An Alzheimer’s diagnosis is always difficult news for an aging adult. If this is your first time caring for a senior with Alzheimer’s disease, you may wonder what you can do to help your older loved one after the diagnosis. Use these tips to put together a care plan that boosts your loved one’s quality of life during each stage of the disease.
Provide Emotional Support
While you might be upset, you must keep in mind your loved one is likely experiencing a wide range of emotions. It’s also possible your loved one is still in denial about the diagnosis or not fully aware of what’s happening to his or her mind and body. Take care of your loved one emotionally during this time, and remember this type of diagnosis requires an adjustment for everyone. If necessary, arrange for counseling that can help you and your loved one learn how to emotionally handle the diagnosis.
If you need help caring for your loved one while he or she is living with the challenges of Alzheimer’s, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated at-home care, you can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.
Learn More about the Disease
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis may generate fear if you’ve only heard the worst things about the disease. However, Alzheimer’s care has been enhanced recently by advances in medicine and technology that have changed what it means to age with the disease. Finding new methods for enhancing your loved one’s care through each stage of the disease makes it possible to look toward the future with hope.
Practice Medication Management
Any changes in your loved one’s health may require adjustments to his or her medication regimen. However, seniors are most at risk for medication mishaps when they’ve had new prescriptions or dosing schedules added to their routines. Help your loved one create a schedule to follow for his or her medication, or arrange for professional medication management services that prevent dangerous interactions.
Professional in-home caregivers are trained to assist seniors with medication reminders. In Clearwater, elder care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Implement Memory-Retention Strategies
Brain training games may be effective for slowing the loss of your loved one’s memory. There are computer and video games designed to delay memory loss by strengthening neural connections in the brain. Alternatively, traditional crosswords and memory games can also help your loved one keep his or her mental skills sharp for as long as possible.
Discuss Long-Term Plans
Planning for your loved one’s long-term care can help your whole family feel confident about the future. Since your loved one may be able to help with the planning, it will be reassuring to know later that your decisions are aligned with his or her wishes. When the time is right, sit down and discuss options for long-term care, such as having a professional caregiver help with daily tasks so your loved one can continue to age in a familiar place.
For reliable Alzheimer’s care, Clearwater families can turn to Home Care Assistance. We are a leading provider of professional memory care designed to help seniors maintain a higher quality of life. In addition to Alzheimer’s care, we also provide comprehensive dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care. From revolutionary care programs to compassionate and dedicated caregivers, we can meet all of your Alzheimer’s care needs. Call us today at (727) 330-7862 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.