If your mom has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s there’s not a moment to lose. Alzheimer’s has a ticking clock, and the sooner that you and your mom take action the better the chances are that she will be able to slow down the progression of the disease.
Immediately after the diagnosis, you may feel helpless, and like you’re not really sure what to do to help her. That’s normal. It’s important that you support your mom during this time and let her know that you will be there to help her during her journey.
It’s also important to start making plans and taking steps. There’s no time to waste. Soon after your mom is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s you should:
Get Alzheimer’s Home Care
Alzheimer’s home care is specialized care for seniors who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The caregivers that provide Alzheimer’s care have training and experience helping seniors with Alzheimer’s. Even though right now your mom may be able to take relatively good care of herself setting up Alzheimer’s care is a good idea.
Building a strong bond with a caregiver now will help your mom later on when she does need additional help. A caregiver who has training in how to help seniors with Alzheimer’s can help the whole family learn about Alzheimer’s and how it can impact your mom in the future.
Talk About Her Wishes
Your mom is never going to be more mentally sharp than she is now. That’s hard to accept, but it’s true. So you should talk with her about her wishes now. Write them down or record your conversation so that you have proof for the future of what her wishes are. Talk about whether or not she wants to continue living at home, what family heirlooms she wants each family member to have, and other important things so that her wishes are on the record.
Start Therapy
Occupational therapy can help your mom build up her muscle memory so that she will be able to do things like grip a glass, faster a button, and do other tasks as her health declines. Music and art therapies can help your mom keep her cognitive skills strong. Talk to her doctor or an Alzheimer’s advocate about different types of therapy that are available for seniors with Alzheimer’s.
Find a Support Group
Going through Alzheimer’s with a senior parent is tough physically and emotionally. You’re going to witness some difficult-to-watch changes as your mom’s disease progresses. It can really help to talk with other people who are going through the same thing. Find a support group for adult children of seniors who have Alzheimer’s. It can be a great support for you so that you can support your mom.
Build a Relationship With Her Doctor
You will need to work closely with her doctor, so it’s a good idea to connect with the doctor and start advocating for your mom now. Book an appointment with the doctor and use that appointment time to ask questions without your mom there. You can get a lot of valuable information that will help you plan for the future.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Home Care in Marietta, GA, please contact the caring staff at Arose Home Care Services LLC today at (404) 720-5385
At Arose Home Care Services, LLC, we provide exceptional medical and non-medical home care for seniors and families in Carrollton, Marietta, Douglasville, Acworth, Fayetteville, Powder Springs, Hiram, Lithia Springs, Stone Mountain, Kennesaw, Atlanta, and the surrounding areas in Georgia.
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