Wecome! You will find this to be a great place to keep your sanity. Everyone here is very supportive and no one judges you. I know it has made my life so much better. We welcome you with open arms! Sandy D
Welcome blbrown I know that joan is away this morning but she or someone filling in for her will give you a little heads up on what you can find here. As much information as you want and if we don't have it readily available someone will try and help you find it for you. What you will get immediately is warm fuzzies and lots of support and hugs galore. I would have lost my sanity if it weren't for all my new friends and some closer than family to me when I want to vent, scream, cry unending for hours. Jenene
Normally, Joan herself would pop by to welcome you personally, but she is at a conference all day today. So I shall try to fill in for her:
Be sure to check the home page -- www.thealzheimerspouse.com. It's full of things -- I find something new every time I browse there. For example, in the menu on the left side, there are many topics filled with information. Joan always suggests that newcomers to the site read "Newly Diagnosed/New to this website" first, and then check out "Understanding the Dementia Experience". That's an article written by Jennifer Ghent-Fuller, and an excellent description of what is going on in our spouses' minds, and what we can do to help them feel safe and loved. When you get a chance, scroll through the "previous blogs". Joan starts her own "threads" as blogs, and they often end up being discussed on the message boards. I'm sure you'll find many topics you can relate to.
Joan started her own store recently, at our request. There's a link in the menu, and another in the center of the page. The store has some really neat items, specially designed for us; and if you like, you can even design your own. Also, if you ever need to shop on amazon.com, come here to link into their site, and Joan will get a teeny commission from your purchase. (She has done everything -- set up this site and run it, set up the caregiver cruises, lobby Congress -- without any compensation. We need to make sure she finds some source of income so this site will stay here for us!)
Information on the home page itself is updated frequently with new blogs, news and/or information updates, so many of us check there every day.
You can search for topics of interest on the message boards, using the "search" button at the top of the page. Enter a key word that might be found in the title of the thread (click on the "topic" button) or in the posts (click on "comments") Note: this particular site will pull up any comments that have the key word anywhere in the post, even if it's part of a longer word, so you can enter, for example, "myoclon" and pull up posts that mention myoclonus and myoclonic jerks.
You can start a new thread by clicking on the "start a new discussion" link in the upper left-hand corner.
There are also three fun threads where we hope you'll post -- "What are the Age Groups?", "Ages of the Caregivers", and "Where are you from?"
Another great thread you'll want to be sure to read is "Caregiver Tips - Things I wish someone had told me back in Stage 2-3."
The people here are wonderful. Let us know what we can do to help you.
Welcome to my website, and a million thanks to Sunshyne for giving you all of the website information.
I started this site because the emotional issues involved in caring for a spouse are completely different than when caring for a parent. I was feeling confused, alone, and guilty because of all the changes in my husband that were changing our relationship. I wanted a place of comfort where spouses who understand each other as no one else can, would be able to come and discuss private marital issues with repect and dignity, and would not be judged by those who do not understand.
So welcome. Visit the home page daily for all the new updates, and come to the boards for support. We're always here.
I have been here less than one month and I am amazed by how many have joined after me. I am overwhelmed that there are so many of us, and yet, I know we are but the tip of the iceberg. Sad you are here with us, but welcome you warmly.