After receiving an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, it is extremely difficult to overcome the fear of the future. You know your memory and decision-making ability will be fading and things seem to be out of control. However, thinking beyond the day-to-day and planning ahead could be very beneficial to you and your family members. Here are four useful tips that can help you to reduce your stress and improve your quality of life.
Learn More About Alzheimer’s Disease
The source of fear is always the lack of information. Therefore, being informed of what the disease is like and how the disease progresses is useful for you to manage your expectation. The effects that Alzheimer’s brings about, including degrading decision-making and a wide range of emotions, should be explored to make sure that your wishes are communicated and heard. You may also research how to slow down the progression of the disease. At the same time, your family members and caregivers could also better prepare themselves for potential changes.
Long-Term Care Planning
With the progression of dementia, you would find it hard to think clearly. Long-term care is needed to help you and your beloved ones. The sooner you start to have a long-term care plan, the better you could make sure your ideas, which are made when you are capable, are realized and receive the care you want. Here are a few steps on how you can plan your long-term care:
- Make a list of the most important things for you
- Choose your trusted substitute decision-maker, who understands your needs and will speak for you when you are incapable
- Find out about other possible living arrangements
- Find a reliable memory care solution
- Learn about different medical procedures and their effects
Financial Planning
As soon as being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, make sure your financial plans and estate plans are put into place. Your lawyer can help you by going through investment management, real estate, costs of care, and insurance policies. All of these must be confirmed and settled to avoid potential misunderstanding or disagreement. By doing so, your wishes on financial issues will be respected and honored when you can no longer sign legal papers. Talk to your family members, caregivers, or team members from your retirement community and ensure that it is the one who you trust that makes financial decisions for you.
Collect and Make Important Documents
Double check that you have collected and signed all the necessary documents and let the trusted one know where they are stored and what your wishes are. Although the names of some documents may vary in different regions or areas, these are the essential ones:
- A will informing your lawyer and your family members how your fortune should be divided
- Investment, loans, and mortgage
- Bank accounts and credit cards
In addition, it is necessary for you to contact your lawyer for clarification of law requirements in your region to determine the viability of your documents.
