Hi Everyone, I'm northernlights. I am married and have 5 grown children.

I helped my parents take care of both my grandmothers. One had AD and then I helped with my father who had dementia.
I live right next door to my parents home so it wasn't a hard task.

Eight years ago when my father passed away we knew that my mom wasn't doing too well so I started going over to her house two hours every morning to clean, prepare meals etc. but after a couple of years I knew it was time to move her in with us. We have given her several room on the main floor of our house to use as a sitting room (with her own tv) and a bedroom.

We have gotten into a pretty good routine and are managing not too badly. I figure she is stage 6 but luckily is still able to toilet herself and hasn't given me too much of a hassle about bathing. I have her on aricept and ebixa (namenda) to help tamp down the anger (catastrophic responses)and hatefulness towards me.

I have been reading this forum for a long time and really appreciate all the help you have been. I do admire all of you who care so much for your loved ones whether they be in your home or in a care facility.
northernlights

Hi and welcome to the forum!

Katrina

Hi-
Welcome! Read often and post when you feel you'd like to. These message boards have been a saving grace to me in my journey caring for my mom.
Take care,
Sandy O.

Welcome to our family. I'm glad you decided to join in.

You certainly have a lot of experience with this disease. You will be a wonderful asset to our board.

Welcome! Looking forward to hearing from you on the boards:)

Hi Northernlights welcome to the Fam. I hope you feel right at home here. Looking forward to your posts. -Aitan

Welcome northernlights!!

Well, you came to the right place. If you need to vent, need advice, a few words of comfort or just a few hugs, you will certainly get it here.

The men and women on this forum are wonderful northern. We hope you come here often and let it all out. And remember that much of the things you tell us will also help us through this awful disease, so type away my friend.

Make sure you enter most on the General Discussion, as that's where it seem everyone congregates the most.

Again welcome and hoping to hear from you soon

Jackie

Thanks very much for the warm welcome. I look forward to being a part of your journey and having you all to help me through mine.
Nancy

Nancy, I just wanted to say I like your signature line. We all need to be a part of a group or family of some sort. We are glad you are here with us. Take care.

Welcome northernlights,

You will never be without friends here. This is the one place you can say what you want without anyone telling you you're wrong. We have all been through or are going through the same thing. We understand.
Come often to ask questions, answer questions or just to vent when you are so frustrated you don't know what to do. I just come on and tell everyone what I did that particular day. It's sort of like my on line diary.
The people here are not just a source of information, but we are also friends.
Welcome, Friend.

Hi you! Adding my welcome. Whatever you want to post, go right ahead. If someone isn't here right when you are, somebody will be along shortly. The posters on this board are here at all different times of day, but we do share our troubles and ask questions like we were all sitting around a table having coffee.

Thanks again for the very warm welcome. I have been reading here for quite a while and know that this forum is a kind and gentle place to bring problems. The last thing we need when we have a problem is criticism. When caregivers are at home alone with little or no support from friends and family this forum can be a life saver.
northernlights

Glad to meet you Northernlights, feel free to do whatever you need, someone will be here for you.