My wife forgetting: Diagnosed with MCI

My husband has MCI diagnosed this year, and severe COPD. He is now mostly confined to his favorite recliner, is fairly rational but needs a lot of help with meals and prompting to take his many medications. Any suggestions on how to manage his caregiving would be appreciated. I’m now doing all tasks around the house that he used to help with.

Hi @cloudycarol, My husband has moderate Alzheimer's Disease, and I have a couple of serious medical conditions myself. I can't do everything I used to do around the house and yard, physically. He still helps with some chores - he makes the bed, does most of the dishes, but has withdrawn from finance and house maintenance chores. He no longer drives. Like @indiana Scott, I have learned to let things go. Our house is not as clean and tidy as it used to be, and I have to prioritize. Meal preparation or cleaning the bathrooms can't slide, but vacuuming and dusting can. I gave my husband a notebook and he keeps his own records of the meds and supplements he takes every day - so that helps his independence, He rests a lot during the day, which gives me some breathing time. I've also been getting rid of items I no longer want or need. It's a long, slow process, but doing a little at a time, eventually, things get done and I get things out of the house. Are you able to get anyone in to help with chores? Do you have a local Office of Aging, Alzheimer's Association (or comparable agency) that can give you some assistance? It's important to take time for yourself every day for exercise, relaxation and decompressing. Best to you.

Thanks for your thoughts. I think I’ve got the practical aspects of caring for the house pretty much under control, and you are right, it’s good to let some things slide. I do a lot of gardening which isn’t very useful but it is my therapy. Having trouble with the emotional part, and doing too much thinking about what I’m going to do when he is gone. I’m about to call Hospice and inquire about their services. That’s the decision I made today. I just don’t know how to tell him that he will be on Hospice.

Thanks for your thoughts. I think I’ve got the practical aspects of caring for the house pretty much under control, and you are right, it’s good to let some things slide. I do a lot of gardening which isn’t very useful but it is my therapy. Having trouble with the emotional part, and doing too much thinking about what I’m going to do when he is gone. I’m about to call Hospice and inquire about their services. That’s the decision I made today. I just don’t know how to tell him that he will be on Hospice.

Thanks for your thoughts. I think I’ve got the practical aspects of caring for the house pretty much under control, and you are right, it’s good to let some things slide. I do a lot of gardening which isn’t very useful but it is my therapy. Having trouble with the emotional part, and doing too much thinking about what I’m going to do when he is gone. I’m about to call Hospice and inquire about their services. That’s the decision I made today. I just don’t know how to tell him that he will be on Hospice.