I just finished two years as a live in caretaker for an elderly couple, both in varying stages of dementia.
Each person is unique in their response to this disease, but generall speaking it increasingly reverses the roles.
You now become more like a parent and they become increasingly dependent like a child. It’s difficult.
I recently saw an interview with Frank Broyles, a legendary football coach in Alabama. He and his daughter cared for his wife with Alzheimers.
He has written a book detailing specific tips and coping which they learned as the disease progressed.
It’s called something like Coach Broyles Playbook Just Goog his name and it should come up easily. I’m sure you can find it on Amazon. I wish I had it a few years ago.
I was very impressed with how specific were the tips he outlined as well as how comprehensive. But what most impressed me was how compassionate and loving his attitude and methods were.
The one concrete suggestion I would have for you is: Dont try to go it alone. You need support and respite as well. Toward the end it can be tremendously demanding and you need help as well, either from other family members, a support group, or part time professional caregivers. It will make a world of difference.
Feel free to PM me anytime.