I AM NOT A LOVED ONE, and I'm not alone
I'd really like to see a change in the terminology. At 74 with a new diagnosis and dementia, without any family or friends left and still driving, I find it difficult to get information on how to manage on my own, make plans. But the hardest immediate barrier is that all the materials seem to be for caregivers and address patients as the loved one. I am not anyone's loved one and initially it's hurts to have to explain that to people, especially medical professionals.
I'd be interested in how others have addressed this. I don't have the energy to be educating people. I'm angry, sad, grieving at this devastating diagnosis. But these are not symptoms of dementia, these are human reactions to a horrible diagnosis.
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Have you contacted the DMV? The DMV should be the determiner of your ability to drive.
A local Rehab Hospital May provide driving assessment for seniors. I know around Philadelphia it's available, and perhaps Mayo provides it as well. This with neuropsychological testing and a statement from your neurologist should back you up. If your personal appeal doesn't work then yes I would go to an elder care attorney. It's ridiculous. I have learned that the indicators for not driving: getting lost driving, accidents, near misses. I'm waiting until any of these show up to stop. Until then, it's my independence at stake, and I agree, if you aren't there you absolutely should not be forced.
Thank you for sharing again. Almost two years ago, I got lost in Florida, trying to escape a hurricane. We were to evacuate. Other than that, I have never been lost. The administrator was not supposed to count that one because it was so long ago.
Additionally, my new car comes equipped with a GPS. This "friend" (TC), who is the reporter of my impairment, is also a friend of the Administrator (Judge). That is why it is a good idea to go to Mayo for an evaluation, as I believe Mayo offers something that Flint does not. I hate not being in control.
Blessing to all of us!
Thanks again for pointing out I have had no indicators that I should not drive.
@gkw1941 Frustrating. I know. I was diagnosed with MCI 3 years ago. My new neurologist (I fired the old one) thinks I have a different type of dementia called Frontotemporal Dementia. “Thinks” is the “word” I have to remember.
Turns out almost all neurologist cannot make a definitive diagnosis for all the different forms of dementia that exist.
My new attitude about this is, who cares. A diagnosis is meaningless. Not one form of dementia is curable, and they are all fatal. So does it really matter?
Laughter is the best medicine of course. I do not remember passwords so I have a small book to write them down. Sometimes, I can’t find the book!
@babsjg1194 yes, me too. I live alone, and I have people who volunteer to drive me to my appointments, I get my food delivered, and the credit union handles my bills.
I’m anticipating moving into assisted-living in a year or so. It is so very expensive, but I don’t have family who can take care of me.
I will have to sell every single thing I own to afford it. Medicaid bleeds you dry and puts you into a facility that is subpar.
I have to figure out how to do all of this…
@jlam1950 you need an ombudsman or a person who would become your conservator when you’re unable to do so for yourself. Since you’re still dealing with the shock I suggest you find a Geriatric Assessment Center near you. They can help steer you with therapy as your illness progresses. And it sounds like you need to see a therapist now to help you with these feelings. There are 5 stages of grieving and anger is one of those stages. Since you’re alone you should if possible arrange for your continued care in a memory care unit when you can no longer function independently. I’m sorry for your difficult diagnosis.
Sugiero busques otras consultas.A mi suegro le diagnosticaron y medicaron por Alzheimer y tenía gliosis maligna.Lo supe tarde
Murió sin calmantes;asegúrate que tu diagnóstico sea confirmado por al menos dos profesionales
Fuerza!!!
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My post was about changing terminology.
Thank you for the reminder-- "Once I was young by now I'm old, but I've never seen the righteous forsaken ,,," '"Lo, I'm with you always..."
Yes, we can and must hold on to the Lord's promises. More than once, alone, sad, fearful of the future due to my diagnosis, my phone rings and my Pastor is on the phone: "Hi, I'm in your neighborhood, and will stop in to bring you Holy Communion if you like," or a friend who is out of town calls between flights just say hi!