Follow
Share
FTD can be horrendous, especially if it's the behavioral variant. There are medications that can calm the impulsive behavior. I suggest making an appointment with a neurologist now instead of waiting for a referral following her appointment next month. You may need to wait for over a month, anyhow.

You have my sympathy.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to MG8522
Report

Thank you for the varying types of responses;

Although I've had a good talk with my cousin who is a nurse -- who told me what to expect & how to now take control,

Posting an initial query here made it "real";

Based on the comments feedback, I reached out to the county re: resources.. they first need the diagnosis.

Mom's young (20-something) physician's office gave unforeseen "pushback" when I called last June to report developments which indicate most likely FTD (and maybe a "mix" of dementia types), so I'm writing a letter and emailing it to the dr. with all observable info and updates.. so that she has the info a week in advance of Mom's December appt. (that she's allowing me to attend), and so that the dr. finally addresses my defiant Mom having a cognitive/dementia test + a referral to a neurologist.

Mom took the OSU home test this past summer (I said there might be a new law that seniors might need to take a test before they re-up their car registration -- "do you want to see what the test looks like?") and she failed one section. I asked her to share this with her physician; she declined [so: it's up to me to be assertive in this area now].

Have been watching a couple youtube channels which teach how best to "work with" parents with dementia; the approach, and my resulting shift has been Priceless 🙏 Grateful 💛

Before the December "diagnosis plan" appt., where we can begin the journey of diagnosis.. and then look into a care plan "for right now" and throughout the disease development (first starting with POAs in all areas) -- including "what" type of careperson or resource/s would be "most" heloful --> Something greater has happened this past week which will (unfortunately?) cement the letter/info/facts that I give to Mom's dr. before her December appt. --> and will cement positive testing/treating of diagnosed dementia going fwd..

(So: even though my post was a "shot in the dark," the Feedback was so helpful; So much of this is like the childhood game of "You're getting colderrrrr.. Ok, Warmer now.. Hot! You're getting hotter! Yes, you're needing to get closer to the right direction!" lol)

So: "Thankfully" (???) the situation that happened this past week (I won't get into details, but her behavior & defiance is catching the negative attn of 2 third-party organizations) is being witnessed and noted by others who can confirm a cognitive downturn & denial & defiance. One of the 3rd parties deals with legal repurcussions re: her poor judgment, poor cognitive behavior, denial, defiance.. and sheer lack of competence re: both living alone and also is leading to the discontinuance of a small business she's been running for 10 years; It's time to retire 🙏 (Before her biz is shutdown, fined, and her reputation goes South very badly.) She simply.. the DISEASE simply.. CANNOT allow her to think & do "the right thing".. and legal thing.. any longer 💛

So: thanks for straightforward respinses to my first attempt to figure out the next best steps; the replies helped, because I didn't know what I didn't know o.0 lol

I just had to start Somewhere!! lol

PS - LOVED the idea of ME being the person who needs assistance 🙏 Thank you so much!!

Thank you all for your time & thoughts.. Highly Appreciate!!!!

Have a wonderful week! 😊✨️
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to goodvibes
Report

You find some. With an 85-year-old who has mid-level dementia, expect dementia to advance quickly. A companion may not be enough, as a companion doesn't clean up bathroom messes, shower or bathe them. Eventually you will need a team that can provide 24/7 care. That usually means at least three trained caregivers who DO toilet them, bathe them, and ensure that they are safe within the environment. You may need special equipment, so look into it now.

You've taken on an enormous chore, and many people who attempt home care for a loved one soon find that they don't have the training, stamina or patience to carry it through. Always have an alternate plan.

Good luck with all of it!
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Fawnby
Report

You can start little by little, ie the companion doesn't come right away all day, every day. The aid comes and you act like you are directing her/his activities, then you leave for a while so your Mom can warm up to the aid. Chemistry and experience will be important in whoever you hire. Don't be discouraged if the first few people don't seem like a good fit -- from my personal experience, it is worth persisting in finding the right person.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Geaton777
Report

You tell your mom that the "companion" is there to help you, meaning that you make this about you and not her.
Helpful Answer (4)
Reply to funkygrandma59
Report

Sorry, not really enough information here to answer you.
We would need to know a bit more about your plans. About what plans you made before this move in. I do not now see EVER a job description for companion. People now want about 35.00 just to show up and chat with you for an hour.

Does your mother require 24/7 monitoring?
Is that going to work for your life?
Was a plan of care and documentation, shared living costs, etc. worked out before this move? Are you really ready, willing and able to give up your life entirely to your parent for so long as she may live?


By taking in a parent with dementia your world has just gone Topsy-Turvey.
If your real question here is about hiring companions you can start with calling agencies, but I think you will quickly find that this isn't really the question to "start" with.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to AlvaDeer
Report

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter