Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care – The First Steps After Diagnosis

When the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s or dementia, there are a number of steps you can take to relieve the stress and concern you and your loved one may be feeling. Understanding Alzheimer’s & dementia care options will help you cope with the challenges.

How quickly various symptoms develop depends on the cause of the dementia, how much it has progressed before diagnosis, and the type of care after diagnosis. Even if you expect to be the primary caregiver, or if you have loving family members living nearby who can help share the load, a great first step is to consult with experienced Alzheimer’s & dementia care providers who can explain what lies ahead and what to look out for.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care Considerations

Keeping an Alzheimer’s or dementia patient in his or her own familiar home is beneficial to maintaining as much memory and cognitive function as possible. Moving into a nursing home and being cared for by an ever changing group of unfamiliar people can add to confusion, compounding mental and emotional difficulties.

Home Care Safety

Another important consideration of Alzheimer’s & dementia care is the physical safety of the home. A home which was previously safe can quickly pose unexpected dangers to someone experiencing memory loss and confusion. A staff member of Home and Hearth Caregivers can visit a home and alert you to potential dangers as well as make helpful suggestions.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care Resources

Our advisors can also provide contact information for support groups in your community or online, both for your family member and for yourself. This allows you both to see that you are not alone. Plus, you will begin making friendships with people who understand what you’re going through and who can help you when you may need more support.

Live-in Care

In time, your parent or spouse is likely to need someone present in their home 24 hours a day. For most people, the stress of being a full time caregiver can become overwhelming. We know what you are facing. It is a truly difficult road, but our caregivers have been down it before.

We understand all of the emotions and worries family members experience after a loved one has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Just know that we are here to help you. Asking us for information regarding your family member and how best to plan for their days ahead is without obligation. You have compassionate options, and you don’t have to do it all alone.