zapaep
Caring for my husband Member since April 20, 2010I am caring for my husband . He has not been diagnosed with Alzheimer's but has they behavior of late moderate stage. He has been diabetic for many years, double bypass surgery 11 years ago--bad reaction to "statin drugs" and suffered two strokes within 2 weeks 6 years ago. He did pretty well at first but is slipping step by step. He worked hard at staying active, but can no longer walk, needs help with transfers and all daily living activities. He doesn't like his present situation --Is very appreciative of help--But is slow to respond to input. I was so fortunate that when he required lifting to be able to transfer the THerapist recommended transfer POLES (which we got spreader bars for keeping loads stable on 18 wheeler vans for a tenth of the price) and he can, with cues, pull himself up.He does require 24/7 care. I have hired a great caregiver for 3 hours twice a week to help with showers(our kids put in a handicap shower and we have a shower chair on wheels) and she does other things around while I get out of the house (after the shower) Our daughter comes every evening to help get him to bed. We are blessed with a supportive family who visit as often as they can and arrange to spell our daughter that lives close. He still insists he wants to go to church and the people there are so supportive. (I did get a older van with a wheelchair lift recently as getting him in and out of the car was to hard and tiring for him and all involved) loves his family, but can't believe we are home (we have lived here 45 years) and wants to go home, this just doesn't look right--If he does recognize we are home it will come up again several times a day. We are thankful for God's Grace and Strength each day.