I'm looking for additional care to this forum, in the form of video. Are there any YouTube channels people recommend, zoom support groups, or other meetups I can attend?
You should begin to transition mom from Independent Living. Assisted Living might be an option at this time but a move to Memory Care is probably in her near future. Often what has happened is that one spouse has "covered" for the one with dementia and it is not until that one is no longer able to cover either because they have died or they are away due to illness. Once the supportive spouse is gone the family then notices the decline in the surviving spouse. (did that all make sense?) There are lots of YouTube videos. Some may be of great help. Some things sound easy but are often difficult to do. the most difficult can be accepting that she can no longer do some of the things that you would expect her to do. And what she can do will take much longer to do. So build extra time into anything you plan. Look for "in person" support groups in your area. Many are "virtual" and it may be just me but I think in person is better. But you do what you can and what is comfortable for you. The Alzheimer's Association has a great 24/7 phone number. Counselors are there around the clock to answer questions. This Forum happens to be a great resource and Support Group. Almost any question is answered within minutes (at least it seems that way). You will find that what works for one person may or may not work for you or your mom. Each person is individual and the damage to the brain is not the same with everyone. And even more frustrating what works this week might not work next week. This is an interesting journey that you are taking, you will learn a lot. There will be heartbreak and tears but there will also be laughter. (sometimes ya gotta laugh!)
Often what has happened is that one spouse has "covered" for the one with dementia and it is not until that one is no longer able to cover either because they have died or they are away due to illness. Once the supportive spouse is gone the family then notices the decline in the surviving spouse. (did that all make sense?)
There are lots of YouTube videos. Some may be of great help.
Some things sound easy but are often difficult to do. the most difficult can be accepting that she can no longer do some of the things that you would expect her to do. And what she can do will take much longer to do. So build extra time into anything you plan.
Look for "in person" support groups in your area. Many are "virtual" and it may be just me but I think in person is better. But you do what you can and what is comfortable for you.
The Alzheimer's Association has a great 24/7 phone number. Counselors are there around the clock to answer questions.
This Forum happens to be a great resource and Support Group. Almost any question is answered within minutes (at least it seems that way).
You will find that what works for one person may or may not work for you or your mom. Each person is individual and the damage to the brain is not the same with everyone. And even more frustrating what works this week might not work next week.
This is an interesting journey that you are taking, you will learn a lot. There will be heartbreak and tears but there will also be laughter. (sometimes ya gotta laugh!)