An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can leave a senior, and his or her family, reeling. It also brings up many questions. What happens next? Are there treatments? Will Mom be able to live alone? It is important to try and take things one day at a time so as not to get overwhelmed. However, planning for future care needs is essential as well.
The following checklist can help families understand what to expect and how to plan for the future following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Become a student of Alzheimer’s.
The more you know about a topic, the more at ease or in control you feel. Beyond your loved one’s specific diagnosis, learning more about Alzheimer’s disease in general, how it progresses, and what you can expect life to look like during the course of the disease can help you better understand what your loved one will need and how you can best meet those needs.
- Read about Alzheimer’s disease from trusted sources, such as
- Ask your doctor for more information about the disease and how you can best prepare for the coming changes it will bring.
- Seek out local community organizations that offer support and resources.
Keep up with regular medical appointments.
- Set up routine appointments with the health care provider to monitor any changes.
- Ask your loved one’s doctor if there are any specialists that they recommend, such as a neurologist, memory clinic, etc.
Begin planning for the long-term.
- Prepare or update wills.
- Designate health care and financial powers of attorney.
- Research in-home care options, like those offered by Jewish Family Home Care, a top provider of elder care in Sunrise, FL and surrounding areas.
Ensure the home is safe.
As the disease progresses, safety issues in and around the home will begin to arise. The senior may have trouble navigating stairs or remembering to turn off the stove. Taking steps now to make the home safer will help him or her be able to live independently for as long as possible.
- Post emergency numbers near the phone.
- Hide a spare key or keep a spare at your home in case the senior gets locked out of the house.
- Remove items that may cause falls, such as throw rugs, electrical cords, etc.
- Ensure all rooms have adequate lighting.
- Install or secure handrails in all stairwells.
- Install grab bars in bathtubs/showers and next to toilets.
- Remove any guns or weapons from the home.
Click here for a more comprehensive list of home safety precautions to take following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Seek out a support system
One of the biggest needs that both the person diagnosed and family members have is support. Local support groups can be a huge help for those searching for resources and individuals who can understand the day-to-day challenges of living with and caring for Alzheimer’s. Contact the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association for a list of support groups near you.
At Jewish Family Home Care, we are dedicated to being a supportive partner for anyone facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Our in-home care services are personalized to meet each individual’s unique care needs. Our professional caregivers can help with a wide variety of needs, including bathing, dressing, eating, meal preparation, medication reminders, fall prevention, respite care for family caregivers, and much more. Give us a call today at 954-908-5677 or contact us online to learn more about our Sunrise home care services and the other areas we serve, and how we can help seniors with Alzheimer’s remain safe and independent at home.