Senile Dimentia

[justsue]

my dad has been diagnosed with senile dimentia, I have now become his carer. I hand on heart dont have any problem with this. But would love advice from anyone else that are going through this and where do i go from here?

Do you live with him? Can he apply for Attendance Allowance?

So sorry to hear about your dad's diagnosis. The Alzheimer's Society is an excellent website and helplines alzheimers.org.uk/ and is a great place to start. Get as much information as you can about your rights, the specific type of dementia he has and how it will effect him, his behaviour, personality etc. Try to make sure you can share the caring with some one else as well, and schedule in regular breaks, holidays, respite care etc. Keep talking to people and make connections with others who have been through similar experiences. I hope you are in touch with your local Older Adult mental health team - often they run carer education groups etc which would be very beneficial to you. Good luck.

You will need care too as often the carers put themselves last.

The Princess Royal Trust can also offer lots of advice and help.

My mum has Alzheimers. Yes, I've found the Alzheimer's society brilliant. Help the Aged has a lot of info about organising money. Social Services can be helpful. It's REALLY important to get Power of Attorney sorted out ASAP if it may become an issue. If you are using a solicitor for anything, it helps a lot if they are familiar with all the things that go with dementia and dying. They will know the better care homes and what SS can and can't do etc. I have a short list of questions if you like.

My mum's memory clinic have been very supportive. Admiral Nursing can be fantastic for carers and family stuff. Well worth a call even if you don't live where they operate.

It's all a bit of a minefield.My dad's caring for my mum at the moment and won't tell us anything much. It's sad.