As soon as you learn of dementia diagnosis or Alzheimer’s prognosis, you need to begin planning for the future. Your loved one’s ability to think clearly will slowly diminish, and you want them involved in choices about the delays ahead. This includes legal matters that, while somewhat uncomfortable, are necessary. Tie up those loose ends! Prestige Home Care Agency professionals have seen how messy things can get without proper forethought.

Legal Papers

It’s time to think ahead about finances, long-term care, and end-of-life decisions. Your loved one should be as involved as practicable depending on their current mental health. 

1. A Living Will: Living wills tell a doctor an individual’s directives if they are dying, permanently unconscious, or cannot otherwise make decisions about their healthcare treatment. These can be as detailed as necessary. For example, should a ventilator be used or a feeding tube?
2. Durable Power of Attorney: A Durable Power of Attorney names a proxy-someone who makes medical decisions when an individual is unable to do so themselves. This person should be willing to follow the directives in the Living Will. 
3. DNI and DNR orders. A do not intubate means not being hooked up to a breathing machine. A do not resuscitate order means the doctor should not use CPR or other life support procedures after the heart stops.
4. Organ Donation Forms

While this all sounds very grim, there is peace of mind that everything is in place when your loved one begins to decline further mentally. Of course, don’t forget a will and make any necessary changes to these documents as situations require. 

Progression: Dementia Care Services Philadelphia

As the symptoms of dementia progress, long-term care with ongoing attention may become necessary. Perhaps the individual begins to wander or leave the stove on, for example. The risks are poignant. 

Thanks to various insurance programs, including Medicaid and Medicare, people can get the help they need in the comfort of their homes. Prestige Home Care has professionals that can help you navigate the application process. We also reach out to physicians, nurses, and social workers to create a network of support for you and your loved one. 

Some of the benefits to having an in-home caregiver include assistance with:

• Medication management
• Household chores
• Dressing & bathing
• Companionship
• Safety supervision
• Physical support

For you, having a regular aide service means you won’t be stretched as thin. You’ll have time for those errands and personal responsibilities that might otherwise go by the wayside. Caregiving is not an easy way of life, and people often burn out without an extra pair of eyes and hands. 

Aides also have some emotional distance, offering perspective. When you are so close to a situation, it’s hard to be circumspect. 

Our staff is carefully chosen and trained. We seek qualified applicants who treat people with compassion and respect. We focus on the quality of life not only for your loved one but the whole family. 

Reach out to us by phone 215-677-3299 or email info@prestigehca.com any time with your questions.