Alzheimer's

So, it is Alzheimer's. At least, the neurologist is "90% sure," which at this time is all anybody can say, without better diagnostic tools. Finally, after 3 weeks of trying to get a proper evaluation of my mother's cognitive functioning, yesterday she saw an excellent neurologist (one who specializes in geriatric problems). This never could have happened without the help of the professional geriatric care manager that I retained to help with my mother's situation... and it took me quite a while to learn that such a thing even existed.

So I'll give another major boost and thank-you, here, to the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM), and to the local company that I found through that organization: Creative Care Consultants, in Kansas City, MO. Gini Toyne, RN, at Creative Care, has totally turned this awful situation around. If I had just left my mother in the "care" that she was getting from the physician at the (supposedly excellent) nursing home, she would have been there (theoretically) until she died, without a proper evaluation, without being accurately diagnosed, on the wrong medications, and trapped in a place that she hated.

During our meeting yesterday, the neurologist, Ginny, a pharmacist, my mother, and I sat down together and agreed on a plan. My mother will go home, with in-home care provided through Ginny Toyne's company; and she will be on the appropriate dementia meds (which are likely to stop the progress of the disease for a year or so), and OFF the meds that she does not need. Mother seemed agreeable (for a change!)... but bewildered. As we were walking out of the medical office building, she asked me to explain what was happening, once again. I said: "Next week, you are going home." She leaned over and whispered to me: "Where is 'home'?"

I know that it won't be easy; my mother is likely to cause all kinds of havoc, because she does not like to have people in her house. She will accuse them of stealing... she will be verbally abusive. But we'll cross those bridges when we get to them.

If you are dealing with an elderly parent, not knowing how to get the proper assessment, treatment, and ongoing care that your parent needs, I strongly recommend that you look for a good professional geriatric care manager. It is way too easy to get lost in the shuffle; to end up with a parent in a rotten facility; to have a parent who is receiving lousy medical care; and to find your whole life consumed, trying to put out fires, trying to monitor and stay on top of what's going on with your parent.

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