Legal Documents: There are three crucial documents that need to be drawn up, ideally while your loved one can still talk coherently and represent themself: a living will, a durable power of attorney for health care, and a durable financial power of attorney. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Support System: Making a plan to share as much of your loved one’s care with others is best done sooner rather than later. You’re not asking them to become caregivers, you’re asking them to support you as a caregiver. Things like shopping and cooking a couple times a month, stepping in to take them to their appointments, or even just spending time with them while you take some time for yourself can make a huge difference. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Slow Immersion: Becoming a caregiver doesn’t happen overnight. You’ll need to slowly start taking over the jobs your loved one has always done and start small. Paying bills, cooking meals every once in a while, laundry, and driving when you go out are just a few examples. As the dementia progresses this list will grow. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Crucial Questions: The following are a few examples of great questions to ask your doctor after a diagnosis: What are some reasons for the changes I’ve seen? What medicines help with memory loss? Is there help to pay for that medicine? What services does my down have to help with care? When will things like living alone and driving become dangerous? Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Speak Plainly: It’s crucial your doctors speak plainly with you and your loved one, even when it’s difficult news to deliver. Don’t leave the doctor’s office until you feel like you know what has been said and write down things you need to remember. Avoiding miscommunications like this will save a lot of time, energy, and emotional drain in the long-run. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

What is AD?: It’s important to know that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a disease of the brain, NOT a type of mental illness. This distinction can help you better understand what your loved one is going through and help you find the correct resources. The symptoms also depend on the individual, so one-size-fits-all advice may not apply to your loved one. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

The Late Stage: This stage of Alzheimer’s can last from 1 to 3 years. Their needs will change greatly during this stage. This is the time of total care, when they are no longer able to care for themselves. Making sure systems are in place to keep each day organized and consistent can positively influence this time for both you and your loved one. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.