If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease or are experiencing a cognitive decline, there is work to do. There are appointments to be scheduled, care coordinated, and through it all life goes on.
Continue reading to find some discussion points on the disease that may help you or someone you love find a bit of order or perspective on Alzheimer’s right now.
Schedule Medical Appointments
The first order of business if you suspect a decline in cognitive abilities for you or a family member is to schedule an appointment with your general practitioner. They will conduct assessments to help determine the root cause of the symptoms. Some key factors to look for are:
- Confusion
- Forgetting recent conversations, names, and events
- Changes in behaviour
- Impaired judgement
- Withdrawal from activities
After seeing the GP for a comprehensive examination, your next step is to meet with the professionals at Dementech. Dementech Neurosciences is a private clinic established to provide one-on-one care for patients with a multitude of diagnoses, including Alzheimer’s Disease.
The patient’s treatment and care plan with the neurologist will vary depending on which of the three stages the individual is currently in and what their respective abilities are at the time of assessment. A comprehensive plan will be created for the patient including testing, treatment options, management and care, and respect for continued quality of life.
Evaluate the Living Situation
Safety and independence are two topics that will constantly swirl around an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. You want autonomy and self-sufficiency, and yet things will need to change if they have not already. This process can be easier than expected if everyone involved is able to have calm and respectful conversations with one another about how best to handle the living situations.
Sometimes the healthcare provider needs to get involved. At a minimum, they will offer guidance about what the patient is capable of in terms of independent living at each stage. If living alone is still a viable and safe choice, ensure a plan of care is in place to check on the patient regularly.
Should symptoms have progressed, or someone is uncomfortable living alone, it is time to consider alternative living arrangements. A care home is a viable solution as the staff are trained to provide comfortable, safe, and productive care throughout all the stages of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Care at home with family members is an option for many. With this arrangement, everyone living in the home must agree with the living situation for it to work. It can become stressful and burdensome for families to care for someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s round the clock. Make schedules for care and hire respite caregivers as needed to alleviate some of the responsibilities. If you are caring for your children and a parent with this disease, reach out to get help so everyone can live their best life together.
Watch this comprehensive guide on Alzheimer’s and dementia for tips on how to handle the diagnosis.
Work with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis instead of against it. No one wants this disease, but with a proper care team, everyone can work together to help reduce stress and manage a new reality together.
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