It’s never easy to hear that you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. But it’s important to know that those with Alzheimer’s can still live life to the fullest. With careful planning, you can ensure that loved ones are taken care of as they age, with the help of an estate plan and eldercare and financial services. If you’re looking for the next steps with seniors, we’ve listed a few ways that you can help yourself or a loved one, now and in the future.
What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s is “a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior,” according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The organization also mentions that this neurological disease is not a normal part of aging. One telltale symptom of Alzheimer’s is difficulty recalling new information. The disease worsens over time and unfortunately has no cure.
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What Caregivers Can Do to Help
The best way to cope with Alzheimer’s is to take action. People with Alzheimer’s have different mobility and ability levels at the early, middle, and late stages of the illness. Here’s what you can do to help throughout each stage.
Future Plans and Financial Care (Early)
With an early diagnosis, those with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones have the opportunity to make decisions about the future together. There is still time to make plans and figure out affairs such as round-the-clock care, managing money, and estate planning. The early stages of Alzheimer’s can last from weeks to years, so it’s crucial to take charge of finances and make plans with a qualified CPA.
Understanding Emotions and Behaviors (Middle)
In this stage, the person with Alzheimer’s will require more personal care than the previous stage, and they may also exhibit behavioral changes. This can be a difficult and frightening time for those with Alzheimer’s. Caregivers should be compassionate and understanding as they respond to requests. If the person asks repeat questions, calmly respond to them. If they can still read and write, reminder notes for the person can be helpful.
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Routine Daily Activities (Late)
In the late stage of Alzheimer’s, it is most important to preserve the senior’s quality of life. They will eventually lose communication skills and mobility, but caregivers can provide routine activities and help the person with Alzheimer’s try to remember their favorite things. Here are a few things that can lift their spirits: playing their favorite music, looking at old photos, and sitting outside on a beautiful day.
Do you have more questions about caring for your aging loved ones?
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As the most experienced CPA in the Inland Empire who specializes in working with seniors, Marcia L. Campbell is committed to helping each client thrive by caring for their personal and financial wellbeing with genuine interest, well-established expertise, and a focus on respectful partnerships. Marcia’s team specializes in a number of services including elder & financial care, court & trust accountings as well as private fiduciary and tax services. At Marcia L. Campbell, CPA, we understand the importance of our clients’ individual needs and are committed to helping them make the best personal and financial decisions for their future.