might also considering telling him that you're getting someone in to help
YOU, not him ... i.e. make that the focus

we started with a woman to do 'heavy' cleaning ... just chose one that was
also a PSW ... was a lot easier to go from that to the home care workers

Hello to all!

After lurking for about three months it is time to introduce myself.  My
name is Ruth and we live in the Capital District of New York State.  That's
Albany/Schenectady/Troy - upriver from Evelyn :-)   My husband has been
diagnosed with AD in the mild to moderate stages and I am his caregiver.

Larry had always gone to his doctor's appointments alone so after noticing
increasing memory, judgment, and agitation problems, I wrangled an
invitation to go along "as an extra set of ears."  The doctor ordered the
appropriate tests and prescribed Reminyl and Lexapro.  We both like the
doctor and that is a comfort to both of us.  I particularly like the way he
speaks to and concentrates on my husband, turning to me only occasionally
for confirmation or more information.

We had recently updated our wills so after a "tune-up" they and the related
documents are in place.  I recently visited the local Alz Assoc and they
were wonderful.  Lots of support and good info.  Best of all, I found you.
What a wonderful connection with the people who truly know what it's like
and have a wealth of information to share.

Then I got sick.  Nothing earth shaking, mind you, but a nasty cold followed
by a sinus infection.  And it came as a real eye-opener that this job of
caregiving is impossible without several back-up plans at the ready.  So
that is where we are at the moment.  I have done some scouting and found
several options for day care, respite agencies, and independent home care
companions in the area.  The sticky part, as they say on the Food Channel,
is all in the presentation.  I want to launch this subject in a positive
light.  If my husband perceives this as "baby-sitting" or being "farmed out
with the old folks" he may be very resistant.

I've thought of a couple of scenarios that have an element of truth and
appeal to his interests.  Perhaps I could find someone to come to the house
to "tutor" him and keep his Spanish up-to-speed.  Or his doctor might
recommend "therapy" that includes exercise- physical and mental.  I'm just
thinking out loud here.  Can you help me?  What has worked for you?

Again, thank you for being here.

Ruth

(((Ruth)))
no advice, just a warm welcome
donnah

Hello to all!

After lurking for about three months it is time to introduce myself.
My name is Ruth and we live in the Capital District of New York State.
That's Albany/Schenectady/Troy - upriver from Evelyn :-)   My husband
has been diagnosed with AD in the mild to moderate stages and I am his
caregiver.

Larry had always gone to his doctor's appointments alone so after
noticing increasing memory, judgment, and agitation problems, I
wrangled an invitation to go along "as an extra set of ears."  The
doctor ordered the appropriate tests and prescribed Reminyl and
Lexapro.  We both like the doctor and that is a comfort to both of us.
I particularly like the way he speaks to and concentrates on my
husband, turning to me only occasionally for confirmation or more
information.

We had recently updated our wills so after a "tune-up" they and the
related documents are in place.  I recently visited the local Alz
Assoc and they were wonderful.  Lots of support and good info.  Best
of all, I found you.  What a wonderful connection with the people who
truly know what it's like and have a wealth of information to share.

Then I got sick.  Nothing earth shaking, mind you, but a nasty cold
followed by a sinus infection.  And it came as a real eye-opener that
this job of caregiving is impossible without several back-up plans at
the ready.  So that is where we are at the moment.  I have done some
scouting and found several options for day care, respite agencies, and
independent home care companions in the area.  The sticky part, as
they say on the Food Channel, is all in the presentation.  I want to
launch this subject in a positive light.  If my husband perceives this
as "baby-sitting" or being "farmed out with the old folks" he may be
very resistant.

I've thought of a couple of scenarios that have an element of truth
and appeal to his interests.  Perhaps I could find someone to come to
the house to "tutor" him and keep his Spanish up-to-speed.  Or his
doctor might recommend "therapy" that includes exercise- physical and
mental.  I'm just thinking out loud here.  Can you help me?  What has
worked for you?

Again, thank you for being here.

Ruth