Learning that your loved one has Alzheimer’s Disease can be a big shock to many family members, including the person diagnosed with the disease. For many, they follow the basic steps of grief by starting in denial. Family members may think Mom is doing just fine and is only a little forgetful so they don’t want to take any action yet. Others might feel angry or depressed about the diagnosis and can’t find the ability to discuss and plan for what the future might look like.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease and the heartbreaking part of it is that your loved one will continue to struggle more and more with cognitive abilities such as reasoning, memory, and daily tasks. Because it progresses slowly for most, some people don’t take some important steps right away to prepare for the future. But taking care of these five steps as soon as possible will help you and other caregivers be prepared for the future.
Educate yourself
It’s important you learn about the disease, what you can expect, and how to manage it. If you plan on having your elderly loved one move in with you, or if she already does, being educated about the disease will help ensure she receives the best care possible while also providing you with the tools needed to help her and keep your life balanced as well.
Enlist family to be on board for end-of-life wishes. If your loved one is still early in the disease, she may be able to clearly state what her wishes are. Now is the time to find out what she wants done for her end-of-life care wishes and to help family members be on the same page.
Get authorisation from her to allow you to have access to her healthcare history and care
You don’t want to be blocked from receiving any important care information from her healthcare team due to HIPAA. You’ll need to have all the information in order to be an effective caregiver.
Review legal and financial matters
If you aren’t already, now is the time to fill out the proper forms to become her power of attorney both financially and medically. If she already has a power of attorney, work with them and your elderly loved one now to discuss what needs your loved one may have as the disease progresses.
Build your Support Team
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be rewarding, but it’s also exhausting and you’ll appreciate having support. It might mean finding a support group to join, mapping out family responsibilities, or hiring an Alzheimer’s Home Care provider now to come to the home to help.
Hire Alzheimer’s Care Providers Early for Your Loved One
While your loved one may still be able to do many things for herself, as the disease progresses, she’ll slowly lose those abilities. She may lose the ability to care for herself, go for walks alone, and many other daily tasks. By having an Alzheimer’s Care Provider visit the home soon after the diagnosis, she will become familiar and comfortable with the help they offer. You will benefit by having a trained Alzheimer’s Home Care provider who can help you navigate the unknown terrain that Alzheimer’s will lead you through.
If you or an ageing loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Home Care in Edmonton, please contact the caring staff at Serving Hands Senior Care today. Call (780) 963-1516
Premiere Home Health and Senior Home Care services in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Devon, St. Albert, Edmonton, Onoway, Leduc, Parkland County and surrounding communities since 2016.
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