Dad is showing memory loss - left Mom at the store, can't be allowed to drive anywhere but church ( 1 mile away) by himself, gets confused about his medications and argues with Mom or sibs if we ask him about it or make suggestions. doesn't eat much but loves sweets, forgets to eat. He's never been big on doctors saying "they just want your money" and we even have trouble getting him to go to the allergist or to get a family doctor. He's on meds for high blood pressure, COPD.
One sib insists he should see a gerontologist for a diagnosis, to see if meds might be helpful. Mom and the others don't agree. I don't know enough to say..
You need to do the research and see. But if he is having that kind of trouble; he needs help. You should also look at Power of Attorney forms. My siblings and I had too. I have more power then they do because I am living in the same town as them.
You need to think what is best for your Dad. He can yell and scream all he wants, but in the end; you need to tell him that you are doing this for his benefit. Tell him, you are doing it for your benefit too.
I have had 6 Dementia conversations with my father. He is in a home. I tell him how much I love him and want him to be safe.
Tell your Dad that and hope he listens. You are saving him and if he were to be in a car driving and something happened; you would be saving other people too. Just fight for your Dad. That is what I had to do, and in the end, all of my family realized that I was right.
Do the research. It will help. God bless you for what you are doing. It is amazing and so are you!
Need help, just leave me a message. Good luck.
I make these recommendations as someone who has been there. My 93-year old mother was diagnosed with early stage Alzheimers' Disease in 2008. The early diagnosis gave me the time to address her need in an orderly and systematic fashion. It made things easier for both of us.
The decisions for them. You wouldn't let a child make a decision if they need meds or whether they go to school or not. The same is true for someone with dementia. At some point you have to take charge for the safety of the patient.
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