[dave 911]

Oh man, good thread . Not exactly fun to talk about, but it's something many of us will go through...if we're lucky.

Dad is 84, Mom 78. Dad has had memory issues/early stage dimentia for about 4-5 years. His short term memory is pretty much gone, he doesn't remember what he had for lunch, but he can tell you what the count and score was when he hit a home run in August of 53 and who all the players on the team were for every year he played semi-pro ball. And he's become very uncommunicative - he knows us all but just doesn't want to talk or interact with people. He used to be the life of the party. He also has pre-diabetes and has had prostate cancer for 20+ years now - we thought that was going to do him in when he was diagnosed in 1994 but that's the least of his problems.

Mom is also developing memory issues, she frequently repeats things in a conversation and can't remember the names of any of the streets or restaurants around the house anymore. She always mentions Dad not talking at all -- I think the lack of social interaction is a contributor to her issues. Her physical health is good.

I'm in Ohio, they're in San Diego, and luckily my brother (who is single) lives a couple miles from them and helps out a TON. I feel bad that I can't do more - I go out to visit several times a year and help out with projects at the house - my bro isn't as handy as I am. And I call Mom often.

They still live in the house we grew up in, we had in-home care coming in 3 days a week, and just increased it to 5 days a week now.

My wife's folks, on the other hand, are doing great. A few years younger than my parents, but active, healthy, travel alot, and have a great network of friends. And my wife's grandmother turned 100 last year and is sharp as a tack mentally. Her body is starting to fail though.

I had the opportunity a few years ago to buy long term care insurance at a good price, and jumped on it. With both parents showing dimentia-like symtoms, and longevity in the family, I'm feeling like the odds aren't on my side.