YOUR GUIDE TO NAVIGATING A DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS
HELPFUL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES TO SUPPORT YOU
We know that receiving a diagnosis of a dementia-related illness or seeing or experiencing symptoms can be difficult for the individual, families, and care partners. While Alzheimer’s and dementia related illnesses do not yet have a cure, there are many things you can do to face the challenges, find acceptance, maintain your quality of life for longer, and most importantly, live your life with intention. The guide will help you understand more about related illnesses and the treatments, support, and available services. It includes information on how you can live as well as possible, and about making plans for the future.
Dementia Statistics
As people are living longer, we are seeing an increase in the number of individuals living with a dementia. According to the CDC, by 2050, it is expected that 14 million individuals will develop Alzheimer’s disease. In the US alone, in 2013 an estimated 5 million Americans aged 65 years or older had Alzheimer’s disease. This number may triple to as high as 13.8 million people by 2050. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the total number of new cases of dementia-related illnesses each year worldwide is nearly 9.9 million, implying 1 new case every 3 seconds. The number of people living with a dementia is expected to increase to 75 million in 2030 and 132 million in 2050 across the world.
DID YOU KNOW? Two-thirds of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a dementia related disease are women. This is not just because on average women tend to live longer than men but because they may also be more biologically disposed. To raise awareness and research, the Alzheimer’s Association started My Brain Movement and have created the Women’s Alzheimer’s Research Initiative (WARI) to "directly advance clinical studies focused on women and Alzheimer’s disease and investigations led by female researchers."
"Normal" Aging or Something More?
As we age, our bodies and minds change. Perhaps we tend to misplace our keys, forget exactly where we parked our car at the shopping center, or realize that it’s getting a little harder to walk up that hill in our neighborhood. While these changes could be a normal part of the aging process, we want to be aware that when these seemingly common issues become regular occurrences, there may be something more at play. Dementia-related illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, is not a normal part of aging. Various factors increase the risk of someone developing a dementia. These include aging, genes, health, and lifestyle (for example, exercise, diet or smoking). If you are concerned about your memory, or if you are worried about changes you have noticed with memory, communication, personality or behavior in someone close to you, it is important to consult a physician as soon as possible, so that an accurate diagnosis can be made. Also, keep in mind that there are certain other health conditions such as depression, stress, infections, vascular problems, Hypothyroidism, and metabolic disorders such as B-12 Deficiency that can all affect a person’s alertness, memory, and brain function so getting a diagnosis is important as these can be easily treated.
Impact
The impact of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia can be extensive as the illness will impact a person’s ability to communicate, care for themselves, relate to the external world, as well as impact relationships with family, friends and community. The physical, emotional, and economic pressures of caring for a person living with a dementia can be overwhelming and can cause great stress to families and care partners. Knowing this, finding opportunities to connect and receive support are so important. Work with your health care professional and other community supports to find the correct resources for you and your family.
Types of Dementia
While they are commonly interchanged, dementia and Alzheimer’s are not the same diseases. Unlike Alzheimer’s, which is a specific long-term memory disease, dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with the activities of daily living. While many people are familiar with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia, most are unfamiliar with the many other types of dementia. Many of these present with symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s Disease which is why it can take longer to find a specific diagnosis. Of the 400 types of dementia, here are the most common aside from Alzheimer’s disease: Alzheimer’s Disease:
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia accounting for 60-70% of cases worldwide. It is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. The most common early symptom of Alzheimer's is difficulty remembering newly learned information because Alzheimer's changes typically begin in the part of the brain that affects learning. As Alzheimer's advances through the brain it leads to increasingly severe symptoms, including disorientation, mood and behavior changes; deepening confusion about events, time and place; unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers; more serious memory loss and behavior changes; and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.
Vascular Dementia:
Vascular dementia is a decline in thinking skills caused by conditions that block or reduce blood flow to various regions of the brain, depriving them of oxygen and nutrients. In vascular dementia, changes in thinking skills sometimes occur suddenly after a stroke, which blocks major blood vessels in the brain. Thinking difficulties may also begin as mild changes that gradually worsen as a result of multiple minor strokes or another condition that affects smaller blood vessels, leading to widespread damage. While closely associated with strokes, a stroke is not indicative of developing this dementia. Lewy Body Dementia:
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a type of progressive dementia that leads to a decline in thinking, reasoning and independent function because of abnormal microscopic deposits that damage brain cells over time. Many people with Lewy body dementia experience movement symptoms, such as hunched posture, rigid muscles, a shuffling walk, and trouble initiating movement. This overlap in symptoms and other evidence suggests that Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's disease and Parkinson's related dementia may be linked to the same underlying abnormalities in how the brain processes the protein alpha-synuclein. Frontotemporal Dementia:
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) or frontotemporal degenerations refers to a group of disorders caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the brain's frontal lobes (the areas behind your forehead) or its temporal lobes (the regions behind your ears). There are two variants, a behavioral variant, and language variant, in which symptoms are different based on the area of the brain impacted. Mixed Dementia:
Individuals can have several different types of dementia at one time. Researchers are performing autopsy studies to learn more about this condition and how it might be properly treated in the future. Parkinson’s Related Dementia:
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that damages the central nervous system. A chemical messenger in the brain called dopamine helps control and coordinate muscle movement. Over time, Parkinson’s disease destroys the nerve cells that make dopamine. Without this chemical messenger, the nerve cells cannot properly relay instructions to the body. This causes a loss of muscle function and coordination. As the disease progresses and spreads in your brain, it can affect the parts of your brain responsible for mental functions, memory, and judgment. Young Onset Dementia:
Alzheimer's is not just a disease of old age. Young-onset (also known as early-onset) Alzheimer's affects people younger than age 65. Up to 5 percent of the more than 5 million Americans with Alzheimer’s have younger onset. While some of your symptoms may be similar, you will often face different challenges and need different kinds of support than those who are older. These individuals may have a younger family, financial commitments such as a mortgage, and you may still be working. You may also have different interests and expectations of how you can continue to live well with a dementia.
Most Common Warning Signs
If the memory loss has begun to disrupt daily life, symptoms such as a slow decline in reasoning, thinking and memory, could be symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementia-related illnesses. An individual could present with one or more of these signs and symptoms in varying degrees. It is important to consult a physician if you consistently notice any of the following: Memory Loss: • Problems recalling things that happened recently • Repeating things in conversation, such as asking the same question over and over Difficulty Thinking Things Through & Planning: • Difficulty concentrating, following a series of steps, grasping new ideas or problem-solving • Struggling with familiar tasks, such as following a recipe or managing your finances (for example, your pension or bank accounts) Problems with Language: • Word finding difficulty • Increased challenge in following a conversation or misinterpreting things you hear Confusion with Time or Place: • Losing track of what time, date or season it is • Getting lost or not knowing where you are, even in a familiar place Visual perception difficulties: • Problems judging distances (for example, on stairs) • Misinterpreting patterns or reflections in mirrors Mood Changes or Difficulties Controlling Emotions: • Becoming unusually anxious, sad, frightened, irritable or easily upset • Losing interest in things and becoming withdrawn • Lacking self-confidence
Getting Diagnosed
If you feel the symptoms you are experiencing could be Alzheimer’s Disease or a dementia related illness, you need to get an official diagnosis. Getting a diagnosis, however, can take time as dementia related illnesses can be difficult to diagnose, especially in the early stages. A number of tests and assessments may be necessary to achieve a definitive diagnosis and to eliminate other potential illnesses with dementia-like symptoms. Most people will initially see their Primary Care Physician to discuss concerns, perhaps over memory and communication problems or changes in behavior. Your primary care physician may offer a preliminary diagnosis before referring the person to a memory clinic, neurologist or psychiatrist for further testing: GERIATRIC ASSESSMENT Also known as a CGA or Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment — this is a multidimensional and multidisciplinary assessment of all aspects of your health from physical to cognitive. It includes an evaluation of all the things you use during day to day living including vision, hearing, and balance among others. Additionally, one can expect to receive treatment options, long-term care arrangements, caregiver responsibilities along with medical, functional, and psychological evaluations. NEUROCOGNITIVE TESTS These measure brain function in a non-invasive way. They can help detect dementia early on because they test subtle changes in attention, perception, and hand-eye skills. The most common assessments for dementia are the MMSE (Mini-Mental State Exam) and the Mini-Cog test. The MMSE asks a series of questions while the Mini-Cog asks the person to complete two tasks. BRAIN IMAGING While brain scans are not always able to detect deficits in the brain due to dementia, they are a non-invasive technique that could identify some abnormalities and may be worth pursuing. Dementia related illnesses do not show up on MRI or CAT scans, however it can show up on the newest forms of positive emission tomography (PET) scans. By using radioactive tracers, a PET scan can highlight the protein amyloids. BLOOD TESTS Blood tests cannot detect Alzheimer’s or dementia related illnesses; however, they are important because they will help rule out other medical issues and should be part of a geriatric assessment. *To find out more about Medical Tests – we recommend going to https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/diagnosis/medical_tests
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “on average a person with Alzheimer’s lives four to eight years after diagnosis, but can live as long as 20 years, depending on other factors.” While the disease does progress with time, every case is different in regards to how long a person remains in each stage, and some may linger between stages making it harder to define what stage they are in.
EARLY STAGE
In the early stage of Alzheimer's, a person may function independently. He or she may still drive, work and be part of social activities. Despite this, the person may feel as if he or she is having memory lapses, such as forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects. Symptoms may not be widely apparent at this stage, but family and close friends may take notice and a doctor would be able to identify symptoms using certain diagnostic tools. Common difficulties include:
• Coming up with the right word or name.
• Remembering names when introduced to new people.
• Having difficulty performing tasks in social or work settings. • Forgetting material that was just read.
• Losing or misplacing a valuable object.
• Experiencing increased trouble with planning or organizing.
MIDDLE STAGES
Middle-stage Alzheimer's is typically the longest stage and can last for many years. As the disease progresses, the person with Alzheimer's will require a greater level of care. During the middle stage of Alzheimer’s, the dementia symptoms are more pronounced. The person may confuse words, get frustrated or angry, and act in unexpected ways, such as refusing to bathe. Damage to nerve cells in the brain can also make it difficult for the person to express thoughts and perform routine tasks without assistance.
MIDDLE STAGES (con't)
Symptoms, which vary from person to person, may include: • Being forgetful of events or personal history.
• Feeling moody or withdrawn, especially in socially or mentally challenging situations.
• Being unable to recall information about themselves like their address or telephone number, and the high school or college they attended. • Experiencing confusion about where they are or what day it is.
• Requiring help choosing proper clothing for the season or the occasion. • Having trouble controlling their bladder and bowels.
• Experiencing changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping during the day and becoming restless at night. • Showing an increased tendency to wander and become lost.
• Demonstrating personality and behavioral changes, including suspiciousness and delusions or compulsive, repetitive behavior like hand-wringing or tissue shredding. In the middle stage, the person living with Alzheimer’s can still participate in daily activities with assistance. It’s important to find out what the person can still do or find ways to simplify tasks. As the need for more intensive care increases, caregivers may want to consider respite care or an adult day center so they can have a temporary break from caregiving while the person living with Alzheimer’s continues to receive care in a safe environment.
LATE STAGE
In the final stage of the disease, dementia symptoms are severe. Individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, to carry on a conversation and, eventually, to control movement. They may still say words or phrases, but communicating pain becomes difficult. As memory and cognitive skills continue to worsen, significant personality changes may take place and individuals need extensive care. At this stage, individuals may:
• Require around-the-clock assistance with daily personal care.
• Lose awareness of recent experiences as well as of their surroundings.
• Experience changes in physical abilities, including walking, sitting and, eventually, swallowing. • Have difficulty communicating.
• Become vulnerable to infections, especially pneumonia. The person living with Alzheimer’s may not be able to initiate engagement as much during the late stage, but he or she can still benefit from interaction in ways that are appropriate, like listening to relaxing music or receiving reassurance through gentle touch. During this stage, caregivers may want to use support services, such as hospice care, which focus on providing comfort and dignity at the end of life. Hospice can be of great benefit to people in the final stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementias and their families.
Life After Diagnosis — What to Expect?
For some adults, getting a diagnosis can be a long process. Noticing symptoms, scheduling appointments and tests can be an emotional process. While each person is different, once you finally receive a diagnosis, it’s not uncommon to experience a wide range of emotions, or even to feel numb. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, here are a few of the most common emotions people with a dementia diagnosis have experienced: Anger: A dementia diagnosis can change the plans you had for your future. It’s not uncommon to feel angry after a diagnosis, especially when realizing the course of the disease cannot be controlled. Sense of Loss: Realizing the direction of your life is not what you had anticipated can cause you to grieve over the plans you have lost. Denial: It might take some time to process the diagnosis. It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by your diagnosis. Relief: A diagnosis can validate concerns you had about the symptoms you have been experiencing. You might feel relieved to know the changes you experienced were due to an illness. Isolation: Your diagnosis might make you feel alone and different from those around you. Processing your diagnosis can take some time. However, as you accept your diagnosis, you might find new ways to move forward while cultivating a fulfilling future for yourself and loved ones. As you work through your diagnosis, it’s important to find ways to take care of yourself both emotionally and physically. Many communities have support groups for those diagnosed with dementia. This can be a wonderful opportunity to build a support system to help you along your own dementia journey. While you work through your own emotions, you might be thinking about sharing the news of your diagnosis with family and friends.
Need additional help in understanding Alzheimer’s — take the FREE e-learning course with Alzheimer’s Association. Take the course here: https://training.alz.org/ products/4053/understanding-alzheimers-and-dementia?
Sharing Your Dementia Diagnosis with Family & Friends
It’s completely normal to be hesitant about sharing your diagnosis with your loved ones. However, as the disease progresses, it’s important to have a support system in place before you even need it. Telling your family and friends will allow you to build your support system early on and will enable you to face challenges more easily. Remember, you don’t have to tell everyone at one time. You have the ability to choose who you want to tell and how to tell them. Here are a few tips to help you share the news when you’re ready: • Think about who you want to share your diagnosis with first. You might choose to tell those who you feel closest to or who you spend the most time with. • Choose those who you want to be supported by as the disease progresses. • Go slowly. Sharing your diagnosis can be emotional. You aren’t obligated to talk about everything in one sitting. This can happen over time. • Take educational brochures with you to begin your conversation. This can be a great way to learn about the disease with those that will be supporting you. • Let people support you, but also be sure to tell them how you want to be supported. If you want to be supported in certain ways, like help with doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, or cooking meals, it’s important to express this to your friends and family.
Causes & Treatment
Because there are so many different types of dementia, it is difficult to identify the exact cause and therefore treatments. Underlying health issues, environment, and family history can impact a person’s potential for developing dementia. Other disorders, such as Huntington’s disease, traumatic brain injury, and Parkinson’s disease, are also linked to dementia. This means the risk of developing dementia is significantly increased when one of these disorders has already developed. While there is currently no cure for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, there are many ways to help slow the progression and minimize symptoms.
MEDICATIONS Your doctor will be your best guide for medications that may slow down memory loss and cognitive decline. SUPPORTIVE THERAPY Therapies such as speech, occupational or physical therapies may help people with aphasia (decline in speech and understanding) and movement disorders. PSYCHOTHERAPY The diagnosis of a dementia-related illness such as Alzheimer’s Disease can not only be devastating news to the person diagnosed but also to the family. Speaking to a professional can help ease the anxiety of what lies ahead and assist you with putting together a plan for coping with what is to come. LIFESTYLE Living a healthy lifestyle is always good for you but adding exercise and eating foods that boost immunity and brain function can only have positive effects on cognitive decline. COMMUNITY / ENVIRONMENT With the progression of the disease it may become more and more difficult for family alone to care for your loved one. This may be the time to consider a community that provides the assistance they need in order to keep them safe. Memory care units within senior living communities provide residents with ongoing engagement and the support of caregivers who are trained to work with people with dementias. MANAGEMENT OF SYMPTOMS Ongoing management of your disease as it changes and worsens is recommended. Each stage may bring new symptoms that need to be addressed. CLINICAL TRIALS Currently, clinical trials are underway to investigate many different interventions for dementia, from various forms of drug treatments to non-pharmacological approaches such as diet, exercise, cognitive training, and brain stimulation. Other studies are examining care partner issues and the effects of care partner-support programs. Signing up as a participant in a clinical trial can be a meaningful and inspiring experience. As a participant, you could personally benefit from a drug or treatment that turns out to be successful, and you may feel supported by people who really understand what you're dealing with, and also find a sense of community.
GAIN AGING BRAIN POWER Lifestyle Changes That Could Make A Difference
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EAT WISELY: Maintaining a healthy diet will help lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, reduce obesity, diabetes and improve circulation. A Mediterranean diet that is built primarily around vegetables, nuts, beans, and grains with a minimal amount of animal-based proteins is not only heart-healthy but brain healthy. ADD EXERCISE: Regardless of age, regular aerobic exercise is good for everyone. Begin slowly but add in some form of exercise at least three times a week. Walk with friends, take a yoga class, or dip into a pool. SOCIALIZE WITH OTHERS: Socialization is important for keeping us engaged. It not only helps with immune systems but also improves our mental and brain health. LEARN MORE: Use your brain and learn new things to keep it active. Pick up a new language or refresh one you know. BETTER SLEEP: Getting a good night’s sleep makes all the difference. Consistent poor sleep may contribute to cognitive decline. TREAT DEPRESSION: If you are living with depression, it can be beneficial to seek treatment. Through therapeutic interventions, you have an increased opportunity to implement lifestyle changes to improve health and quality of life.
Helping Your Loved One
Caregiving is both emotionally and physically challenging. Whether you’re caring for a spouse or a family member, it’s not uncommon to experience stress, especially as your normal routines change. When someone close to you is diagnosed with a dementia, changes in their brain make it difficult for them to communicate the same way as before. For example, they might make up words or replace words in a sentence that don’t fit with what they are trying to express. The one thing that doesn’t change however, is emotion and expression. People with dementia have a lot to say. This means that as caregivers and loved ones, we now need to step into their world and learn to communicate in new ways. Here are some tips to help you communicate as dementia progresses: Be Patient: A person with dementia is not forgetting on purpose or trying to frustrate you. Please be patient with them and remember it is not their fault. Redirect: Forgetting important information can be very scary or frustrating for someone with dementia. Redirection can be a tool that will relieve stress and open the door to new opportunities. The possibilities are endless but you might start by trying the following: • Invite them to participate in a new activity or a hobby they have always enjoyed • Ask questions related to a positive subject they like to discuss • Enjoy some favorite music
• Look at photographs together • Read a book or magazine • Offer a favorite food • Exercise
• Create a peaceful environment • Provide tasks
• Connect with friends and family
Step Into Their World: A person with dementia may not be able to tell dreams from reality or the past from the present. They may even experience hallucinations. It is important that we step into their world and don’t expect them to come back to ours. Find ways to go along with their story and ease their concerns. Fiblets: Stepping into their world can be aided by the use of "fiblets". Most of us were taught to tell the truth, and in most circumstances in life, this a good policy. However, when speaking to people with dementia there are times when the truth can be detrimental. For example, they may not recall that a loved one has passed. Reminding them regularly may cause them unnecessary distress. Limit Information: Someone with dementia may fixate and become stressed about an upcoming event, such as an upcoming visit from a family member or an appointment. It is often best to share these event details at the last minute to avoid allowing fears or frustrations to set in. Learn Their “Language”: While there are many similarities among people with a dementia diagnosis, it is important to understand that each person may have a slightly different way of communicating. It is important to learn their “language” and how they are trying to communicate their needs and emotions. Even if a resident is non-verbal they still communicate through body language and expression. If we take the time to understand their “language” we can help to greatly improve their quality of life and provide them with important services and validation they so desperately need.
Plan for the Future
In most instances, Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia-related illnesses do not occur overnight and you have some time to plan for the future. Once a diagnosis has been obtained, however, we suggest that you begin to think about your options. If your person with a dementia is currently living in their own home, make sure they are still able to care for themselves and keep an eye out for these warning signs: • How is their appearance? If they are normally well dressed and put together, has that started to change? • Is their home dirty or messier than normal?
• Check their refrigerator – are items old, stale, or out of date?
• Have monthly bills been paid? Check up on their latest bills, take a look at the mail • Take a look at their car if they still drive. Are there any new dents? Or scrapes?
• Double check appliances in case there may have been a fire or charred walls where an item was left unattended
• Are they in touch with you as often as they used to be or have they missed appointments? • Are they neglecting to take care of plants and or animals? • Has their doctor contacted you about concerns?
• Have any of their friends contacted you with worries about their situation?
Financial & Legal Planning
Make a Plan Before the Disease Progresses - It’s crucial to make a financial plan for the future. This might include anything from taking inventory of legal documents to making plans for your finances and property. You might even consider naming another person to make decisions on your behalf once you are no longer able to do so. Put your wishes with regards to medical treatment in a living will. Make sure you plan for your estate through a standard will or living trust. If you are the next of kin, your help with finances can be very valuable. Start by talking about how you can be helpful and focus on supporting your loved one's sense of independence. Then simplify the number of bank and investment accounts, get the right legal planning done, and find professional help for financial and care planning. Keep in mind that we all prefer to spend money in different ways. Part of your job is to help your loved one avoid really expensive mistakes. It is okay if you do not agree on everything your loved one wants to do. When you can, find ways to compliment your loved one how he or she had done so far.
Is It Time For Senior Living?
Senior living communities have evolved significantly over recent years and residents are offered a wide range of activities, programs, dining options, and living arrangements to make life as normal as possible. Communities like this are especially good for people who have lost a spouse or do not have immediate family living nearby. Here one can be engaged and social right within the walls of the community. Most have specific memory care neighborhoods geared to take care of people with all levels of memory impairment from the early to end stages. Are You Prepared to be a Full Time Caregiver? While family caregivers have all the best intentions, being a full-time caregiver can become overwhelming very quickly and should not be taken lightly. We suggest asking yourself the following questions to guide you to your next decision. CAREGIVER READINESS QUESTIONS
YES
NO
YES
NO
1. Am I physically able to provide the needed assistance? (Could I continue doing this work for weeks? Months? Years? Do I have physical limitations for the work involved? 2. Do my skills fit the profile of the tasks that need to be done? 3. Am I prepared to perform intimate caregiving chores like bathing and helping with toileting? 4. Think about the kinds of help your person needs? (Will I become easily upset and angry? Am I able to stay calm and treat family members with patience and kindness even when I feel tired and overworked with the responsibilities of being a caregiver?) 5. Can I free my schedule to be available when needed? (Can I free my schedule to be free at a moment’s notice for extended periods of time? Is my schedule flexible enough to provide help whenever needed?) 6. Can I afford to reduce or stop working? (Do I need to continue to work to meet my family’s and my current or future financial needs?) 7. Am I willing to reduce or neglect other obligations in order to give the care needed? (Do I have any roles or responsibilities that cannot be neglected?) 8. Are there any other people who depend on me for help (e.g. children, relatives?) 9. Giving care will not unduly stress other family relationships, i.e., with my spouse of other family members? Caregiver Readiness Total (# of yeses in items 1-9)
CAREGIVER PROTECTION QUESTIONS 10. How will I protect myself from getting so involved that I never take a break or get help? (Am I willing to ask for help if I need it? Is there help readily available for respite care? Do I have a list of contacts to ask for help when I need a break?) 11. Would I be willing to purchase care to supplement the care I can give? (Do I have the financial resources to purchase supplemental care? Would I be willing to pay someone to help me provide the care that is needed?) 12. Do the people around me support me in my decision? (Are they willing to share in some of the responsibilities? Do the important people in my life know about the care responsibilities I am taking on? Do they agree with my taking that role?) Caregiver Protection Total (# of yeses in items 10-12)
People interested in becoming caregivers should be able to answer positively to at least 6 of these questions. Negative answers show areas where more planning is necessary.
As you look at assisted living and memory care communities there are many things to consider. Some clear signs that indicate a change is needed include a deterioration in health, inability to manage finances, unable to maintain personal care, and lack of socialization. If you do have someone who is willing to be a caregiver, that too needs to be thought through carefully.
Things To Consider When Looking For An Assisted Living Residence
Once you have decided whether or not your love one will remain at home or if it is time to go to assisted living, there are some questions you need to ask while doing research on finding the right community for you and your family member.
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Ask to meet the team. How can a resident or family member get in contact with the management team? Do they have apartments available? What types/sizes of apartments do they offer? Do you bring your own furniture, or is it provided?
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Ask about the culinary program. Is the food prepared from scratch? Ask to see a menu. Schedule a time to have lunch or dinner.
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Are nurses available to the residents around the clock? Do they allow for visiting physicians or specialists?
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What type of training is provided for the staff? What does the interview/hiring process entail? What is the plan for on-going training?
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Do they have call lights or pendants to alert someone for help? How does the staff respond?
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What accommodations are available if the resident’s needs change? Can your loved one age in place?
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Is transportation available at the community for physician appointments or outings? Is there an additional charge for this service?
What type of programming and cultural enrichment opportunities are available? Is it purposeful, engaging and dignified? Are there outings to museums, restaurants or other entertainment venues? Ask for the names of a few family members and residents that you could speak with about their experience with the community.
At Inspīr, we offer you a new way to care for your loved one living with a dementia.
One that provides exceptional care and life enrichment for them, and expert guidance and support to you. Inspīr’s all-inclusive Memory Care Program, Oceana, includes personalized, wellnessfocused lifestyle programming, customized care plans, and a highly trained staff—all in a therapeutic and secure setting. Our evidence-based approach to memory care is integrative, intentional, interdisciplinary, intimate, and individualized, enabling our residents to get the most out of every moment, every day. To learn more please contact us at 646-907-1500 or inspirseniorliving.com
SEEKING ADDITIONAL HELP — RESOURCES:
In addition to this guide, we encourage you to use other resources to help you through this process. Many provide support groups, share stories, offer links to the latest news, and provide more specific details for different types of dementias, services, and more.
www.aarp.org
www.aarp.org/money/investing/info-2015/ financial-services-for-memory-loss.html
www.alzfdn.org
www.alzheimersdisease.net
www.mayoclinic.org
www.alz.org
www.alzheimers.gov
www.uclahealth.org/dementia/
www.bluezones.com
www.caringkindnyc.org
National Institute on Aging www.nia.nih.gov
www.webmd.com
Mediterranean Diet Recipes
*Note: We have used many of the resources from these experts in dementia and Alzheimer's healthcare to write this guide.
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