but he is still coherent enough to be offended by the suggestion. It is far enough advanced to pose a real problem and challenge in everyones lives but unless he is diagnosed we are not eligible for any assistance. How do we get him to be assessed, how do we approach it? Do we wait till he is so far gone that he gives no resistance?
2007-03-23 18:35:26 · 9 answers · asked by sarah l 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Take him to the doctor for a physical. Talk to the doctor before your dad sees him to let him know what you want him to look for. I would go in with your dad and ask the doctor questions. Don't wait .
2007-03-23 18:41:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
He is probably afraid. He doesn't want to end up neglected in a nursing home. The first thing you might do is assure him that you won't abandon him and that are going to help him no matter what. (And even if he does have to go to a nursing home at some point, you will still be there visiting and keeping an eye on everything. You have to.) Of course, this is a big commitment, but hey, he's your dad.
Some cases where people show signs of dementia are actually caused by reversible problems, such as infections or other medical conditions. You might mention that to him and get him in for a checkup to see if the doctor can find any of those things.
It is sometimes hard to reason with someone with dementia, so you might have to try several approaches before you find one that works. But don't give up! It is better to get him diagnosed sooner than later -- treatments work better, you can get his papers in order, you can notify the DMV, you can learn about safety (like childproofing) before there's an accident, etc. -- so keep trying. Good luck!
2007-03-23 19:48:11 · answer #2 · answered by vegan 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are in the US, you should be eligible for Medicaid. My 84 years old dad spent the last three years of life not knowing where he was or who he was. But... we had staff come every day to help bathe him and feed him. I tell you, they were so wonderful and were so professional. The first thing is to have him assessed by a doctor . That doctor will tell you exactly which phone numbers to call !!! if you are short on funds, go through a county hospital. Do not ever think help is not available because it most certainly is. Once again, this is only if you are a USA citizen. Good luck, my friend. I know exactly what you are going through.
2007-03-23 18:53:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
At your father's age, I am sure that his doctor will talk to you without his permission. My mother was in her 70s and had NO signs of dementia; however her doctor's office would give me results of tests, etc. Because of her age and illness, they knew I took care of things for her. Talk to the doctor and see if he or she can do an evaluation at the next office visit. If the doctor sees signs of dementia, he or she can order further testing. This way, your father will not be upset with the family.
Don't wait until he is too far gone. There is medication that can help now.
Good luck to you.
2007-03-23 21:56:23 · answer #4 · answered by Patti C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could you have a word with his doctor and express your concerns, then get your dad to go in for a checkup? It would be a good idea to get his condition documented.
Are you trying to take control of his affairs? Is he making poor judgments? Are you wanting a family member appointed guardianship or power of attorney to make choices for him? You should talk to a lawyer in your area because the process for this varies a great deal from state to state.
I sympathize with you. I worked in geriatrics and watched families struggle with this. Do get legal advice. Good luck.
2007-03-23 18:43:29 · answer #5 · answered by Annie D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
encourage him to visit his doctor who will perform some basic tests and lab work. there are some wonderful meds available that can delay the inevitable and give your father a better quality of life. his anger may be a symptom of dementia. make him a good sized bet to get him to the doc and be humble enough to accept defeat or kind enough not to say "i told you so".
2007-03-23 18:44:24 · answer #6 · answered by siobahn_85 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
try telling him the doctor's office called to remind him of his check-up. Make an appt. and offer to take him. Make a list of all your concerns, (outline form worked for me) and if he won't let you come in the room with him, give it to the doctor.
2007-03-23 18:44:56 · answer #7 · answered by Annette 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drag his sorry *** to a doctor forthwith. Things can be done - marvelous things when people are diagnosed early-enough.
Good luck.
2007-03-23 18:40:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
call a home nurse (red cross von)have them assessed him.They will also show you what steps to take
2007-03-23 18:49:13 · answer #9 · answered by freddy 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋