An Alzheimer’s diagnosis for a loved one is a life-changing and emotional experience. It requires making decisions about short- and long-term care to ensure the comfort and needs of your loved one are met as the neurological and physical changes progress. Planning Alzheimer’s care can be complicated, which is why The Vineyards at Concord in Frankfort, Ohio, wants to provide some tips on navigating this challenging time.  

Here are three tips for planning Alzheimer’s care for your loved one:

• Start Planning Early: The best time to start planning for short- and long-term care is when your loved one is given a diagnosis. Establishing where your loved one will live and how that might change as the disease progresses will ensure a smoother and less stressful transition from one form of care to another.
• Communicate: Communication with your loved one about their wishes is one of the most important ways to plan for Alzheimer’s care. Although it may be a tough conversation to have, it is important to speak with them about where they want to live now and later, what type of financial needs will they have, who they want to provide care, and how they would like their long-term care managed. Allowing your loved one to be part of the planning ensures their voice is heard and their wishes are met.
• Explore Long-Term Care: No one wants to plan for the inevitable decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease, but an early exploration of in-home care or an assisted living facility will help you make an informed decision ahead of time. Advanced Alzheimer’s requires round-the-clock care, and it is important to be comfortable with the care providers. The decision between live-in help and an assisted living facility depends on what is right for your budget and the comfort and wishes of your loved one.

If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, contact The Vineyards at Concord for information on their dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Call (740) 998-4777 to speak with their professional and committed staff about the care provided by their facility. For more information on all their services, including hospice care, visit them online.