Diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease... Now What?

Diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease...

Now What?

All too often people are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, given a prescription, told to make an appointment in 3-6 months, and sent on their way. They are not told that after getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease it is important to start planning ahead. Without appropriate planning for future care needs and financial/legal needs families are often left scrambling at the last minute to find resources. Lack of planning often results in family conflict, caregiver stress, depression, and burnout.

Alzheimer's disease is a long journey of uncertainty. Your loved ones needs will change as she advances through the various stages of the disease. In the beginning stages she may still be able to live independently and make her own medical and financial decisions. As the disease progresses, your loved one will loose the ability to make appropriate decisions for herself. Usually this is when a family member takes over medical and financial responsibilities and becomes primary caregiver. Having long term plans in place will help make this transition a little bit easier.

Below is a list of key issues that you will want to consider when making long term plans for yourself or your loved one.   

Financial Affairs:

It is very important that people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease get their financial affairs together while they are still able to make their own choices. Bank statements and other financial papers should be organized and placed in a file for easy access. A financial power of attorney should be considered. A financial power of attorney should be someone trusted and who will act in the person's best interest.  An attorney can help draw up the required paperwork.  Important paperwork should be stored in a place where it can easily be found.

Funeral Arrangements:

Making funeral arrangements at a time of grief can be very stressful some of the stress can be alleviated by pre-planning. A representative at the funeral home can help your loved one through the process.

Advance Directives:

Advance directives are legal documents that allow individuals to state what type of medical care they would want if they were too ill or hurt to express their wishes. It is important to have an advanced directive, as it informs the health care providers and family about their loved ones desire for medical treatment in the event they are not able to speak for themself.  A living will and durable power of attorney for health care are two types of advance directives. Learn more about advance directives at Plaques and Tangles.

Benefits:

Look at all the benefits that are available including private insurance and government programs such as medicaid. The cost of Alzheimer's disease is expensive.  Your loved one will want to make sure that they have the resources to help pay for future medical care and living needs.  An attorney knowledgeable about elder care law will be able to help them find the financial resources that they are eligible for. Getting benefits in order can take some time and if they plan to apply for government assistance the application process can take several months to a year to complete.

Living Arrangements:

At some point your loved one will not be able to live alone. Future living arrangement should be considered now.  Options include; hiring a live-in 24 hour caregiver, moving in with a friend or family member, assisted living facilities, or nursing homes. It is recommended that you start looking at assisted living facilities and nursing homes now. The sooner you get an application in the better. The waiting lists are very long and it could take years before there is an opening. If a facility calls with an opening before your loved one is ready, you can turn down the offer and remain on the list. By doing this, your loved one will more than likely get into the facility of their choice.

Support:

Those diagnosed and their family members may want to join a support group to help learn as much as they can about Alzheimer's disease. Call the local Alzheimer Association for information on support groups in their area. If support groups are not an option, join a support group online.  Support groups such as Plaques and Tangles can provide education, resources, and support about Alzheimer's disease.  If these suggestions don't work,  please seek support from family, clergy or a trusted friend.

Driving:

A person with an Alzheimer's diagnosis does not necessarily have to stop driving immediately, but it is important to ensure that they are still driving safely. Some of the signs of unsafe driving include; forgetting how to locate familiar places; failing to observe traffic signs; making slow or poor decisions in traffic; driving at an inappropriate speed; becoming angry or confused while driving; hitting curbs; poor lane control; making errors at intersections; confusing the brake and gas pedals; forgetting the destination they are driving to during the trip. If ability to function in the home has declined then ability to drive has also declined.

Working:

Some people with Alzheimer's disease continue to work. A frank discussion with their employer should help determine what responsibilities they should continue with.

It is best to start long term planning soon after receiving a diagnosis. There are many resources available to help guide people through the process. Elder care attorneys, social workers and agencies such as AARP and the state's Agency on Aging services are great resources to help people through this difficult process.For more information on Alzheimer's disease, please visit http://www.plaquesandtangles.com/