Terry's Story

By susrexrode

1 min read

My husband found out in 2020 that he had Alzheimer's disease. At that time I was taking care of his parents. His dad had cancer, diabetes, and an COLOSTOMY bag. His mom has dementia.

Caring for family members

Terry's dad died on August 2nd of this year. His older brother has power of her medical, so he moved her to a nursing home where she has falling four times {she's been there about a month and a half} this last fall she broke her L1 in her back and her left femur.

I'm trying to get guardianship to bring her home. I also have my own mother who needs help now too.

My husband's experience with Alzheimer's

Through all of this my husband was stable but now he is loosing something it seems everyday. He tried speech therapy and he was in therapy for balance. Terry told me he didn't want to go back because it made him feel childish and he didn't like that he couldn't do most of the things.

It's been hard and I know it's going to get harder. We've been married for 34 years with two children. I love him and plan to keep him home with me.

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elizabethsexton_hu Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="susrexrode" user-id="2377682"/> , thank you for sharing. Wow, you are so strong to be caring for that many people. Your family is lucky to have such a supportive caregiver in their life. Being a caregiver is hard, and this community gets it. I hope that you feel supported by this community and can connect with the advocates who share their stories and tips. Don't forget to enter to win the Caregiver Awareness Month Giveaway; <a href='https://alzheimersdisease.net/spotlight/caregiver-awareness-month-2021' target='_blank'>https://alzheimersdisease.net/spotlight/caregiver-awareness-month-2021</a>. Also, here is our Caregiver Resource Center: https://alzheimersdisease.net/caregivers-resource-center And, information about progression of Alzheimer's that might be helpful: https://alzheimersdisease.net/progression-support Don't hesitate to reach out for support. We're here for you! Warmly, Elizabeth (AlzheimersDisease.net team member)
Lynn Marie Witt, MSOT Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="susrexrode" user-id="2377682"/> thank you so much for reaching out and sharing your journey with us. You certainly have gone through and continue to go through a lot of life altering changes, with your family. I am sorry to hear of the loss of your husband's father this past August and of all your mother-in-law's fall's and failing health. Do you have some support's set up for helping with your husband? Is there anything you love to do, that helps you to re-center and focus? As a caregiver super important to have that time. Appreciate your story and please reach out anytime. Wishing you peace during this terribly trying time. Just Keep Swimming...Lynn Marie, "AlzheimersDisease.net Team Member"
Franni Member
Thank you for sharing your story, Terry. Whew. I've been caring for my husband the last 5 years and that has really stretched me. How do you do it?
susrexrode Member
it's not easy, i don't have help at this time, my brother is going to help when i need it. I'm having our house updated, it is hard on him, but they are putting is safety fixtures in for him. I'm an easy-going person and cry alone. (edited - email omitted to comply with community rules - <a href='http://alzheimersdisease.net/about-us.community-rules' target='_blank'>alzheimersdisease.net/about-us.community-rules</a>). at this time I'm taking care of my mother's stuff because she has stage 4 lung cancer. i try to smile and keep going.

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