getting a rescue this Friday! I got Napa when a family got a pup as a 'gift' and then tired of her.

I wish you the best and agree that the future is never known to any of us.

On the topic of family recognizing, acknowledging, etc. our health journeys I am reminded of the fact we can not change those things that are out of our control. Throughout my wife's 14+ year journey there were those who consistently thought she was not 'really' ill or that I was just an alarmist when they'd ask 'how is she doing?' and I would answer honestly.

Glad you have your pups! I love their love!

Strength, courage, and peace