I was only looking for advice on being a caregiver for my sister who was diagnosed last year. Today is 10 days since I lost my big brother to Alzheimer's. I thought I might get some sort of support though I was not a caregiver, but a loved one who lost someone to Alzheimer's. I was there with him during the early stages. I am sorry for ALL of your losses of your loved ones to Alzheimer's. I am in need of support for my loss and what I have to look forward to with my sister. I want to be the best caregiver can be. I thought I could get advice and support in coping with the loss of my big brother Tony. I am sorry again for posting in the wrong discussion group. If someone can tell me where I can post, It is appreciated. Again, I am sorry for the losses you have all had.

Sincerely,

zallie

Dear zallie, though I am very sorry for the reasons that brought you here, I send you a very warm welcome.   You are amongst friends who truly understand.

I send my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your beloved big brother; that is such a sad thing to have happen and I can only imagine what a difficult loss this is for you. 

Please do not think you are in the "wrong" place.   This Forum is one for those who have lost someone and are bereaved.  The loss of your brother is understood here.

If you are looking for a Forum regarding caregiving and how to care for your sister, I have some suggestions for you.

One would be to post regarding becoming a caregiver on the, "Caregivers Forum."   You will find much input there.

I also invite you to contact the Alzheimer's Assn. Helpline at (800) 272-3900.  There are Care Consultants there that you can ask to speak with.  Consultants are highly educated Social Workers who specialize in dementia and they can be of great support and much valuable information including educational material.  There is no fee for this service.

There is also a book that many caregivers have found helpful.  It is titled, "The 36 Hour Day."   You may be able to find this in your local library or order it from Amazon or book store.

We look forward to getting to know you better.  This is a place where we are all in support of one another and that now includes you too!

With warm wishes,

J.

zallie,

As JoC said, there is no wrong place to post. Most of us move around, even if we do have a favorite forum.

I am so sorry for your loss of your brother. I can only start to imagine how you feel. And now you're looking at being caregiver for your sister. Life can throw a lot of curves at us. With God's help we can get through these things.

Best wishes to you as you travel this journey with your sister. Hopefully you will find the help and comfort here that we offer.

Remember, we're all in the same boat; and the darn thing leaks!

Bob  

Dear J.

I wanted first to thank you for your reply and your warm welcome. I also want to say thank you for giving me other forums I can participate in and all the other information you provided. At this time my sister is doing ok with the help of lists of things to do, keeping busy by visiting with friends and family, she also plays games that keep her mind working. She tells me her days are better than her nights Anyway thanks once again! I am sorry for any losses you have had due to Alzheimer's.

Sincerely,

zallie

Thanks again for all the information you provided and your condolences!

Hello Bob,

I just wanted to give you my thanks for your condolences. Thank you you for assuring me there is no wrong place to post. I suffer from major depressive disorder, so the loss has really taken a toll on me.....I am not coping well. My new concern is will I be the best caregiver I can be when my sister reaches a point where she needs help. She was diagnosed last year with Alzheimer's.

I have to run now, but wanted to give you my thanks for replying, it means a lot to me!

Sincerely,

zallie