Once again, I sit here with little sleep while my husband peacefully sleeps the day away. How much longer can I go on?

Get help , caregiver,

I wanted to throw my two-cents behind the post that said don't assume that foods that have always been fine - remain that way. It has happened with Rainman twice - first, after 16 years of being able to eat peanut butter- suddenly it caused diarrhea. Then just this past two months - after doing all my charting and graphing - I discover it was steak that's been causing the latest round of Sunday morning blow-outs. After two years of having steak every Saturday night for dinner - it's an almost over night change. The weirdest part is that beef like in a burger is fine - it's just steak.

Anyhoo - I also thought I'd say where I get Rainmans one piece Jammie's as a few others liked the idea. I get them on line - the company is Big Feet PJs. They are a little spendy but if you wait for spring you'll find many on sale. I get fleece for the winter and their jersey for warm weather- cutting of the long sleeve at the elbow.

Dear Jazzy,

I know you are going through a lot and its not easy cleaning up these messes. I know it takes a toll. And now that have you started asking how much longer can this go on for? Its a sign that other options must be looked at.

I know you love him and want to do what is best, but maybe its time to start looking at nursing homes or assisted living? Respite care? Hiring another caregiver? Its not easy I know. Try talking to a social worker and see what other community supports are out there.

Thinking of you.

Depending on the stage of this dementia, you can and should contact HOSPICE. A case manager will speak with you and will send someone out - most likely an RN - to evaluate your situation. If you are accepted under Hospice/Palliative care it is a "blessing"! And, what I hear very often is that people wait tooooo long to contact them! It is amazing what they can do and help they can offer! Don't wait. The worse it can be is that they tell you--- not yet. But, they will most likely not be the case. I made the call, and it was the best thing I did for my husband and me! God's Blessings to you and all the wonderful caregivers... p.s. you do not need a doctor to do this! Anyone can make the call!!

Jazzy, my mom started having fecal incontinence issues years ago. We went to numerous doctors, but no one was able to help her, she was a prisoner in her own home, because she didn't want to go out because of her lack of controlling her bowels. I finally took her to a colorectal surgeon, the doctor didn't want to put her through surgery because of her age, so she prescribed a powder called Prevalite. This powder worked wonders, and now, she has her life back and no more issues. This powder, you put 1 small scoop of powder into any 8 ounces of fluid (my mom uses juice) before bedtime. My mom only needs to take it once-a-day, but you can take it up to 3 times a day. You may need to ask his doctor to let him try this, and you can look it up on the Internet . My mom is very happy now. I hope this bit of information will help you.