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Important Conversations to Have After a Senior is Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease

Senior Care in Orinda CA: The moment that you find out that your aging loved one has Alzheimer’s disease is life-changing.

Senior Care in Orinda CA

The moment that you find out that your aging loved one has Alzheimer’s disease is life-changing. Immediately you find yourself at the beginning of a care journey that will be characterized by Senior-Care-in-Orinda-CA changing and progressing symptoms, unpredictable challenges and demands, and emotional issues and stress for both of you. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and one that generally progresses gradually at the beginning. This means that when your parent receives their diagnosis the change that they have undergone are likely to still be mild. The mild nature of early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease mean that your parent still has the cognitive skills, memory, and judgment to evaluate the reality of their condition and make decisions and plans for their future so that both of you can be prepared for the journey that lies ahead.

 

Some of the important conversations that you should have with your elderly loved one after they are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease include:

  • How do they feel about care? Even if your aging parent’s symptoms are only mild and they will take months or even years to progress to a moderate or severe point in their disease, now is the time to start talking about senior care. A senior home care services provider can create a customized approach to care and support tailored to helping your parent get accustomed to this new chapter in their life and prepare for the changes that will come with progression.
  • How do they feel about moving? The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can make it challenging for your elderly parent to live independently in their own home. Even as early as the later early to early moderate stages of the disease your parent might develop symptoms and challenges that could make it harder for them to keep up with their daily tasks or could put them at risk of dangerous situations. For example, a large percentage of those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease will develop wandering tendencies. This means that they could be at serious risk of getting lost and being put in a detrimental situation. Discuss the possibility of them transitioning out of their home into a smaller home or even into your home to live with you and your family.
  • What are their thoughts on end-of-life medical care? Your parent might be early in their disease, but now is the time for them to make their wishes known regarding their end-of-life transition. Talk to them about the potential medical issues that might arise during the advanced phase of their disease, including artificial resuscitation, life support, and hospice care. Understanding your parent’s beliefs and thoughts regarding these issues now can help you to feel more confident making these decisions later own. Even if your parent expresses different thoughts later when their cognitive abilities are compromised, having the wishes from when they were lucid recorded can give you peace of mind that you are doing what is right for your parent and what they would want you to do.

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional senior care in Orinda, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call today: (415) 795-2203

 

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