Preparing for Alzheimer's and dementia care
When you have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or Dementia you will be going through a lot of emotions, as will your family. It is a very hard thing to come to terms with and you may not know what the future holds for you. Although this is a very stressful time for everyone involved there are a few things that you can do to prepare yourself for the future.
There are some Alzheimer's care preparations that should be done sooner rather than later. It will of course be hard to consider these questions at first and you may feel overwhelmed but just remember, answering these questions now will greatly help you or your loved one in the future.
Who will make healthcare and/or financial decisions for you?
While this is a difficult topic to bring up, it is an important one, the person you chose to handle this important task should have your very best interests at heart. You should write your wishes down so that they are preserved. You will want to consider power of attorney for both healthcare and finances.
How will care needs be met?
Sometimes a spouse or family member will take on this role but this can be very stressful for them and so other alternatives should be consider. You may want to considering getting some in home care that can assist you with your daily life instead.
Where will the person live?
Is their home safe and easy to access? If it isn't, it may be worth considering having them move now so that they can get settled. If they live far away from family members then it may also be wise to relocate them.