As a new caregiver you probably have many questions about your future role caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). There is no questioning the fact that early education is your first line of defense in combating this devastating disease. Here are some common questions and answers to help new caregivers define your potential caregiver role and hopefully to help make it a more rewarding experience.
1. Where will your loved one with AD live? Consider any medical needs and your ability to physically and emotionally care for your loved one on a daily basis. In the early stages of the disease, caregiving may involve a very small time commitment, but as the disease progresses that will change and your strategy for caregiving must evolve as well. Perhaps a long term care facility, or enlisting the help of other family members would be the best option down the road, depending on personal preferences and/or long term medical needs.
2. Will you employ outside help such as home health care professionals to assist with the daily caregiving tasks? Depending on the severity of symptoms and stage of Alzheimer’s your loved one is experiencing you may need additional help to get through the caregiving routine each day. These are some of the considerations that can be planned out ahead to ease the burden of making difficult decisions during stressful times when your loved one’s symptoms become more severe.
3.Are all of the financial plans in place? Talk to family members about retirement and/or savings plans and bank accounts, to determine in advance how money will be allocated for taking over payment of monthly bills and medical care.
4.Are legal matters taken care of? Is there a living will or power of attorney in place for making financial, medical and/or legal decisions? Now is the time to begin the planning stages of long term legal matters for your loved one with AD.
5.Are you up to date on the latest information regarding Medicare and Social Security benefits? Ensure that your loved one is getting all of the benefits he/she is entitled to.
Learn more about Alzheimer’s disease by CLICKING HERE to join our 25 lessons for AD caregivers at AlzU.org today.
