Alzheimer’s Action Plan: Tips for taking action after a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s

For a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease, the initial diagnosis will likely come as a shock. Once the emotional reaction subsides, it is possible for loved ones in earlier stages to take back some control over their lives. By creating an action plan, loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease can take an active role in preparing themselves and their families for what may come down the road. Doing so may also help them build support immediately while also providing a valuable gift for family members who might otherwise find themselves having to guess at a loved one’s desires as symptoms progress.

The specific details of a blue print for the future will vary based on personal circumstances and needs. These points, however, can be helpful to consider:

• Building a team can be beneficial – People living with Alzheimer’s disease may not need much support during the initial stages when symptoms are few. As symptoms progress, however, a network of support can make life easier for the loved one and family involved. Building that network in advance can provide peace of mind and valuable guidance down the road. In addition to family and caregiver support, it can be helpful to enlist the assistance of a financial planner, elder law attorney, a doctor and even a geriatric care manager.

• Preparing paperwork in advance removes complications – Taking care of such things as wills, power of attorney, advanced directives, insurance documentation and other legal and financial issues during the early stages can set a path for loved ones to follow down the road. When the decisions are made in advance by the loved one, family isn’t left guessing at what the person would like to see happen with medical care, finances, property and possessions.

• Choosing a long-term memory care facility eases the road ahead – It can also be extremely helpful for loved ones to consider their long-term care options personally. A residential memory care residence, for example, will likely be required in the future,and selecting one in advance can greatly ease this concern for family. Early stages provide an excellent opportunity to review options, tour memory care residences and learn more about the assistance that might be available when symptoms progress.

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t have to mean a loved one must give up complete control over their future. By preparing a blue print in advance, loved ones can make it less stressful for family and friends to provide care down the road.

About AuthorThe Cottages have been operating in Texas since 1997 and are family owned and operated by The Cottages Senior Living. The Cottages are state-of-the-art certified assisted living residences for people living with Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders.

The Cottages have been operating in Texas since 1997 and are family owned and operated by The Cottages Senior Living.