Your father isn't experiencing 'early onset dementia' if he's 89...........that occurs when a person gets diagnosed with dementia under the age of 65. You may mean that dad is suffering from the early signs of dementia, in it's early stage. As far as advice goes, the best thing you can do is learn all you can about dementia by reading and watching Teepa Snow videos on YouTube. She's an expert who can help you learn how to deal with dad if/when he gets obstinate about taking a shower and things like that. She has some great techniques she's developed over the years.
I suggest you read this 33 page booklet (a free download) which has THE best information ever about managing dementia and what to expect with an elder who's been diagnosed with it.
Understanding the Dementia Experience, by Jennifer Ghent-Fuller https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/210580
Jennifer is a nurse who worked for many years as an educator and counsellor for people with dementia and their families, as well as others in caring roles. She addresses the emotional and grief issues in the contexts in which they arise for families living with dementia.
The full copy of her book is available here: https://www.amazon.com/Thoughtful-Dementia-Care-Understanding-Experience/dp/B09WN439CC/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2E7WWE9X5UFXR&keywords=jennifer+ghent+fuller+books&qid=1657468364&sprefix=jennifer+ghent%2Caps%2C631&sr=8-2
She also has published a workbook entitled, “It Isn’t Common Sense: Interacting with People Who Have Memory Loss Due to Dementia.”
The 36 Hour Day is another excellent reference type of book that is good to have around to answer any questions you have; the book is set up in categories for easy reference.
Make sure you call dad's doctor when you have questions or if/when he get's aggressive/angry or has sleep issues, begins wandering, or becomes too much to handle in general. Medication is sometimes helpful, and Memory Care Assisted Living is sometimes necessary when the dementia advances. My mother lived in Memory Care for nearly 3 years and got excellent care there once she became wheelchair bound & incontinent with dementia.
Wishing you the best of luck with all you have on your plate.
"I am caring for my father... who is 89 years old, living in my home with age-related decline, alzheimer's / dementia, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorder."
...and that you are disabled.
I would contact social services for your county and get an assesment to see if your Dad qualifies for any in-home services.
If you (or no one) is your Dad's PoA, please know that in order for anyone to legally manage the affairs of another *someone* has to have authority. This means either someone is a PoA or guardian. The county will eventually assign a legal guardian for your father once he is no longer able to cognitively or physically work in his own best interests.
Finances to pay for his care will be another issue. This is why it may be best to allow the county to acquire guardianship. You need to take care of YOU. You've done yeoman's work to this point -- and bless you for doing so. I wish you much wisdom and helping hands. May you have peace in your heart no matter how your Dad's care needs are solved.
I suggest you read this 33 page booklet (a free download) which has THE best information ever about managing dementia and what to expect with an elder who's been diagnosed with it.
Understanding the Dementia Experience, by Jennifer Ghent-Fuller
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/210580
Jennifer is a nurse who worked for many years as an educator and counsellor for people with dementia and their families, as well as others in caring roles. She addresses the emotional and grief issues in the contexts in which they arise for families living with dementia.
The full copy of her book is available here:
https://www.amazon.com/Thoughtful-Dementia-Care-Understanding-Experience/dp/B09WN439CC/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2E7WWE9X5UFXR&keywords=jennifer+ghent+fuller+books&qid=1657468364&sprefix=jennifer+ghent%2Caps%2C631&sr=8-2
She also has published a workbook entitled, “It Isn’t Common Sense: Interacting with People Who Have Memory Loss Due to Dementia.”
https://www.amazon.com/Isnt-Common-Sense-Interacting-Dementia/dp/1481995995/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2E7WWE9X5UFXR&keywords=jennifer+ghent+fuller+books&qid=1657468655&sprefix=jennifer+ghent%2Caps%2C631&sr=8-4
The 36 Hour Day is another excellent reference type of book that is good to have around to answer any questions you have; the book is set up in categories for easy reference.
https://www.amazon.com/36-Hour-Day-Alzheimer-Disease-Dementias/dp/1421441713/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3DO5EW7SIPA63&keywords=the+36+hour+day+paperback+latest+edition&qid=1661887968&sprefix=the+3%2Caps%2C218&sr=8-1
Make sure you call dad's doctor when you have questions or if/when he get's aggressive/angry or has sleep issues, begins wandering, or becomes too much to handle in general. Medication is sometimes helpful, and Memory Care Assisted Living is sometimes necessary when the dementia advances. My mother lived in Memory Care for nearly 3 years and got excellent care there once she became wheelchair bound & incontinent with dementia.
Wishing you the best of luck with all you have on your plate.
"I am caring for my father... who is 89 years old, living in my home with age-related decline, alzheimer's / dementia, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorder."
...and that you are disabled.
I would contact social services for your county and get an assesment to see if your Dad qualifies for any in-home services.
If you (or no one) is your Dad's PoA, please know that in order for anyone to legally manage the affairs of another *someone* has to have authority. This means either someone is a PoA or guardian. The county will eventually assign a legal guardian for your father once he is no longer able to cognitively or physically work in his own best interests.
Finances to pay for his care will be another issue. This is why it may be best to allow the county to acquire guardianship. You need to take care of YOU. You've done yeoman's work to this point -- and bless you for doing so. I wish you much wisdom and helping hands. May you have peace in your heart no matter how your Dad's care needs are solved.