Alzheimers diagnosis

So sorry to hear that your dh has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It’s. a tough one I know.

I found the Alzheimer’s society very helpful in providing phone support and management advice as it progressed.

It’s early days so both enjoy what you can now, but make sure you as carer, have some time to yourself and when things get more difficult do accept any help that is offered.
Wishing you well.

An early diagnosis does not yet rule out legal capacity.

I would strongly advise you to obtain Lasting Power of Attorney ( welfare and financial) on his behalf; and make new Wills for both of you. If you currently have mirror wills, it's time to rethink, with legal advice.

You might also consider some professional advice about transfer of ownership of cars, property, pension rights, investments etc.

Another consideration, is where you live in relation to the public services and personal support you will both need in the future. If you need to downsize; or move closer to family, or an area where paid help can be employed from the local population.

Talk to your family from the beginning. Keep them informed of everything.
You will need help at some point in the future so start looking at care providers in your area.
Make time for yourself each week, even if it’s just a long soak in the bath.
If it all gets too much….shout at us. We may be able to guide you. Good luck xxx

Has you OH been given any pills, my OH was started on Donepezil which slows the Alzheimers down, that was almost 5 years ago, and it has helped. the mental health nurse comes in every year, we also had the O.T.visit at the start, to see if we needed any alterations, like hand rails, an extra bannister.
and as another poster said...make time for yourself even if it's just watching a program you like in another room, my OH only watches repeats, sometimes you'll feel like screaming...I do . as time goes on you might apply for attendance allowance, and there's also a form you can get from your local council for a council tax rebate...the GP has it sign it...good luck...

Ring fence at least one activity that brings you joy and move heaven and earth to keep that going moving forward. It is important to be more than a carer.
This is the early stage though and treatments are available. There will be good times to come as well as challenges.
Power of Attorney (both for care and for health and welfare) is important. It was a godsend for me.

About POAs, if you have children you trust and have a good relationship with, maybe an idea to get Power of Attorney for them as well. For me that's been a lifesaver as it makes dealing with finances, sollicitors as well as health professionals etc much less stressful.
And I can't stress enough, as others have said.. take time out for yourself!!!

My DH had Alzheimers confirmed about 6 weeks ago, it was a shock to us both and acceptance has been hard. He has been prescribed Memantine.
We have POA’s already, the consultant filled in the reduction for council tax forms and DH is already in receipt of Attendance Allowance, so hopefully with all this in place we can concentrate on us.
Have I missed anything?

My husband was diagnosed 2 years ago.
I strongly advise you to take out POA for both finance and health. I sorted this out prior to diagnosis- when I could see what was happening. I am so glad I did. My DH was well aware of the implications of POA but has now forgotten all about it ! As far as finance is concerned I arranged it so there was no change for my husband, he still has his cheque book , still has bank cards . The only thing I stipulated was that he must not have access to online banking- that would be disastrous! I have the accounts online although my husband is unaware of this . If you go for POA you must register the document with your bank . Again my husband is unaware I have done this. I hated doing it because we have always discussed things and worked as a pair. However needs must !
He is very muddled at times and short term memory is now very poor. I now have the reassurance that I can take full control if necessary- so far so good!
I am sorry you are both dealing with this diagnosis and strongly advise you to check The Alzheimers Support forum online - huge amount of support there. Admiral Nurses are another great support.
Apply for Attendance Allowance, I almost didn't until it was suggested to me at the memory clinic. Get help
( age concern ) perhaps to help you fill out the claim form- they know how to word it.
' me ' time is important !!
Sadly as his disese progresses you will have your low days . Fortunately my DH is in happy oblivion and I am still adjusting to the changes in his character- very very difficult after 52 years of marriage !
Alzheimers is so much more than memory loss.
So many people in our situation, we are not alone.
Its not all bad , the good days are still there and I appreciate them . We get out and about as much as possible and enjoy the simple pleasures now.
Thinking about you .
💐