Alzheimers- How much help.

Mojisola

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

Mind you, I'm not sure she'd describe herself as his carer, even though he wouldn't last five minutes without her.

She might not but the GP needs to note it. I was offered flu shots and other extra attention from the GPs because I'm down as a carer.

The fact I'm a carer was on my summary at the top of my notes so, if anything happened to me, the practice knew they had to make sure Mum and Dad were looked after.

margaretclare

Thanks for the explanation, Sue. It must be very difficult. Yes, this condition, illness, whatever (Type II diabetes) is progressive i.e. it gets worse, so more testing, more injections, it will happen. If the sufferer doesn't realise that things change all the time it must be soooo difficult for everyone around.

They may need to have biscuits available in case he goes 'low' at any time. DH keeps Lucozade tablets available wherever he is - in the car, by the bed, on his desk. But he also keeps a packet of biscuits handy, which can sit in the cupboard for weeks on end!!

Savvy_Sue

Mojisola wrote: »

She might not but the GP needs to note it. I was offered flu shots and other extra attention from the GPs because I'm down as a carer.

The fact I'm a carer was on my summary at the top of my notes so, if anything happened to me, the practice knew they had to make sure Mum and Dad were looked after.

I'm not sure I'd be able to persuade her to do this. Also not sure if I dare contact the surgery myself ... I know they won't talk to me, but I can presumably ask them to note my concerns re: how dependent FIL is on MIL's care.

margaretclare wrote: »

They may need to have biscuits available in case he goes 'low' at any time. DH keeps Lucozade tablets available wherever he is - in the car, by the bed, on his desk. But he also keeps a packet of biscuits handy, which can sit in the cupboard for weeks on end!!

Oh yes, MIL does that when they're out. She's very well genned up on it all, probably better than some diabetics. It doesn't always translate into the best action (eg always serving biscuits with am coffee, because that's what she's always done, and leaving the tin open on the table!) but she knows what she's doing.

Savvy_Sue

Oh, one bit of maybe good news: I became aware of a cafe near my in-laws which is linked to a group which may offer potentially useful support and services ... I asked MIL if she'd ever been there (because it sounds interesting!) and she said yes, but not recently, but she might visit again soon as they've been closed for some maintenance work and it will be interesting to see what they've done.

Savvy_Sue

Sorry if I'm hijacking the OP's thread btw. We're a bit behind the stage they're at, I feel, because MIL is doing it all atm, I'm just preparing for the future!

MCLF

Hi Sue,
I made an appointment to see my father's GP when I was concerned about dementia symptoms. I made a list of my observations, and then a second list explaining (briefly) how each parent's health affected the other.
The GP couldn't disclose anything regarding my father to me (as I knew) but I could disclose everything about him to the GP. The GP confirmed we were right to be concerned, from what I'd told him. So no confidence was broken.

The GP does not have to keep your visit confidential from the patient. I haven't a link to back this up, but I did a lot of research before making that first step.

In my case, the GP welcomed the visit and appreciated the notes. He also took my contact details. My father was (and still is) completely unaware of the appointment.

I found the Alzheimer's Association very supportive too. They give advice on all types of dementia.
http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

margaretclare

Oh yes, MIL does that when they're out. She's very well genned up on it all, probably better than some diabetics. It doesn't always translate into the best action (eg always serving biscuits with am coffee, because that's what she's always done, and leaving the tin open on the table!) but she knows what she's doing.

Does FIL get a 'warning' of when he's going low, or if not, how does MIL know?

DH gets a warning. Wherever we are, he stops and tests if he gets this warning. Sometimes it's because he gave himself a little too much insulin when we stopped for lunch. He changed one type of insulin for another because with the type he was advised to use, he lost all warnings and that's dangerous. I can't explain what this 'warning' is, I think he just starts to feel a bit shaky, sweaty, and he takes appropriate action.

We never have biscuits with coffee, but we do usually keep some in the cupboard and to take with us when we go away.

Savvy_Sue

margaretclare wrote: »

Does FIL get a 'warning' of when he's going low, or if not, how does MIL know?

Yes, he gets warnings, MIL realises he's not well and works out it's probably insulin related! Then it's just a case of persuading him that he needs to eat something!

kpwll

My 93yr old Stepmum was diagnosed with Lewy Bodies Dementia in November and a lady from the Alzheimer Society came out for a 1st visit today, (we are still waiting for a meeting with Social services as there is a waiting list for assessments.)
She is sending out a form (not complicated) for me to fill in and GP or Consultant to sign and because of the dementia my Stepmum will be exempt from paying Council Tax. We live in Wales so don't know if this is UK wide.

Savvy_Sue

kpwll wrote: »

She is sending out a form (not complicated) for me to fill in and GP or Consultant to sign and because of the dementia my Stepmum will be exempt from paying Council Tax. We live in Wales so don't know if this is UK wide.

I suspect it is, if she lives alone: when I registered Dad's death so that Mum could get the 25% single person's discount, the lady at the council checked that she was fully 'with it', as otherwise she would have been exempt.

I didn't mention that to Mum, as she is perfectly 'with it', but would hate to miss out on a chance to save money!