I Have a Family Member with Alzheimers

[PopSixSquish]

who will be placed in a nursing home tomorrow since it is no longer feasible for her to be cared for at home. This is why I stayed away from the Reagan threads during the last week.

Regardless of how much or little money, help or resources a person has, this disease robs both the sufferer and their caregiver(s) of their dignity and strength.

The fact that W and the Republicans actually asked Nancy to speak at the convention afterall she'd been through in the past 10 years and in the past week just reaffirms my conviction that these people are without a heart and are without honor.

They can all fuck themselves.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

1. I'm very sorry

Despite my dislike of the Reagans, I did admire Nancy for all she did for him. Your family has my admiration for doing what you could for your relative. I'm sure it's quite emotionally draining.

[PopSixSquish]

2. It's Just So Very Sad

[nini]

3. so sorry for you're pain

it's a nightmare. my stepmom had it and my poor dad was heartbroken when he started to get sick and couldn't care for her anymore. He died about 3 months after putting her in a home and she went 10 weeks after. It's a cruel disease that just hurts all those affected by it.

peace to you :hug:

[PopSixSquish]

5. Thank-you

In her more lucid moments, this nice lady realizes that there is no going back. This is her place to be until the end.

Her husband is at a loss. He is terribly afraid that the nursing home will not take care of her, yet he can't either.

[Spinzonner]

6. He is taking care of her by seeing that she gets the care she needs

and he will continue to do so by seeing her regularly and ensuring that her level of care by the nursing home is as it should be and being her advocate.

He is not giving up her care, it is just moving on to a new phase, as it must. He is just as important as ever - maybe more so.

Perhaps realizing this will assuage guilt he may be feeling and give him a continuing purpose.

She will still need continuing attention to keep her as connected to contemporary reality as is possible and the workers at the nursing home wont have the time or tools (the knowledge about her and her life) to do so.

[MirrorAshes]

4. Very Sorry...I had a grandmother with Alzheimers also

and it was very difficult. My mother is getting older also and makes jokes about "oh, I guess its just my Alzheimers kicking in" whenever she forgets anything or makes a gaffe. She doesn't really have it, but I think its her way of dealing with the fear its put into her.

I'm not a religious man, but if I were I'd pray for you. I wish you the best, regardless.

[Spinzonner]

7. While I share the distaste for the administration

and most of the contemporary Republican party ...

What would have been your conclusion if she accepted ?

Unless preemptive limits were placed on what she could say, its also possible to view the offer as a gracious act. The fact that she declined doesnt prove the offer was evil or insincere.

Now, I wonder if they'll offer Ron 'Jr' an opportunity to speak instead :-)

[Th1onein]

8. I am so sorry. Is there any hope? Have you tried chelation?

[Champ]

9. So do I

[TheWizardOfMudd]

10. PopSix, will you please send me a private message?

[PopSixSquish]

11. Ok, Let's Try This Again in the Clear Light of Day

I had a few in me last night when I originally posted this thread, so excuse the vulgarity and thank-you to all who responded with your kind words.

My stepmother's mother is the family member. She's a very sweet little old lady and though I know this is for the best, it does make me very sad.

My stepmother and her brother went over to the house this morning and helped get everything ready and then her husband drove her to the nursing home.

My stepmother and my Dad will go see her tomorrow. My stepmother has prepared herself for this, but I know it will be tough.

If you have a moment, a prayer, kind thought or good karmic vibe would be most appreciated.