Hello all, New here and really haven't introduced myself properly, but reading a lot when time permits. That has not happened much lately as there have been several events, one on top of the other since prior to Christmas.
My husband is probably in stage 5, perhaps 6 of AD. The doctor describes him as moderately memory impaired. No really official diagnosis. He also suffers from RA (rheumatoid arthritis) and has two total knee replacements since July, 2008. Has been in the hospital with pneumonia in December and released after four days, returned home with 'inhome PT and nursing care' .. admitted to rehab for further PT at my request. That is where the problems became worse. They failed to give him the prednisone (5.0mg) which he had been receiving for years. This lasted for about 5 days. He went into what I call 'Steroid Withdrawal' and the doctor agreed and he was sent to the hospital. Given antibiotics, oxygen, chest x-rays and much more. Has now been released to another rehab facility. I am burned out and he is very confused by all of this.
Should I just bring him home where I am more comfortable with his care and meds given? I am very in need of some advice and suggestions by all of this. Thank you all for this site. It has given me more hope and compassion than I get from family.
deanna-welcome. What support system will you have at home. Is your health good enough to do this. How much care will your husband need. I'm sure the gang will be along soon to offer advice.
deanna can you care for him at home? Can he walk? Incontinent?
If you can care for him at home by yourself or have some help I think it would help his confusion and be easier on you than running back and forth which is what I did with my Mom. Sounds like he might be a handful right now.
There are others here who would be more help than me. Good luck and we support you.
I did not want your post to get lost, so I am leaving it under this topic, but there is another discussion similar to this one - you may want to check out the posts on that one - Go to the top of the page, and do a search for "should I bring him home after 3 years in a facility?"
bluedaze - support at home is minimal at this time, though I plan to look into more help outside help.
lomhr - he can walk now, but couldn't several days ago due to the problem at the 'other' rehab center. I have him in the new one to help him with PT, balance and just being more stable on his feet. I have cared for him by myself for the last few years, but just found I was running out of stamina. My health is good, so far, but I am unfortunately, putting his needs first at this point. He is not totally incontinent yet, but does need help and assistance with bathroom duty. Just feeling guilty and so tired at this point. Thank you :)
Joan - thank you as well and for this terrific site full of so much information and compassion much needed by we, the caregivers. I will check out the other thread .. thanks again!
deanna - I feel for you. This disease makes it really hard for us caregivers. Without home support I have no answer for you. I cared for my Mom when she was at a similar point, but she was 93 and weighed 80# and Hospice gave me a lot of help. I cannot move my DH much. I think I may have to place him when he is no longer mobile.
Would he possible qualify for Hospice? You can call them and get a free evaluation. Contact your local Alz. orgination and see if they have help available in your situation. There is paid help but I don't know your financial situation and it is expensive, although you will have to pat at a NH soon.
Do get your financial papers up to date. Sorry I am not more help.