Today's blog contains quoted material from Mayo Clinic's Alzheimer's blog, because I agree that it is important for us as caregivers to become familiar with the range of services that may be needed as the disease of dementia progresses.
"Changes that occur over the course of Alzheimer's disease make it almost certain that additional care, including residential care, will be needed. The decision is often heart-wrenching and met with uncertainly, fear and guilt on the part of the family or caregivers involved in the process.
Having said that, I can't stress enough the importance of doing your homework as early as possible (well before your loved one needs long term care) so you can take time to understand the options available. Even if your loved one is in denial, family members can begin to investigate on their own.
What kind of care is best for you or your loved one? The Alzheimer's Association CareFinder can be a useful tool and will walk you through the following:
■what types of care are available
■how to recognize good care
■what the Alzheimer's Association recommends
■how to decide what care you need
■how to make sure you've found good care
Once again, there are no easy answers, but another valuable resource I must mention is a local support group. Support group participants can share their firsthand experiences with long term care and offer invaluable insight into their journey. More importantly, they can provide the emotional support families need as they navigate this uncharted and unrequested territory." Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Blog.
The CareFinder tool can be found on the Alzheimer's Association website. www.alz.org
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