Alzheimers**Update pg 2**

[lisajl]

Well.. I did not have a chance to ask her any questions.
My sister and I were too busy throwing out old papers, envelopes with nothing in them and other such stuff.
What a mess...

We did call and get her credit card lowered for her.
She is 83 and they gave her a card with $9,500 worth of credit.
WOW! They were charging her for a credit protection she told us she did not want, got that off too. Then we found out she did not pay her bill this month.
We are going to help her organize her bills. She does not have that many, but she has paperwork everywhere.

Whew! What a morning...I think I'll go hit the shower again, and try not to think about it anymore today.

Take care,
Lisa

 

[PamOKW]

As someone else mentioned, there could be other causes for the dementia ranging from something "off" in her medication to mini-strokes to even depression. You really need to have her checked out by her doctor and/or a neurologist. This is also a good time to get legal documents in order. As you discovered, a doctor can't talk to you about her unless you have a Durable Power of Attorney and/or another document related to making Health Care decisions (can't recall the name right now). It's tough and scary but these are things most all of us will face as our parents age. If your mother owns her own home and/or has savings you may also want to contact a lawyer who specializes in elder care law to make sure things are in order if she needs home care, nursing home care, etc. down the road and, of course, to have a will and a living will in place.

 

[lisajl]

Hi everyone,
Just a quick thank you for all your help.

My sister and I went to the doctor with mom.
He seems to think it is just old age, but we told him about a few things she has been forgetting.

He asked that we keep a close eye on her for the next 6 weeks and write down what we find.

So, I went over yesterday to help organize her stuff.
She almost forgot to pay her visa bill, I found a check dated 12-31 for Readers Digest. Yep, she forgot to send it.

My sister and I are going over again today to try to organize her apartment. I think if we keep her bills in one spot it will be much easier for her.
We want her to be independant as long as possible.

Thanks again for all your help.

Lisa

 

[Dan Murphy]

 

[goofy4tink]

A little late getting to this thread, but...I'm so sorry you're going through this Lisa. My FIL was diagnosed about 2 years ago and it just keeps getting worse. Keep us updated. Hoping things go smoothly for you.