Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's

@FightAZ Hello FightAZ, thank you for starting this discussion. I'm sorry to hear about your mum. Getting a new diagnosis is hard, but when it affects someone you love it almost can feel worse, can't it? Let me tag some members in our Alzheimer's community who can share some advice with you.

Hello all, how are you doing today? Do you remember the moment when you found out your loved one had Alzheimer's? How did you handle it? And how do you cope today as a loved one or carer? Do you have any advice or words of comfort for FightAZ? Feel free to share here, we're all here to help on another!

@Cheesecake‍ @GRZMOT53‍ @Pjacobi‍ @ellenself28‍ @Marie1957‍ @GLENNIQ180‍ @WendysWords‍ @annans‍ @Heleno‍ @Piastro‍ @Spluke‍ @chilady‍ @Lauren22‍ @Rosiecat‍ @twinklingtwins‍ @Galwayboy56‍ @Glaramara‍ 

Take care,
Courtney

@FightAZ Hi, I understand how you must be feeling as I was in your shoes a few years ago. My mum was diagnosed just over two years ago and according to her doctors she's progressed into the middle stage of the disease. It can all be very overwhelming. Is your mum accepting of her diagnosis? Mine was in complete denial and I think still is today except for a few brief moments when I think she realises something is off.

I'd first talk with her first and see what she wants to do or is open to doing. Now is the time to talk with her and make plans for the future in terms of care, legal and financial things, etc whilst she is still in a place to make these plans and decisions. Now she may be able to stay pretty much independent, but depending on how quickly her Alzheimer's progresses you may need to plan ahead so that she can take part in her future care and have a say in it. 

I hope this helps you a bit, stay strong, you can do this!

Hi @FightAZ,

I just wanted to check in with you. How are you and your mum doing these days? It’s been a little while since you shared your story, and I imagine a lot has happened since then.

For anyone else caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, how did you navigate those early days after the diagnosis? What were your first steps in preparing to support your loved one?

@Heleno @Flower1742 @Spluke @alijay @Rachel Anne @Grainnek @Marie1957 @L1ndyl0u @Collins @vinnie @granjan @sherryleez @Budney @Helencummins69 @ellenself28 @Sharon63 @chilady @Juiceyjane @Galwayboy56 @masonone @Julie5457 @pamelasmith @Christine Corbally @Madeaa @almcuk @angela7777 @nigelb @angelanaughton54 @Heather. @Gail70xx @julz123123 @Rosiecat @ivyhughes @GLENNIQ180 @Denjo74 @Princedave @christina67 @Marydoc @Leoliz8 @muvvar @docholliday @kevinb @Saffron13 @WendysWords @ElmGreen @Piastro @mccririe @TinaCL @petertaylor1 @scaphoid01 

I think this situation is one many of us can relate to, so any advice or personal experience could really help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that this space is always here for you. You don’t have to carry this burden alone 💜.

Looking forward to hearing from everyone.

Take care,

Somya from the Carenity team 🌼