any full time carers for Dementia out there ?

[peanut]

thanks Browser and Numbnuts

I'm beginning to see what I'm taking on. I have already put my life 'on hold' I have to be home 24/7 so I haven't even cycled for 2 weeks . To be honest I'm too tired mentally to go when I am able to.

Every care home and institution I've contacted haven't been able to give me a straight answer about day time activities ,trips etc costs dates etc . Its flipping annoying and time wasting.

I'd really appreciate some ideas on activities I could get my Dad to do as I'm running out of ideas especially as he is still very argumentative, contrary, and partially in denial about it all. He just doesn't want to do anything other than sit and moan about his aching neck and knee

 

[magnatom]

peanut,

Phone this number 020 7423 3500. It is the contact number of the Alzheimer's Society.

They will have contacts in your area who will have significant amounts of experience in helping dementia sufferers and their families. You will (hopefully as I haven't dealt with this particular charity before) be surprised at how much they can help you.

They will also know an awful lot more that a group of cyclists on a net forum, although we can certainly provide moral support.

Good luck.

 

[Twenty Inch]

Age Concern Somerset

http://www.ageconcernsomerset.org.uk/

They will almost certainly know what help and resources are available in your area.

Good luck with it all - my very best wishes.

TI

 

[ChrisKH]

I think funding requirements vary between local authorities, etc. but my father avoided having to fund anything because his condition meant he needed full time nursing care and not just full time care because he had Alzheimers. He actually had Picks disease (very similar to Alzheimers, in fact he had Alzheimers on the death cert, not that it makes any difference) and he was suffering mini-strokes at one stage and I think that swung it.

 

[peanut]

thanks guys thats really helpful ta.

Dad and I have just spent the past half hour sorting out my books and biookcases which had colapsed. I've found some great old photo books for him to peruse as well so a good result all round.

I think I need to make some time to construct a program for the week ahead to keep him occupied. This week we are going to London to sort out his house and put it on the market. Sell or clear all his furniture and possessions and bring some back to Somerset.

i'll have to care for him whilst doing all this and I won't have any net access either. groan

 

[peanut]

I think funding requirements vary between local authorities, etc. but my father avoided having to fund anything because his condition meant he needed full time nursing care and not just full time care because he had Alzheimers. He actually had Picks disease (very similar to Alzheimers, in fact he had Alzheimers on the death cert, not that it makes any difference) and he was suffering mini-strokes at one stage and I think that swung it.

yes I'll need to get Dad assessed at some point but I need to get him a Dr's appointment first. Bluddy pain but my Dr just took 2x weeks holiday. Dad will get his 'new patient' appointment on the 15th then we'll get his knee and neck sorted.

I cannot get him mentally assessed until the power of attorney is registerd which takes 8-10 weeks . Otherwise I could find his personal welfare is taken out of my hands by the medical profession.

 

[peanut]

I shan't be asking the government for any help. They interfere too much and the quality of care is appalling in some cases. I have witnessed it at first hand for 45 years.

Fortunately Dad has a bit of money saved and we will have the proceeds of the sale of his house so we'll manage financially.

The help I mostly need is with ideas to keep him occupied and sources of private nursing and care when we need it and things like respite care which we have organised with a local care home. We are very very fortunate that Dad worked hard all his life and saved all his money .

 

[peanut]

Age Concern can often advise on care. Though your best bet is probably to find someone who has good carers and get in with them.

yes thats always best to get carers that are recommended. I had a brilliant carer when I was incapacitated for 4 months but she is now emplyed full time unfortunately.
I shall probably contact local Age Concern when I need nursing care but at the moment I can cope .

 

[ChrisKH]

Don't rule out local authority care homes. The one my father attended was brilliant. Other private care homes we looked at didn't even compare.

 

[peanut]

I won't Chris but I have contacted the 12 care homes within a 20 mile radius and only two were suitable and both were too far away to be able to visit regularly. The majority of care homes do not cater for people with dementia or mental health issues. many care homes have no nursing facilities.

Its nice living in the middle of no-where until the day when you need facilities.

I shan't put my Father into a care home until I am physically unable to care for him. I have to strip wash him now but he can still do most stuff for himself fortunately

 

[Twenty Inch]

yes thats always best to get carers that are recommended. I had a brilliant carer when I was incapacitated for 4 months but she is now emplyed full time unfortunately.
I shall probably contact local Age Concern when I need nursing care but at the moment I can cope .

AC Somerset have stacks of info on their website about caring for people, as well as useful links to other organisations. Age Concern also publishes a set of carers' handbooks, including on caring for an older parent, and caring for people with dementia, which are very good.

I work with Age COncerns and they often say that carers get in contact with them and other support organisations when they are at the end of their tether and completely exhausted. Don't let it get to that before you start asking for help from specialists.