My heart goes out to you because it is a challenging task you are facing. My first concern is your well being because a significant number of Caregivers pass away before the Alzheimer patient. I have heard as high as 78% and if something happens to YOU the house of cards comes tumbling down. The first thing I would immediately do is get in touch with the Alzheimer Society and find out what resources are available in your community. One might be an adult day program that your Loved One can go to , to get you much needed respite. Secondly get in touch with Alberta Health Services to get an assessment done as to what in home care you are entitled to.Third, are you able to engage other family members or friends so that you can get some respite away from your Loved One? Something else I found worked is if your Loved one has mobility, go for walks to a park or other area. You may find they get quieter in the fresh air. It worked with my late wife. We went an hour a day and I was 13 pounds below where I am now! Another thing is do they have a best friend or other family member that can come and sit with them while you go to get your hair done, shopping, golfing, crafting? Also, get in touch with your local Seniors Centre as they may have someone to come. I want to emphasize both AHS and the Society will be vital links for you. Also, you do have access to a dementia nurse here in Alberta by calling 811. Do it!
I want to emphasize you are not alone. your Loved Ones world won't end if you put them in a temporary facility for a week or two and you go on vacation. Talk to the Society on places you can place your Loved One.
Most of all I want you to know I am concerned about YOU! I have alway said that people think there are 3 stages to this disease. WRONG! There is no early stage. You are already through it when you realize what is happening and in your case your Loved One is likely in middle or late stage. Do you have your Wills, Personal directive and Power of Attorney in place for BOTH of you? They are not expensive and it is CRITICAL they get done within days of now by a lawyer.
Please post here with your updates.
Dean in Central Alberta.
And God Bless you for what you are doing for your Loved One. it is a thankless task.