Is there an Adult Day Program in your area? I think that many places that have programs like that have Social Workers that might be able to give you a few suggestions. If you contact the Alzheimer's Association they may also have resources. www.alz.org 1-800-272-3900
Many areas have "Memory Café" programs and that would connect you with others that are experiencing the same problems you are. And the Memory Café is a "Dementia friendly" atmosphere, you can bring your loved one with dementia without having to worry about all the things you typically have to worry about when taking someone with dementia out. I have found that Support Groups are a great way to vent, get information, give information and in general learn from people. Not all Support Groups are created equal so you might have to try one for a few meetings before you find one that has a "vibe" that you like.
for a psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist that can listen, provide feedback to what you are saying and if need be prescribe medication that will help you talk to your doctor and ask for referrals. You mentioned that your doctor prescribed medication but you have not started. What is your concern? If it will help you there is no harm in taking a prescribed medication. The problem comes with some that "self medicate" with other drugs, alcohol and even food that there is a problem. You take Tylenol, Aleve for an ache or pain, you might take a medication for High Blood Pressure, one for Cholesterol, maybe another for allergies. Taking a medication for depression, anxiety should be looked at the same way. You take it because you need to , when you no longer need to you stop. (And like with any other medication check with your doctor before stopping)
I believe that unless a licensed professional has actually been in the throe's of caregiving themselves for a period of time, they really can't understand fully what we as caregivers go through. It's been my experience that better than a psychologist is an actual caregiver support group where you can share with others who know and understand exactly what you're going through. I found my local support group 4 1/2 years ago now, by "Googling" support groups in my area. We used to meet twice a week in person, until Covid, then both meetings went on Zoom. We are back in person now for our Wednesday meeting, but still on Zoom for the Friday one. And even though my husband has been dead for almost 2 years now, I still attend to be able to help others as I have been helped. No one understands better than someone who has walked or is walking in your shoes, and support groups are free. I HIGHLY recommend one to everyone who is doing the hardest job there is of caregiving. I wish you the very best and I hope you find the help you need.
I recently picked up a good book by an Occupational Therapist who also has online videos on YouTube. Her name is Teepa Snow. I think she is fabulous.
She has been in the trenches for years' and is so on the mark about caregiving.
Dementia Caregiver Guide (Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care techniques for caregiving, Alzheimer's, and other forms of dementia).
I hope you find this helpful.
I think that many places that have programs like that have Social Workers that might be able to give you a few suggestions.
If you contact the Alzheimer's Association they may also have resources.
www.alz.org
1-800-272-3900
Many areas have "Memory Café" programs and that would connect you with others that are experiencing the same problems you are. And the Memory Café is a "Dementia friendly" atmosphere, you can bring your loved one with dementia without having to worry about all the things you typically have to worry about when taking someone with dementia out.
I have found that Support Groups are a great way to vent, get information, give information and in general learn from people. Not all Support Groups are created equal so you might have to try one for a few meetings before you find one that has a "vibe" that you like.
for a psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist that can listen, provide feedback to what you are saying and if need be prescribe medication that will help you talk to your doctor and ask for referrals.
You mentioned that your doctor prescribed medication but you have not started.
What is your concern?
If it will help you there is no harm in taking a prescribed medication. The problem comes with some that "self medicate" with other drugs, alcohol and even food that there is a problem.
You take Tylenol, Aleve for an ache or pain, you might take a medication for High Blood Pressure, one for Cholesterol, maybe another for allergies. Taking a medication for depression, anxiety should be looked at the same way. You take it because you need to , when you no longer need to you stop. (And like with any other medication check with your doctor before stopping)
It's been my experience that better than a psychologist is an actual caregiver support group where you can share with others who know and understand exactly what you're going through.
I found my local support group 4 1/2 years ago now, by "Googling" support groups in my area. We used to meet twice a week in person, until Covid, then both meetings went on Zoom. We are back in person now for our Wednesday meeting, but still on Zoom for the Friday one. And even though my husband has been dead for almost 2 years now, I still attend to be able to help others as I have been helped.
No one understands better than someone who has walked or is walking in your shoes, and support groups are free. I HIGHLY recommend one to everyone who is doing the hardest job there is of caregiving.
I wish you the very best and I hope you find the help you need.
Above is a link to therapists in Hackensack who specialize in elderly person's issues in general.
Good luck!