Dear Johnny,

Oh yes!  Almost all the regulars on this newsgroup have lost someone.
Those whose loved ones haven't passed on, may still have lost them in
another way,  to the illness itself, since this illness robs a person of
their very personality.    I believe I remember you posting earlier, so
welcome back.

Johnny, my mother in law will be gone two years next April, and I was her
caregiver for several years before she died.   She spent nearly the last
year of her life in a local nursing home, since she was too ill for me to
manage with her at home by that time.

I have heard that early onset alzheimers, the kind that affects people at a
much younger age than you would expect, often goes through all the stages
much more quickly and pass on earlier, than the form of the illness which
comes on later.   From what you say, your dad may have early onset.

63 is quite young to be going through his final days, but this is truly a
rotten illness, and it could be a viewed as a blessing that if he cannot be
cured, at least his suffering will not be prolonged.

Don't feel bad that people don't visit, they may feel that they might be
imposing on your family's private moments now at the end of your dad's life.

I just wanted to reply to you to let you know that you aren't alone in this,
that many people have gone through this terrible family tragedy, and that we
wish you strength and send you good wishes to get through the next few
weeks.    I hope your dad's passing is peaceful, and that you and your mom
find the courage and love to be a comfort to one another at this difficult
time.

I am glad you have hospice there, I hear they are wonderful and a great
source of comfort to families going through this.

Johnny,  I wish I could offer something to help you through this.  It is a
terrible disease that causes all kinds of problems for the patient, and for
the caregivers.  At this point with your dad, the caregivers are the ones
who are suffering.  Hospice was with my husband and the final couple of
weeks, they were there 24/7 at the nursing home.  I'm sure they have a
chaplain and you might talk to him/her.  You will be in my prayers.
Gwen

Hi Johnny,

We cared for my mother in law at her home during the early years of her
AD, at our home for some years after that and finally had her in a
nursing home for 24/7 care the last couple years. It took her a long
time to go and it was very hard on the family. I understand how you are
feeling and I will have you and your family in my prayers. That is
about all I can really do for you.

Bill