Hi johnstephen1, welcome to this great site. Tell us more about yourself and your spouse with dementia. We're here to support and help in any way, but it helps if we know more about you.
Good Morning John and welcome to a great forum where you will find the people helpful, friendly and wise. I have been getting help on this site for 5 or 6 years now, but, I am sorry you have a need for it.
Welcome, Johnstephen1. I've have been a member of this site for only a month, but I can tell you that it is an extremely helpful place to come for information, and support - we are all dealing with similar issues on the same journey - some are farther along that journey than others, and their insight is invaluable. Others, like me, are less far along, but we can still offer a "virtual shoulder" to cry on or some encouragement to other members, as required.
Welcome, Johnstephen1. I feel as if I've been here for ever and will probably be here much longer. Tell us a little more about yourself when you feel comfortable.
You've joined a very special group of people--who don't necessarily want to be here, but welcome. EXCEPT it's a wonderful place for friendship, advice, sharing insights, freedom to rant with no judgments. We're blessed by Joan's site. I signed on a few years ago and read every day for years. Since "earning" my *, I've not written much, but do read from time to time and pray for all those on the journey. (* means a fellow traveler has lost their spouse.)
Welcome Johnstephen. I have belonged to this group for nearly a year, though I read it for several months before joining. I have learned so much here. It has made this journey through Alzheimers land much easier. Knowing what is coming and recognizing it when it arrives helps a lot.
Welcome to our group, Johnstephen1. As others have said, this is a great support for those of us with spouses with Alzheimers / FTD. No matter what your questions or concerns, you will find information, experience, compassion and understanding here.
As others have noted, you've come to the single best internet support group. Sorry you've had to join us, but you'll learn a lot from others on this site and Joan's blogs are always spot on. Hang in there.
Welcome to my website. I started this website in 2007 because I couldn't find anyone who would talk about how I felt - I thought I was the only one feeling the way I did about what Alzheimer's Disease was doing to my marriage. I needed a place that dealt with my unique issues as a spouse of an Alzheimer patient. This site is now a place of comfort for spouses/partners who are trying to cope with the Alzheimer's/dementia of their husband/wife/partner. The issues we face in dealing with a spouse/partner with this disease are so different from the issues faced by children and grandchildren caregivers. We discuss all of those issues here - loss of intimacy; social contact; conversation; anger; resentment; stress; and pain of living with the stranger that Alzheimer's Disease has put in place of our beloved spouse/partner.
The message boards are only part of this website. Please be sure to log onto the home page - www.thealzheimerspouse.com - and read all of the resources on the left side. I recommend starting with "Newly Diagnosed/New Member" and "Understanding the Dementia Experience".
If it applies to you and your spouse, there are 4 sections for EOAD (early onset AD- now called YOUNG onset)members - two of which focus on the young teens whose parents have EOAD There is a great section on informative videos, and another excellent resource - Early Onset Dementia - A Practical Guide. You can go to the top of this page, click on "search", and type in EOAD, making sure the "topic" circle is filled in. All of the EOAD discussions will come up - there are about a dozen of them.
Do not miss the "previous blog" section. It is there you will find a huge array of topics with which you can relate. There is a "search" feature on the home page that allows you to look up different topics that may have been explored in a previous blog. Log onto the home page daily for new blogs; news updates; important information.
welcome johnstephen! looking forward to hearing about you and your dear wife (DW). nobody wants to try to get thru this journey alone. companionship with folks here who know how you feel and support you in times of need is a true oasis in the desert. divvi
Welcome Johnstephen! I am glad that you have found this wonderful forum with fabulous support and knowledge. We look forward to learning more about you and your DW (dear wife) Lullie