I believe that he is in the latter two aspects of "Stage 6", that is, of the bowel and bladder incontinency. He still knows who I am, but he talks of me in the third person; recognizes our son, who is stationed in Germany and presently here, he recognizes acquaintances, but cannot always call their names. His conversations with me are "off the wall" and make no sense to me. He is beginning to substitute words for other words.

Did you have to enter your father into a nursing home? What was the criteria? How about your guilt feelings?

My mother, who lived with us, had Alzheimers. My husband and I both took care of her, until, I realized that it was not fair to him to keep him tied up with her care, when she did not recognize either of us.

I had always stated that only when he no longer knows me, that then would be the time to "let him go"...I have a great support group: my friends, neighbors, family, and a Senior Day Care Center, which he attends every weekday. Weekends are no problem; his disposition is that of a child--gentle, willing to work with me, and submissive.

I think I have it pretty good! Maybe it is having been a nurse for so many years; maybe it is because we will have been married for 42 yrs. in Oct....who knows? Thanks for your time. Marceda M. Guild marceda@onslowonline.net