Do you have a loved one recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s? You and your family are not alone. Currently, more than 6 million Americans are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and that number is expected to increase dramatically in the coming years. Despite the prevalence of Alzheimer’s, it is often a lonely experience for those diagnosed and their families.
Having a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is life-changing. Everyone will feel the effects of the disease, so it’s essential to have a plan in place to ensure support and relief for everyone. Here are some helpful tips and steps for your loved one and yourself after a diagnosis.
Protect Your Health as a Caregiver
As a caregiver, you’ve decided to be your loved one’s primary caretaker. The best thing you can do to care for them is to stay physically and emotionally strong.
In order to do this, it’s vital that you take care of yourself—and that includes getting enough rest and exercise; eating well; staying socially connected with friends and family; setting aside time for hobbies or other interests, and finding ways to relax. Home Health Companions can help you relax and provide you with a caregiver three or more days a week, four hours daily.
Find a Support Group
After a diagnosis, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Finding a support group can help both those diagnosed and their caregivers cope with the life changes:
- Find a support group near you. Alzheimer’s Association chapters, community centers, and local senior centers often host support groups for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. You can also search online for local groups that meet in person or on the phone.
- Call the Alzheimer’s Association Helpline at (866) 232-8484 to learn more about helpful resources in your area and how they can help you navigate this new stage in life.
Develop a Daily Care Plan
You should develop a daily care plan for your loved one. This can be customized to their individual needs and refined as their condition changes. The plan should be realistic for your family and consider the time, resources, and finances that may be needed to provide care.
The first step in developing a daily care plan is making sure you have all the necessary equipment and medications at home. Doing so ensures that if anything happens while you’re out running errands, a designated person to help will have everything they need. Having your daily care plan written and displayed in the home is helpful, so others who help have clear guidelines to follow.
Seek In-home Care Services
If you have a family member diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and would like them to stay in their home, the proper care services must be available. In-home care services can be lifesavers for both the person living with dementia and their caregivers. They allow Alzheimer’s patients to remain in a familiar environment while assisting in areas such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry. It also gives caregivers time away from daily household duties to give attention to other aspects of their life. This is especially important if you work full-time or still raise children at home.
Home Health Companions Is Here to Help
The more you know about the disease, the better equipped you are to care for your loved one and yourself. At Home Health Companions, we pride ourselves on our compassion and knowledge to help individuals and their families with Alzheimer’s.
We offer in-home assessments where we can determine the best course of action to give you and your loved one the support you all deserve. Together, we’ll discuss all of your options and help empower you to make choices that ensure the best quality of life, security, and happiness for the entire family.
At Home Health Companions, we’re proud to be a licensed in-home care company that specializes in working with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. To start your in-home assessment, contact us at (214)295-8213 or at our website contact form.
