Caring for a loved one with dementia is often a full time job and requires a village. Many people are not sure about what path to take or the necessary steps early on. Here are some basic tips to guide the way and to foster clarity and the right focus!
Secure care management services privately through the Aging Life Care Association or your local Area Agency on Aging.
Have care management help you to assemble a care team early for support and advocacy including - Geriatric Primary Care Physician, Neurology, Geriatric Psychiatrist, Eldercare Attorney, Accountant, Financial Manager, homecare provider(s).
Do advanced care planning and clearly document your wishes in terms of care and other aspects of aging.
Try to take a mindfulness approach to living. Be in the moment, inject a healthy dose of humor when possible, and find joy in the simple things.
Seek opportunities for socialization and respite when needed. This is possible with proper support and guidance. Taking a break from time to time as a caregiver, still having a sense of self, and taking care of yourself too along the way is vital!
Begin with guidance to explore options for aging in place or in a memory care assisted living community. Get guidance from an aging expert such as a care manager for safe options for care, relocation best fit and transition planning to limit relocation trauma and support faster adjustment.
Have a care binder for easy access in case of emergency including at least the following: emergency contacts, medication list, medical and surgical history, allergies, provider list, copy of license or photo ID and insurance cards, health care power of attorney / advanced directive, financial power of attorney.
Ensure that you have properly executed legal documents through an elder care attorney.
If your loved one lacks capacity, seek guidance from an eldercare attorney on next steps to support care.
If you have a long-term care policy, read it and find out what your out-of-pocket costs will be, mechanisms to activate the policy, and other specifics.
Ensure that you have consults and diagnostics through neurology to ensure diagnosis clarity and for planning purposes.
If you are given a diagnosis of dementia unspecified obtain further opinions to pinpoint the dementia diagnosis further for planning and proper treatment.
Seek a specialized neurologist if you have a movement disorder.
Have a good geriatric primary care physician with a specialty in dementia and if possible a group that does house calls.
Involve a geriatric psychiatrist or neuropsych early on to ensure you have the proper support, as they will be a critical team member in managing any stress behavors .
Become an expert — knowledge is power in terms of supporting care for a loved one and for educating others and fostering change!
Become involved in community programs for support, education, and socialization. Find your people! The road is best traveled with others!
Ask questions and try whenever possible to avoid acute care settings unless absolutely necessary — discuss mechanisms to support this with your primary geriatric physician and other care team members.
Contact a local care manager, ombudsman, or patient-relations in an acute care setting if challenges are noted.
Be proactice in terms of the home environment. Often a care manager can be helpful in this regard through a home assessment, planning consult, and safety evaluation.
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