Taking care of a senior loved one who has Alzheimer’s can be a challenging task, but there are a few steps you can take to make this process a little bit easier. With some foresight and patience, you should be able to avoid many of the most common issues caregivers run into. Here’s a quick look at seven tips you can use to get ready for the Alzheimer’s care journey.
1. Put Together a Medical Care Team
Your loved one is going to need specialized care in the coming years, you need to assemble a world-class team of Alzheimer’s specialists. This team will most likely include a general practitioner, neurologist, and geriatric psychiatrist. You might also want to meet with a physical therapist and nutritionist to discuss some of the dietary and physical challenges your loved one is going to come across as the disease progresses.
If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Assisting Hands® Dana Point, a homecare services agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our agreement, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
2. Discuss Legal & Financial Options
Before the disease becomes too advanced, speak with your loved one about his or her financial and medical wishes. At some point, your loved one will need to make difficult decisions, such as who is going to have Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) and what to include in his or her will. You can also discuss setting up a joint bank account for upcoming expenses.
3. Ask Family for Assistance
In addition to a medical team, you are also going to need support from your family. A little bit of help from a spouse or sibling will go a long way as the symptoms of the disease become more pronounced. Before speaking with extended family members, make sure your loved one is ready to share the information.
4. Explore Living Arrangements
Consider a few different variables when deciding on your loved one’s upcoming living arrangements. Your loved one might be able to age in place as long as you or a professional caregiver keeps a close eye on him or her. However, your loved one may eventually need specialized care around the clock.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional at-home care. South Orange County, CA families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
5. Research Financial Assistance Programs
Caring for someone who has Alzheimer’s can become quite expensive, but there are assistance programs that can help with expenses such as living arrangements, food, medical bills, and caregiving. Your family member may have long term care insurance, or if they served, they may qualify for Veterans Benefits. Every state has different rules regarding Medicaid, and you’ll need to spend some time researching your state’s particular rules.
6. Prep the Home
The home your loved one is going to live in needs to be safe and practical. A few simple changes, such as getting rid of clutter on the floor and putting locks on some of the cabinets, could prevent dangerous accidents. You might also need to label all the doors, cabinets, and light switches throughout the home to prevent confusion.
7. Develop a Strict Daily Routine
Sticking to a daily routine is one of the most effective ways to minimize the worst symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Developing the routine early on can give your loved one ample time to adapt to those changes so they become second nature. Eating, showering, taking medications, enjoying leisure activities, and exercising should all take place at the same times every day.
Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors to manage without assistance, and it can be just as challenging for families who don’t have experience in providing Alzheimer’s care.
Assisting Hands® Dana Point a California based, State Licensed, non-medical, home care agency, providing Alzheimer’s and dementia care that seniors and their families can depend on. Our caregivers help seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions live happier and healthier lives. We provide care services in the cities of Dana Point, San Clemente, Capistrano Beach, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Mission Viejo and Ladera Ranch. If you or a loved one is in need of in home care, please call (949) 426-7300 for additional information or to schedule an in-home consultation or click “Schedule a Free Consultation” to submit your request online.
