Resource for Caregivers

Posted by elisabv2u @elisabv2u, Jun 4 3:33pm

Hi,

Sharing the new resource website for Emma Hemming Willis, wife and caregiver for husband/actor Bruce Willis. She has compiled information she has learned in their journey since his Dx for Frontotemporal Dementia. It is not specific to only FTD and is geared towards supporting caregivers. We have been on this journey since 2018, with the first of now 7 strokes that is now progressing Vascular Dementia. Take care and pace yourselves! ❤️‍🩹. https://emmahemingwillis.com/resources-for-care-partners/

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Caregivers: Dementia Support Group.

elisabv2u | @elisabv2u | Jun 9 8:41am

The Dementia Aid website explains the different types of dementia, symptoms, stages, and care. https://www.dementiaaide.com/pages/vascular-dementia?srsltid=AfmBOooemkXkTahBTAZkI6vQxD42I7zOiJkd_M8POVdzaKXqkvPusBHK

ranch | @ranch | Jun 10 11:25am

A hard place to start. Where or when do you reach the Conclusion that you can no longer take the mental stress of carding for your spouse . Are there clues that one may look for. I am 86 and don’t know how long I can up the pace. Any thoughts appreciated.

Teri | @tsc | Jun 10 3:09pm

In reply to @ranch "A hard place to start. Where or when do you reach the Conclusion that you can..." + (show)

Hi @ranch, caregiving takes a toll.
I've reached the conclusion that when it is no longer relatively easy to take care of my spouse (Alzheimer's) it will be time for him to go into a care home.
If he were to get violent, abusive or wander, or engage in strange and disruptive behaviors, I would place him in a care home.
He outweighs me by 50 lbs, and I need a shoulder replacement, which I can't get as long as I'm taking care of him. If therte were many physical demands placed on me for his care I wouldn't be able to do it.
At this point, he can dress himself, he's continent, and he can do small tasks around the house. He spends a lot of time in bed and usually sleeps through the night. He will shower, reluctantly, with me and go for walks.
I basically tell him what to do. We can still have conversations.
He always wants to eat right on time. If I were on my own, I would cook less. I also have to be the food police (no fun) as he was prediabetic for a while. I lock the fridge at night as he would be snacking every two hours.
My physical health is worse than his, but I am managing okay.
My husband only tolerates company for so long. In his mind, outsiders are invaders.
Can you get help in your home and take a break?
Can you speak to a geratrician or social worker for help? Is there an Alzheimer's Association or Office of Aging in your area where you can get support and some professional insight?
The reality is this disease gets worse over time.
I will do all I can to take care of my husband, but when I'm not physically or mentally able, I will stop and hand that task over to people more qualified and able to do it.
Meanwhile, my mantra is if I go down, he goes down.
I wish you the best!