Hello Daniel,

Although you have come to the right place, you will be needing a lot more
help than just the kind of advice than can be given here.

If I were you, I'd contact the Alzheimer Association in your area, and also
find out if you have an Office of the Aging in your county that may be able
to advise and help.   I am assuming you are in the USA.   It may be
different elsewhere.

You will probably need to get the support of some sort of legal authority to
proceed.   Being underage you may need to get emancipated legally before you
are 18 to have the authority to sign papers etc.   Does your parent have a
family doctor?   There are medications that can help some.    As for the
paperwork, you should try and get as much of it filled out for him as you
can.   Do the best you can and keep your courage up.

You have my deepest sympathy, and I hope you find some help right away.

Daniel, are there any family members you can call on for help?
Gwen

QUIT YOUR WHINING.

OBVIOUSLY YOU CAME TO THE WRONG PLACE.

NOW GET LOST.

Daniel,
It's disheartening to hear from anyone who has it worse than the rest
of us, so your posting twisted my gut. At 17 there are other things you
should be doing. and as was mentioned you will need more help than can
be offered in this support group. Not knowing exactly what your
stiuation is (do you have siblings, is there any income, has your mom
passed, any sage relatives?)
You didn't ask for ideas ...But
If your dad has a valid checking account(make sure it isn't
overdrawn),and a check comes for him you can write on the back "for
deposit only acct***"  and stick it in the bank. Then when a
regular(gas,elect,rent) bill comes, if your dad can't sign it, hand
print his name on the signature line. If you can pay some on all bills
it may help. By all means investigate any programs that the state or
county may have, hopefully someone here will offer wiser ideas... not
knowing anything about state or federal law I cannot offer any
suggestions or advice but can wish you all the best of luck

The first thing you must do is stop trolling newsgroups with your
parents' computer.  That is best left to professional trolls.

The next thing you must do is ignore vingerwijfs like Evelyn and Gwen.
They just have no clue.

You can fill out the forms for him for SSI or for SSDI if he has been
working recently. Suggest you join the Disinissues Yahoo group at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Disinissues/   ASAP.   There are many talented
members and professionals there who can help you in correctly filling out
forms and making sure you (and he) get a quick approval for benefits.

get in touch with a social worker at your state's office of
aging.  since you are not yet of legal age, the court may have to
appoint a guardian or conservator for him.

and stop by a bookstore and buy a copy of "the 36 hour day" by
mace and rabin (or borrow it from your local library).

i'm sure that you'll have many more questions, and we will have
lots more advice.

don't hesitate to come back and please let us know how you're
doing.

Terian <ron051@centurytel.net> is alleged to have said:

If your town has a senior center, try asking them for guidance.

Also ask your doctor or your Dad's doctor (they may not want to discuss
anything about your Dad's condition with you, due to patient
confidentiality, but may be willing to give you some contacts).

Good luck.  Come back any time.