Welcome, Sarah. Sorry your dad's disease brings you here, but as you have already noticed, this is a very caring and supportive group of CGs who most certainly do "get it." It is hard to watch our LOs change so much. My 87 y.o. mother is going through a big downturn and it is so sad that there is nothing more that can be done. She has been in an SNF for a year and a half. I dread the day she does not recognize me.

Hope you will come back often, learn much, and get whatever support and comfort we can offer!

Julianne

p.s. I grew up going to the coast of Maine for the summer, so I definitely understand your love of water!

While I was 24/7 caregiver for my husband, he not only didn't know who I was, but there were three of us--Capgras syndrome. Since he has resided in his ALF, he knows who I am and is happy to see me. So your situation may not be permanent. I feel it has to do with the fact that I am no longer his caregiver, but don't have any idea what the connection would be.

Gail

Sarah, welcome! I'm so sorry that you have to be here but so glad you found us. It's a safe and understanding haven when Lewy is turning your whole world upside down. I share your faith and it is also an important [most important] part of my life. But no one who hasn't lived with LBD can really understand what it's like, not friends, not family and that's why we are here, for both knowledge and support. God bless you!

Thank you for the warm welcome, Julianne. My Mother lived along the coastline of Maine for part of her childhood. I think once you've spent time in Maine that it must stay with you always. She has such warm memories of her time there!

Hi, Gail. I appreciate your welcome, also! Interesting that things improved with a bit of distance. The human mind is such a mystery!

Mockturtle..you hit the nail right on the head. Faith is the most important part of my life! I cannot imagine getting through any day without my faith, much less through the trials that we face from time to time!

~~

I live 10 minutes away from my parents. My Mother is juggling a full time job and caring for my father. It's challenging, to say the least. While I know she feels drained, she gives so much of herself that it amazes me.

I have two brothers and both live locally. It's great to have family so close.

Please bear with me. I keep seeing abbreviations and have NO idea as to what most of them stand for. I'll get there, though! I hope!

Welcome to your haven from this disease, Sarah. The people here are a gift from God - they have been there, done that, and are still doing it! I would not have been able to carry on looking after my Dad without this forum. They have advice, humour and a shoulder to cry on when you need it. Never be afraid to ask about anything - we are all learning from each other,
God bless,
Ger xx

Hi Sarah - welcome and sorry for your need to be here. I grew up not too far from where you are, and my dad who had many diagnoses, including LBD, spent his last 17 months in Easton, MD in a wonderful ALF.
I was just in your area 2 weeks ago - my parents, grandparents and great grandparents all had their honeymoons in Rehoboth. I have to have my Rehoboth fix every year. I have never heard of Lincoln - is it near Seaford? Lynn

Thank you, Ger. I have no doubt that this is an awesome community. I posted this thread such a short time ago and have already had such a warm and caring reception.

Lynn..Lincoln is just outside of Milford, which is approx half way between Dover and Rehoboth. My favorite beach is Cape Henlopen, though we do hit Rehoboth from time to time! How could we not?!


My hubby, daughter and I just had the BEST surprise! My Mom and Dad stopped by for an unannounced visit. Apparently, they went out for dinner and a drive and decided to head over this way to say goodnight to their youngest grandchild! We were running insanely behind with making dinner. So, I got yummy leftovers, time with my parents and Emmy got to read a story to her Grandfather.

While they do still get out of the house from time to time, it is usually with GREAT effort and seldom 'just because.' I'd say today qualified as a good day. I'm grinning ear to ear. Yay for the good days!

Welcome, Sarah! I'm fairly new here, too. You're right, it's so great to be able to be in contact with others who "get it". I've already started looking for what's going on with my "friends", and find that everyone here is so caring and comforting.

Welcome, Sarah. We do all get it about things on the caregiver side. (Even the scientific community doesn't fully get it about things on the Lewy side.)

LBD seems unique to each person. It is not likely that your father's case will match exactly that of any of our loved ones. But as you ask questions and browse through past threads you are sure to see many similarities and many individual pieces that are exact matches. I hope you will find as much comfort and information here as I have. This is a wonderful site, and we are glad to have you here, too.

So glad they stopped by to see you tonight. I'd definitely say this was a good day, so cherish it!
My in-laws used to live in Milford, now just outside of Milton towards Lewes, so I am very familiar with Milford and in fact, go through Milford on my way to the beach. Cape Henlopen is really nice! Lynn

Sarah, I have only been a part of this forum a short time. I am a full time caregiver for my 69 year old father. He lives with my husband and I along with our children. I also have a full time job which I am lucky enough to manage from home. I have to say I'm not sure how I would have made it through the last few weeks without being able to read, learn, express, reach out, and question through this forum. It's truly a gift that you should embrace. Prayers for your father, you, and your family!

Michelle

Welcome! My mom is also a Mainer (from New Sweden) and she also talks fondly of her childhood there. I hope you find the forums as useful as I do. Everyone is so caring here. By the way, I love your quotes in your signature line.

Thanks for the welcome, Em. I truly do enjoy what I've seen so far. Soon, you'll all see my Mother follow!

Jeanne? Thanks! One thing I can say that surprises me is that from a descriptive standpoint, it was like going down a checklist of my Father's symptoms. So, actually, it's amazingly RIGHT on as of now. Of course, this is just as we begin to educate ourselves on Lewy's.

Wow, Lynn. Your inlaws live rather close to me. My daughter goes to school in Milton. Small world!

Michelle? I cannot imagine juggling your many responsibilities. Husband, children, home, Father with Dewy's...so much on your plate. I'm glad that you find so much support from this forum. That's awesome. Your Dad is most assuredly blessed to have a daughter who cares so much.

Dagoetz..My Mom lived in Belfast when she was a child. As for the quotes, thank you. I wanted to throw a third one in but it was tooo much. It's probably good that I left off at two, in any case. lol

Sarah,
I want to extent a warm welcome to you , glad you found a place to be able to read and better understand LBD!