There are other circumstances that require a more urgent need for a long-term care plan. If a loved one has recently been diagnosed with a degenerative disease, you will want to think about making plans as soon as possible. It is best to do this early, before their condition worsens. This is especially true in cases such as Alzheimer’s patients.
Make Long-Term Care Plan for Alzheimer’s Patients
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is something that most people prefer not to think about. For those who have just been diagnosed with the disease, it is probably frightening. It becomes difficult to think about the future. However, waiting to bring legal and financial affairs into order can have serious consequences. They may lead to incomplete or inadequate care for patients down the road. That’s why it’s important to begin planning for ill health before Alzheimer’s disease starts to take its toll.
The National Institute of Aging recommends that families start their estate planning soon after an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. In these early stages, the patient is still able to be an active participant in legal, financial, and medical discussions. The National Institute of Aging guidelines reference Alzheimer’s disease and recommends early planning. However, this also applies broadly to the care of anyone with a debilitating disease. That planning includes home healthcare.
Families also benefit from these early discussions. When the patient participates in planning for his or her care, their family will have more clarity. Their loved one can spell out their precise wishes . Everyone will feel more prepared for the tough decisions that must be made in the coming years.
Alzheimer’s Patients Must Plan and Draw Up Several Formal Documents:
- A Living Will: This document explains what the person wants for end-of-life medical treatment.
- Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare: This documentation designates which person will make the health care decisions when the Alzheimer’s Disease patient can no longer make such decisions.
- Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR): This order directs medical professionals about what they should do if the patient’s heart or breathing stops.
- Advance Directives: Financial planning must include advance directives, such as a will that establishes which people will receive a person’s assets upon death.
- Durable Power of Attorney for Finances: Similar to the power of attorney for healthcare, the power of attorney for finances establishes who makes financial decisions for a person when he or she is no longer able to do so.
Keep home healthcare in the forefront as you start to formulate a care plan for your aging loved one. You may want to consider including reliable elder care services. At David York Agency, we can provide a variety of in-home health care services to support the health and wellness of your loved one in every stage of life. For more information about your options, we would be happy to discuss how our services can fit into your plan.
David York Agency Can Help Seniors in Hudson County
At David York Agency, we understand the many challenges and risks faced by the aging and elderly and are dedicated to providing care to support them through all of those ups and down. At David York Home Healthcare Agency, extraordinary service is what sets us apart from other companies in Hudson County that provide in home healthcare services.
DYA we could provide direction as to how to manage the total care of your senior loved one. Whatever your care needs, we are there for you, always striving to exceed your expectations. For more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at (908) 373-5300. A free phone consultation can help you determine what services would meet your needs. We aim to provide you and your loved one with the assistance they need. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.
For more helpful tips and information, check out our blog or contact us today.
