7 Steps Families Should Take After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

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Steps to Take Following an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis in Edmonton, AB

Caring for an elderly loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging. However, there are a few steps you take after the diagnosis to alleviate some of the issues you may confront in the years that follow. In addition to learning more about Alzheimer’s disease, you may also need to come up with a long-term care plan that works for everyone involved. With a little hard work and perseverance, you can make sure your loved one stays as healthy and content as possible. 

1. Educate Yourself

There are a few pervasive myths surrounding Alzheimer’s disease, which is why it is important to research every aspect of this condition. To properly care for your loved one, you need to know about the treatment options available for Alzheimer’s disease and their side effects. You can also research some natural methods that slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, like brain games and other stimulating activities.

Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Edmonton Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.

2. Take a Look at Your Finances

Taking care of a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease can strain a family’s finances. To prevent financial difficulties in the coming years, carefully look over your loved one’s finances as well as your own. You can then sit down with your loved one and come up with a strict budget for medical treatments, living expenses, and caregiving options. 

3. Speak with Your Family and Friends

Caregivers may need to speak with their family members and friends about the kind of help they are going to need when caring for a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. While your loved one is still lucid, you should have a conversation with your entire family regarding your plans for the coming years. The conversation might include topics such as caregiving responsibilities, living arrangements, financial assistance, and in-home care options.

4. Find a Team of Medical Specialists

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but a team of specialists can help you manage some of its symptoms. The healthcare specialists might suggest your loved one should meet with a geriatric psychologist or neuropsychiatrist for ongoing therapy. Some seniors with Alzheimer’s may also benefit from medications that balance their hormones and reduce their stress levels. 

5. Work on Your Loved One’s Overall Health

Keeping your loved one healthy is one of the best ways to minimize the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. You loved one can stick to a nutritious diet and continue to exercise for as long as possible. Many seniors with Alzheimer’s disease experience a decrease in their overall health, which may speed up the progression of this disorder. 

6. Explore All of Your Caregiving Options

There are many ways to assist a senior who has Alzheimer’s disease, and your needs are sure to evolve as time goes on. Initially, you and your family members might be able to care for your loved one without any help. As the disease progresses, you should consider options such as in-home respite care. 

If you are the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Edmonton, Alberta, Home Care Assistance is here to help. Our respite caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.

7. Take Care of Legal and Medical Matters

Another task you need to complete while your loved one is still lucid is planning out his or her medical and financial matters. Most experts agree that seniors with Alzheimer’s disease should sit down with someone they trust and fill out a power of attorney form. Once the form is signed, the chosen spouse or family member will be able to make financial and medical decisions for the senior.

Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease can benefit from professional in-home care. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Edmonton Home Care Assistance can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your aging loved one, call us at (780) 490-7337 today.

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