I know this might seem like a strange question,but is anyone fulltiming with Dementia?,and how is it working for you?.We were set to go fulltiming in the 5th wheel within the next 3 weeks and then two weeks ago,I was diagnosed with early stage dementia.I guess maybe I should have known as several things just weren't right the past year,but I blew it off as old age,uh huh,lol.Funny thing was that I didn't even go to see the Neurologist for this.She found it thru normal testing.I have several other disabilities that limit the meds I can take,so my thought was to just take as many photos as we could and enjoy the time however short it may be,but thought I would see if anyone else is or has done it.Thanks in advance."Life is a glass of adventure,make sure you drink every last drop" Trip Ruoff

We met a couple in Quartzsite one year. The wife was quite bad with Alzheimer's. Didn't appear that she could function socially much at all. He doted on her, but did not leave her alone outside for even a minute. Are you the primary driver? Are you alone? Any idea the rate at which your disease is progressing? The answers to those questions would help make a decision.If you do decide to continue, I would definitely have an exit plan in place to make it easy on your partner. If you become belligerent and difficult to deal with, that would make a transition back very hard if the plan is not already there. Make those decision now while your mind is still clear.Good luck.Dale

DW started to show signs of the disease about 5 years ago. Nothing serious. Forgot to turn water taps off; forgot to turn stove off; made lunch and then went to make another. We decided at that time that she would not drive anymore. We were concerned that she could mistake the brake for the gas pedal or the other way around. I did all driving from that time on.As the disease progressed, she demonstrated fits of extreme anger, sometimes violence, and extreme strength. She is normally a very quiet person. She often left the house to "go home" and we had to go find her at any time of the day or night and in all types of weather. She is now in the late middle stages of the disease and has calmed down somewhat. Still a challenge every day to survive a little longer. She requires about 95 % care at this time.I am no expert of the disease. I have to struggle every day to try to understand what she is going through. I only provide you with the above details so you know that I have experienced what you will go through.My advice to you is that you should not continue to drive. If your spouse can handle the RV and all the work that goes into it, and if your spouse is a very calm person and can handle the angry outbursts, while driving, then you could continue for about two years. Think carefully about the effect the disease will have on your spouse and whether she can handle it or not. That is the main issue that you have to answer.I wish you the best of luck.

Meaning no disrespect but this is not a question to be asked or answered on this forum. Instead this is a conversation to be had with your doctor(s). Best of luck in your choices.

wow that's an interesting question. Ive treated many folks with dementia and Alzheimer's during my time as a paramedic. really only your doc can answer that. Forgetting to do something on a rv can have expensive consequences.However Ive seen folks who have had little to know change in their behavior for years. Other diseases changed their lifestyle before dementia did. If you and your wife think you have some good years yet to travel then get out there.Like the others have said have an exit plan for the sake of your spouse. If things get bad just get off the road and into a facility that has a great memory care dept. meds and therapy can make symptoms much easier to live with. Make sure she is provided for as far as selling your rig and getting suitable housing. Good Luck.

From your initial post, it isn't clear what your house status is.You said you were set to go full-timing. Have you sold your S+B house already?Depending upon what your doctor has to say, you might enjoy one or many years of full-timing before the disease makes it difficult, not enjoyable (for you and/or spouse) or impossible to continue.I assume you already have your 5'er? If your spouse doesn't tow the 5er, you both need a serious discussion that either the spouse will learn or full timing will probably not be a reality.I believe you definitely need to plan out an exit strategy, and especially if you've already sold your house - then plan for assisted (memory care) living.God bless you and good luck. I hope you have many years of enjoyable travelling.

Fulltiming With Dementia | Good Sam Community

nbking
Explorer
Jul 11, 2016
DW started to show signs of the disease about 5 years ago. Nothing serious. Forgot to turn water taps off; forgot to turn stove off; made lunch and then went to make another.

We decided at that time that she would not drive anymore. We were concerned that she could mistake the brake for the gas pedal or the other way around. I did all driving from that time on.

As the disease progressed, she demonstrated fits of extreme anger, sometimes violence, and extreme strength. She is normally a very quiet person. She often left the house to "go home" and we had to go find her at any time of the day or night and in all types of weather.

She is now in the late middle stages of the disease and has calmed down somewhat. Still a challenge every day to survive a little longer. She requires about 95 % care at this time.

I am no expert of the disease. I have to struggle every day to try to understand what she is going through. I only provide you with the above details so you know that I have experienced what you will go through.

My advice to you is that you should not continue to drive. If your spouse can handle the RV and all the work that goes into it, and if your spouse is a very calm person and can handle the angry outbursts, while driving, then you could continue for about two years.

Think carefully about the effect the disease will have on your spouse and whether she can handle it or not. That is the main issue that you have to answer.

I wish you the best of luck.
Scottiemom
Nomad
Jul 11, 2016
We met a couple in Quartzsite one year. The wife was quite bad with Alzheimer's. Didn't appear that she could function socially much at all. He doted on her, but did not leave her alone outside for even a minute.

Are you the primary driver? Are you alone? Any idea the rate at which your disease is progressing? The answers to those questions would help make a decision.

If you do decide to continue, I would definitely have an exit plan in place to make it easy on your partner. If you become belligerent and difficult to deal with, that would make a transition back very hard if the plan is not already there. Make those decision now while your mind is still clear.

Good luck.

Dale

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