Yes, educate yourself so you are ahead of the eight ball. How many of us wish our LO's were in stage 1. I suggest getting all legal docs in order now...we can elaborate and help you more on that...you must be able to have medical and financial power of attorney to act on your loved ones behalf in the future. once they are confused etc its too late usu to have them move forward with this. Do not share POA but its okay to have back up #1 and back up #2 in the event something happens to you or you no longer wish to serve as POA.
The Alzheimer's Association offers helpful classes, too. I am currently taking one on the middle stages, ahead of need. http://www.alz.org/ has resources and a 24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900.
MY HUSBAND HAS ADVANCED STAGE ALZ. AND I CAN TELL YOU YOUR BEST HELP WILL COME FROM A SENSE OF HUMOR. THEY DO SAY AND DO THINGS THAT ARE FUNNY (BUT ONLY TO YOU DO NOT SHARE THOSE THINGS) AND SECOND THE MOST HELPFUL BOOK FOR ME WAS THE ALZHEIMER'S ACTION PLAN BY P. MURALI DORAISWAMY AND LISA P. GWYTHER. ALL YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW. OF YES, TELL THEM YOU LOVE THEM EVERYDAY AND KISS THEM GOODMORNING AND GOODNIGHT AND THANK GOD YOU MADE IT THROUGH ANOTHER DAY, STILL A HAPPY PERSON.
A complete neuropsychological assessment (Not a screening) can give you some answers on the strongest abilities he still has so to manage his condition.
CTaylor, Welcome, it would be nice if you could give us a little more information so everyone can get to know more about your fil n yourself too. How old is your fil? Does he have any other illnesses? Did a physician diagnosed your fil with Alzheimer's n when was he diagnosed? As for expecting I would get all the education material that u can in order to understand about the disease. Here is a book that was recommended to me n it is a great bv. book to educate yourself about Alz. "The 36-Hour Day," by Nancy l. Mace n Peter V Rabins. There is also information online right here under the blue areas to learn about AD just hover your mouse over Elder Care n u should see a drop down list. Giving some information would help others understand your situation so they can help you with some advice. I hope this helps your family.
Do not share POA but its okay to have back up #1 and back up #2 in the event something happens to you or you no longer wish to serve as POA.
As for expecting I would get all the education material that u can in order to understand about the disease.
Here is a book that was recommended to me n it is a great bv. book to educate yourself about Alz. "The 36-Hour Day," by Nancy l. Mace n Peter V Rabins. There is also information online right here under the blue areas to learn about AD just hover your mouse over Elder Care n u should see a drop down list. Giving some information would help others understand your situation so they can help you with some advice. I hope this helps your family.