My Grandpa

My grandpa was diagnosed with alzheimer's back in December when he was put in a nursing home after breaking his hip.

I'm happy to report that, now, he's doing really good. Sometimes he thinks he's in the Old West---something he never lived, obviously, but a product of watching John Wayne movies, according to his doctor. He might be coming home by March if the physical therapy all goes well.

If he gets to go home, it's going to be on us to take care of him and my grandma. She's too old to help him with the Stair Lift we had installed, or to do ALL the cooking and cleaning the way she used to. Plus, her eyes are too bad to drive. My uncle, aunt, parents, and myself (16 year old girl) are going to be helping out instead.

I was wondering if someone could give me some information on what to expect with Alzheimer's in the future? He's in the early stages right now, so he still knows names, faces, all of those things. He just has his moments when he thinks he's in another time period, usually things that he's never been through. I wanna know what to look for, when to call the doctor, all of those kinds of things.

Thanks so much!

~ Em

[candlelover40]

I have a friend whose mom is going through this right now too. I just wanted to stop by and tell you that I'm thinking of you. Hope all stays well.

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

wow, your a great granddaughter to help do this, God Bless each of ya, i can start by saying its not going to be a easy job.

my mom is living in my home and shes in the later stages of it, she is bed ridden which makes it easier on us now.

plz first take care of your self. eat/rest and get your time away from the house. we all need a break as ya will see this as it gets futher along.

pretty much let him live his life in early stages just be there to help him if he needs it, dont take to much away from him because, he will forget a lot faster . if he still feeds his self let him, bath etc, there will come a time he will no longer do these and someone will have to do for him.

if all is took away from him he will feel usless and thats not good, let him keep doing what he can, ya be there when he cant anymore. sounds to me like hes in good hands.

ya might want to check into his insurance for home health care they will come out give baths/help him walk etc what ever he needs.

than as he gets futher along hospic will help ya out but check into all this before that time. if he has long term health care thats awesome it will pay for a nurse at the house , to sit with him and help him when ya cant. plus if he ever served in military check into that they will also help.

lots out there .  most inportant take care of your self its a long road and can go on for 12- years or more so dont wear yas selfs out. here if you need to talk Barbara