I am looking for as much information sharing on what others are dealing with and how they cope.

After reading up on Alzheimer's it doesn't talk about the reality of people dealing with issues each day. I need to add some real life information to add to my knowledge base.

My mom has had Alzheimer's for years and my brother had been coping until unfortunately he could no longer and feared he was getting this disease so he ended his life.

My situation is the reverse of what others have in that mom is in a home in Florida and my other brother and myself are in Connecticut. it is cost prohibitive to bring her to CT and the doctors think it is better to leave her where he is.

This will mean frequent trips to Florida and I am trying to build a support group down there that can check on her to make sure she is getting the care she deserves.

Anything you all can share is very much appreciated.

Dear JAB55,

I will need a bit more information to be able to help you better. Can you tell me if your mom is living in her home or in a community here in Florida. We have something called professional case managers and I will be happy to give you some referrals for very reputable ones. It is important that someone near her have a healthcare surrogate in case she needs some medical care and you are not able to get here soon enough. I hope someone is a Power of Attorney as that is probably the most important document you will need to assist in her care. Neighbors are wonderful but not always the most reliable source of good decision making when it comes to quick qualified decisions. Professional case managers are trained to do this job and having one may ease some of the need for you to travel so often to intervene on your moms behalf. Some of the good agencies are: Advanced Senior Solutions, Owner Lori Smeltzer 727-443-2273; Aging Wisely, Contact Liz Barlow 727-877-734-9898; and Care Resources Joanna Davis at 888-429-9111; and Dignified Aging Donna Gagnon 727-791-6726.
Please let me know if I can help with anything else.

Dale,

Thank you for the information.

I actually attended Greg Scott's Seminar in Ruskin while I was down in Florida this past week and it was great. Greg put me in contact with Carol Ann and she answered most of my basic questions.

I will contact the people you suggested as I am now looking for someone to regularly visit mom and report back with any issues that might arise.

Thanks again, Janet

Hi Janet;

I'm so glad you were able to accomplish so much. If there is anything further I can do to help you facilitate accomplishing what you need for your mom please let me know so sorry I'm late in getting back to you. God Bless and good luck.

Dale