JOAN’S BLOG – MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2009 – WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A SPOUSE OF AN ALZHEIMER PATIENT

I started this website two years ago. In that time, I have written over 400 blogs to which spouses often tell me I speak their words; provided a library of resources and books; poured my heart out to you; and read as you poured your heart out to me and our members on the messages boards concerning the heartbreak of having a spouse with Alzheimer’s Disease. But never, in all that time, has anything spoken so eloquently, moving, and perfectly on target as to what this website is all about, as the message board topic started by Susan L. - Random Thoughts – What I Miss About My Spouse. There was a similar topic on the boards begun in Nov. 07, but the newest one says it all. For anyone who is new and curious about what this Alzheimer Spouse website is all about, I urge you to read the posts under that topic. For those of you who have been part of this website for awhile, I urge you to read the topic and relate – that only another spouse can truly understand what it is to lose a life long loving husband/wife to Alzheimer’s Disease.

Personally, I am dealing with more decline in my own husband, and it is frightening me. He is forgetting entire blocks of experiences that happen during any particular day. His latest answer to my referencing an incident is – “I guess I have to believe you.” It seems to be happening rapidly. I know what is ahead, and I am scared. We have lost so much of what we had as a couple, and now I fear I am losing him as an individual.

Tomorrow we are going to Rhode Island to visit relatives, and when we return, we are packing to move to the Independent Living Villas. The move cannot come fast enough. I know I have made the right decision “sooner rather than later”, as everyone always says. I am hoping that once we are settled, he will enjoy the activities and benefit from the social stimulation.

As for me, I now need the security of the assistance that will be available to me in case I have an emergency with him.

While I am away, I will be checking in with my laptop, and posting from my “Best of Blog” series.

Do not miss the message board topic to which I have referred – Random Thoughts – What I Miss About My Spouse.

©Copyright 2009 Joan Gershman 
The Alzheimer Spouse LLC
2009 All Rights Reserved

The material included on this website contains general information intended as information only. This site is not intended to provide personal, professional, medical, or psychological advice, and should not be relied upon to govern behavior in any certain or particular circumstances. The opinions in the blogs are solely those of the owner of the website. The opinions on the message boards are not necessarily endorsed by the owner of this website, and are the opinions of those persons writing the messages. All material on this web site is for demonstration and informational purposes only.

The Alzheimer Spouse LLC 2009 All Rights Reserved