How have you dealt with loved ones having Alzheimer's

[Long Fingers]

I was wondering how some here have dealt with this. I recently found out my grandmother is in the first stage of Alzheimer's. We've moved here to a really nice living assistance place, where she lives in her own apartment and is in the care of doctors, and has classes that geared towards her remembering things. It was hard to deal with at first because I couldn't accpet it, but after witnessing firsthand how she is on her bad days, I know it's for the best. Some days are good for her, others, not so much. We all try to visit her every weekend and call her during the week asking her how her days was so it can help. It's just hard though at times to see her going through this.

[BigFoot_BigThumb]

My grandfather had it.  It was rather difficult to deal with.  It was kinda hard for him to not know who some of us were.  I kinda retreated because it was so hard for me as it progressed.  I made excuses as to why I couldn't come to family gatherings afterwhile because it became so difficult or me as he deteriorated.  I had actually called it when he had an accident in his truck in 1996 after hearing the circumstances.  Sure enough, he was diagnosed.  He passed in 2001, but it was a result of him catching pnuemonia after surgery.  My sons mother's grandfather also had it and she said it got pretty bad.  She took it pretty hard as well.     

[BigFoot_BigThumb]

I would also say just stay in prayer for strength.  Not all cases are as bad as some others.

[Long Fingers]

My grandfather had it.  It was rather difficult to deal with.  It was kinda hard for him to not know who some of us were.  I kinda retreated because it was so hard for me as it progressed.  I made excuses as to why I couldn't come to family gatherings afterwhile because it became so difficult or me as he deteriorated.  I had actually called it when he had an accident in his truck in 1996 after hearing the circumstances.  Sure enough, he was diagnosed.  He passed in 2001, but it was a result of him catching pnuemonia after surgery.  My sons mother's grandfather also had it and she said it got pretty bad.  She took it pretty hard as well.     

My grandmother hasn't advanced that far yet, but we made the mistake of taking her to her house that's  out-of-town and she started making comments like people have been in her house and have moved things, when everything was like it was the last time we were there a month ago. She started to cry when it was time for us to leave and come back to Houston, because she wanted to stay there, in her house.

A few of my cousins steal aren't accepting that her living closer by and having people to help her get better if possible is for the best. I think it is but it's still hard to deal with at times. I did at first too, I would make up all these excuses not to go visit her when she moved to the Houston area, because I didn't want to face it and accept it. I finally did go, but haven't been back as often because she offends me. One time, I visted her wearing a sundress because it was hot, it came to my knees and my chest was covered, but because it was a halter style dress and some skin was showing, she didn't want me to be around her because people will talk. She's been like this way before her sickness, but it was hurtful because I was taking time out of my day to visit her and she makes that kind of comment. 

She does puzzles and read, which are things we were told would help her when she goes back to her apartment from her classes and activities. Overall though, it's definately taken a toll on my family emotionally.

[Iamluv]

Unfortunately, alzheimers disease is very devastating, not only to the person who has been diagnosed, but to the family as well.  I, specialize in the care of people with alzheimers. Both my parents were diagnosed and i'm still dealing with my Dad, who now only recognizes me by touch. My Mom passed away last November.

one of the  most important things to remember is that communication is very important. You have to learn to tap into where that person is mentally right now and communicate on that level. For example, my Father is hearing  and vision impaired which makes communication very difficult.  I, used to rub the top of my Dad's head as a kid and he remembers that.  That's what I, do when I, arrive to see him and then he knows it's me.   

The main thing is to not feel guilty when faced with the decision of having to place a loved one in a facility. There are people who have special training in this area and will give your loved one the care that is required, so that the time you spend will be quality time and not time spent in total frustration.
There are many ways to communicate and if anyone would like any further information, feel free to contact me and i'll give you as much assistance as I, possibly can.

Prayer and patience go a looooonnnnnggggg way, when faced with this disease.....
   

[Long Fingers]

Unfortunately, alzheimers disease is very devastating, not only to the person who has been diagnosed, but to the family as well.  I, specialize in the care of people with alzheimers. Both my parents were diagnosed and i'm still dealing with my Dad, who now only recognizes me by touch. My Mom passed away last November.

one of the  most important things to remember is that communication is very important. You have to learn to tap into where that person is mentally right now and communicate on that level. For example, my Father is hearing  and vision impaired which makes communication very difficult.  I, used to rub the top of my Dad's head as a kid and he remembers that.  That's what I, do when I, arrive to see him and then he knows it's me.  

The main thing is to not feel guilty when faced with the decision of having to place a loved one in a facility. There are people who have special training in this area and will give your loved one the care that is required, so that the time you spend will be quality time and not time spent in total frustration.
There are many ways to communicate and if anyone would like any further information, feel free to contact me and i'll give you as much assistance as I, possibly can.

Prayer and patience go a looooonnnnnggggg way, when faced with this disease.....
  

Thanks and I may just pm you soon. I've really been praying about it because this is all so new to me and very trying, but I know it just takes alot of patience and prayer.

[sistagurl]

My grandmother went through it. It was very hard because she was such a strong woman.

It's good to learn about it and know what you're going to be dealing with. It is a very stressful time for surrounding family.

My niece told me once that my grandmother told her (in one of her clear moments) that she knew she was hard to deal with but somethings she couldn't help the way she acted and some she just couldn't remember. So it's confusing for them as well.They are frustrated and scared as well... Especially in the first stage...

Like you said it's going to take much patience and prayer to get you through it but I've never know God to fail in any situation.. .

I'll keep you all in my prayers.