Gosh, where to start? I've just learend my brother in NM, 63, has Pick's Disease, similar but different from Alzheimer's. It takes the personality and some language skills 1st, then the rest of the memory. His wife is divorcing him and I live in Calif. I hope he can still live on his for a little while. How do I locate a good caregiver there? How do I begin to assess his ability to care for himself? Your guidance is much appreciated. Cathy (littlesister)

Cathy,,I'm so sorry about your brother,,,its very sad to have a family member that is ill and yet they live so far away. His wife isn't divorcing him because of his illness,,is she? If so ,,what a wench!!

Does your brother have any children in the area? Is your brother still able to care for himself? Its going to be difficult in finding good in home care for him,,since you are in one state and he in another.

There certainly are organizations that provide in home caregiving,,but then its hard to find a person that is really good,,experienced,and honest and dependable. Its not uncommon to go thru a couple (at least !) of different caregivers til finding the right one.

Perhaps you could convince your brother into moving closer to you? If this isnt' an option,,,then I would recommend that your brother look into an assisted living community,,where he can have a small apartment,,and have a visiting nurse come see him once a week or so,,,and as his illness progresses,,and his needs become greater,,then he could be moved over to a more intensive care unit building,on the same grounds.

You can call his area Local Council on Aging,,and also Senior Resources,,these two organizations are very helpful in giving you the information you are looking for.

When a person gets dementia,,its so hard when they live long distance,,,for family to assist and oversee that all is going as well as can be.

I wish the very best for you and for your brother. Please come here to the forum and learn,,and keep us updated on things. Peace