My mum has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. What now??

[Swaddleblanket]

My mum has just been diagnosed with moderate stage Alzheimer's and i don't know what I can do to help her.

The doctors have said we will hear from them within a few weeks with next steps for medication etc but is there anywhere I can get advice from on how to help her in practical ways? She is currently living on her own as my dad isn't around and has is still able to function normally but forgets things like if she's taken her medication, why she's walked into the kitchen. They revoked her drivers license before christmas so she can't drive now and lives about 30 mins walk from the nearest shop. Due to work we can't be with her all the time to help so at this stage does anyone have any valuable and practical tips on how we can support her at this stage whilst she can still function for herself mostly? It's just me no siblings if that makes a difference.

Hi! Sorry to hear that. It's such a shock to get the diagnosis, even if you were expecting it!

You probably want to get your mums affairs in order ASAP but (from my experience at least), things can move frustratingly slow!
I'm sure all councils are different but the timeline for my dad was:

• got diagnosed with severe vascular dementia and Alzheimer's in October. Got prescription for medication to start taking asap.
• got referred to social services who contacted my brother (he has POA) after about a month to do assessment of my dad.

That assessment was conducted at home to check dads capacity/ living arrangements. Following that, they recommended dad has live in carers. They assessed dad's finances and quoted what he would need to pay per month.

• just after Christmas (so two and a bit months later), carers moved in.

During that time, we had to chase up social services regularly (so don't know what the timeline would have been if we hadn't been constantly chasing them).

That's basically it. We have found local dementia day centres for my dad to attend etc.

I was expecting more support, not going to lie. I was there with dad when the specialist dr diagnosed him and was told I could call following the appointment if I had any follow up
questions-I did and I left messages with drs receptionist to phone me back and they literally never did. For us, we were very much expected to keep on top of it/ push for dads aftercare.

Having said all that, dad is now fairly comfortable with his set up at home and with the carers. We know towards the end of this year dad will need to be moved to a care home which will be fun for us to arrange!!!(extreme sarcasm).

I posted some advice on this thread that may be relevant or you may find helpful relating to power of attorney and Alzheimer's medication

www.mumsnet.com/talk/elderly_parents/4721049-alzheimers-diagnosis-questions-to-ask?reply=123120819

www.mumsnet.com/talk/elderly_parents/4721049-alzheimers-diagnosis-questions-to-ask?reply=123203186

There are a few things you can do now @Swaddleblanket

Apply for Attendance Allowance. Sounds like she needs reminders for medication and for someone to help prepare meals.

Alzheimer's have some information on Attendance Allowance here.

Is she eligible for Pension Credit as well? If so, that one can help and us definitely worth applying for.

Request a Care Needs Assessment. I'd recommend being there when this is done as your DM is unlikely to remember what she struggles with.

Have you got POA for health and finance? If not, come back for advice on what to do next time

And finally, has she got a cleaner and a gardener?