I don't have a spouse who's been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, but I do have family members who have Alzheimer's and dementia as well. People tend to live long lives with these horrible diseases, and for you, as a care giver, you need a solid PLAN of action to handle that care or you can wind up dying before he does! The statistics show that 35% of caregivers pass away before the person they're caring for.............so don't become one of those numbers!!
Go to Alz.org which is a great website for resources and information about where you can find help. They also have a 24/7 hotline you can call for information: 1-800-272-3900.
When you need a break, get your husband into respite care at a local Skilled Nursing or Assisted Living Facility in your area for a week or two while you rest. Be sure to look into long term memory care for him if you have the funds to self-pay, and if not, look into applying for Medicaid down the road to fund his care. In many cases, Alzheimer's becomes too much for a loved one to care for at home, especially alone.
You may want to consult with an Elder Care Attorney in your area to discuss your options moving forward. If you have a house to sell or assets to dispose of, etc, this type of attorney can be very helpful in advising you how to move forward and plan for the future.
Wishing you the very best of luck and sending you a big HUG! Remember to take time for YOURSELF here, too, okay? This disease doesn't just affect your husband......it affects YOU, too, maybe even more so.
He was diagnosed at 55 How did you cope? I am alone in all this! Is he still surviving? I am currently on Family leave but was trying to work full time and take care of him, almost had a nervous breakdown.
My Husband had what some called "early onset". He was in his mid 60's when he was diagnosed. But I have talked to people that know of some that have been diagnosed in their 30's. So what IS "early onset" ...? Do you have a specific question about the diagnosis or what is going to happen? I would be happy to answer what I can and I am sure others would as well if we know what info you need or want.
Go to Alz.org which is a great website for resources and information about where you can find help. They also have a 24/7 hotline you can call for information: 1-800-272-3900.
When you need a break, get your husband into respite care at a local Skilled Nursing or Assisted Living Facility in your area for a week or two while you rest. Be sure to look into long term memory care for him if you have the funds to self-pay, and if not, look into applying for Medicaid down the road to fund his care. In many cases, Alzheimer's becomes too much for a loved one to care for at home, especially alone.
You may want to consult with an Elder Care Attorney in your area to discuss your options moving forward. If you have a house to sell or assets to dispose of, etc, this type of attorney can be very helpful in advising you how to move forward and plan for the future.
Wishing you the very best of luck and sending you a big HUG! Remember to take time for YOURSELF here, too, okay? This disease doesn't just affect your husband......it affects YOU, too, maybe even more so.
Do you have a specific question about the diagnosis or what is going to happen?
I would be happy to answer what I can and I am sure others would as well if we know what info you need or want.