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Question - How do I find help for my Dad in caring for my Mom?:

Mom has been diagnosed as having Pick's disease. I am trying to find out how to go about finding some one who can help my dad care for her. any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

Guide Responds:

Pick's disease is a type of dementia that is often mistaken for Alzheimer's but is different in many ways. Personality and behavior changes are the most marked first symptoms of Pick's. Personality change may take the form of apathy and indifference or of disregard for social decorum and for the feelings of others. Poor social judgement and inappropriate sexual advances may be seen. What is lost is the ability to initiate, organize, and follow through on even very simple plans and familiar activities.

Your father initially needs help to supervise your mother while he is not able to be there, or to give him a break. He may need more help depending on his state of health. As your mother's health and condition declines he will probably need more help with her care. Or he may need to place her in an assisted living or nursing home.

Unfortunately most of the cost of care will probably be born by your father. Most insurance or Medicare does not pay for "custodial" care, which is the type of care she would need. What she will most likely need initially is supervision and direction. Friends, family and church may be places you would want to find help. You may want to hire someone privately. Or you may want to contact a home health agency, though they can be expensive. Please check out the links below for suggestions for help.

• Pick's Disease
• Eldercare


• Community Services


• Touching The Leaves

You'll also find it helpful to talk with others who may have similar experiences or problems. The best places to do that are our Forums and Chatroom.

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