What Can Family Caregivers Do if They Suspect a Senior Has Dementia?
Any changes in a beloved family member’s behavior or abilities can be a little scary to witness, especially when those changes are very out of character. What can family caregivers do when they see these changes and worry that it’s something serious like dementia? Following some of these steps can help to alleviate some of the worry and can help families line up assistance like Alzheimer’s home care services early in the entire process.
Signs of Dementia
There are many different forms of dementia, but they can share some common indicators. Memory loss, especially around recent events, is a symptom that many people recognize. Seniors in the beginning stages of dementia may also have trouble communicating, experience confusion more often, or exhibit changes in personality. They can also have more trouble with daily tasks like grooming or cooking.
Schedule an Evaluation
The first step for families when they notice some of these signs is to schedule an evaluation with a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis ensures that seniors have a head start on planning care and determining treatment options. This can also be a good time to start lining up Alzheimer’s care services since they can help families keep things running smoothly while they figure out what happens next.
Document Symptoms
Before the evaluation, it can help for family caregivers to start documenting symptoms they’ve noticed. Seniors may also have some to add to the list. If seniors have experienced any changes, like to their diet or medications, it’s good to include that information as well. Thorough notes can help healthcare providers notice patterns that might indicate what is going on.
Learn as Much as Possible About Dementia
Alzheimer’s home care providers can also help seniors and family caregivers learn more about dementia and how it impacts seniors. Home care providers have helped a lot of dementia patients and they can help families find resources they need. It’s also important to ask questions during medical appointments and narrow down specifics about the senior’s individual situation.
Develop a Care Plan
After a diagnosis, putting together a care plan helps families manage the changing needs that a dementia patient is going to experience. Alzheimer’s care providers can help family caregivers understand more about what types of support seniors will need on a daily basis and how to prepare for safety concerns. Each plan is different because each patient’s needs are different.
Keep Seniors Involved
For as long as possible, families need to keep seniors involved in decisions about their care plans. Seniors with dementia are robbed of so much control and choice as their disease progresses. When they’re able to make some of those choices before their condition worsens, it can help them to experience some peace about the diagnosis.
Waiting to get more information or a diagnosis doesn’t help. Families need to get answers as soon as they think there might be a problem so that they can line up the right Alzheimer’s care and support. Ultimately, knowing what they’re up against allows families to plan ahead as much as possible.