Alzheimer's Disease Stages

Family Coping for the Stages of Alzheimer's

 

Finding out a loved one has Alzheimer's disease can be a stressful, frightening and overwhelming experience. Upon hearing of the diagnosis, seek out advice from professionals as well as from people who have gone through the same experience. Several local, state and federal organizations can provide insight and support in coping with a family member who has Alzheimer's disease.

Medical Advice

Discuss any questions about Alzheimer's disease with the patient's doctor. Accompany the patient to each doctor's visit to find out what treatments might work best to relieve symptoms. Always address any recent changes in behavior, and ask for advice in how to manage them. After confirming the diagnosis, ask the health-care provider for resources to better understand what to expect as the disease progresses.

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Alzheimer's Organizations

Contact local, state and federal organizations for information on the disease, treatment options, and care giving resources. Some community groups may offer classes that teach care-giving skills. Larger cities usually have active Alzheimer's organizations that can provide a wealth of information from coping skills to finding medical professionals and facilities local to the patient's home.

Local Support Groups

Find a local support group for caregivers. Often, other members of support groups can offer useful ideas and suggestions based on their own experiences. Quite often local support groups have weekly or monthly meetings where members get together to discuss ideas and concerns. These groups often provide information that could take months to discover.

Developing Routines

Develop a daily routine to make care giving easier on the caregiver as well as the family member with Alzheimer's. Take into account times of day when the person is less confused or prone to be more cooperative. Schedule meals around times when other family members can be available to assist either with the family member or in meal preparation.

Time for Caregivers

Make time for caregivers to take an occasional break by using an adult day care service or respite service for the person with Alzheimer's disease. Caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease can be frustrating and difficult at times, so having a backup can be an extremely valuable resource.

Planning for the Future

Plan for the future by getting financial and legal advice and documents in order, exploring long-term care options and investigating what services are available through health insurance, Medicare and state agencies. Having a plan that all family members agree on can make medical, financial and business decisions much easier during difficult times.