I need a Book

I really wish there was A Book! One that you could read, that contained very personalized information concerning what was going to happen in your life and how to handle it. (for those of you reading this and thinking the Bible – uh, no. I mean layman’s terms. No thee and thou. Just – Marty, here is what will happen to You. And here’s what to do when that happens.)

My husband’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease 2 years ago, blindsided me! I had been through this with my Mother, but it’s a whole different ballgame when it comes to live in your house, and sleep in your bed. This whole journey is trial and error. Not just by the doctors, but by the caregivers as well. Why? Because no one knows what causes the disease, no one understands it, there is no cure, and in the best of times, medication will sometimes slow it down; but not always. Every person is different and will not respond the same way to treatments.

You learn, pretty early on, to establish a routine, a schedule. People with Dementia have to have it. Everything is so confused in their thoughts, they have to have someone to help them. How to help is very personalized and is a daily struggle. A caregiver literally gives up their lifesyle for their loved one (spouse). It reminds me of being the mother to a toddler. Everything is about them; their wants, needs, likes, dislikes, mood, sleep, attitude, etc.  It is daily, ongoing, with no relief.  Having a caregiver’s support group is the only way to find  help on a daily basis. This is as close as I have come to finding “a book”.