Alzheimer’s has been termed “The Long Goodbye” due to its devastating effects that last for many years. When our loved ones have Alzheimer’s, it doesn’t only affects them, it affects us.
However, there is still hope: hope in learning how to cope with Alzheimer’s. As of today, there is no official cure for the disease, but by taking the simple steps many Alzheimer’s caregivers are using to cope, we can regain some peace of mind.
By visiting the website below, you will gain access to the Indispensable Alzheimer’s Resource Kit. This is a helpful tool that will assist you in providing stress-free care for both you and your loved one, as well as ways to pay for Alzheimer’s care without going broke.
abferrarolaw.com/senior-resource-kits/alzheimers-resource-kit/
I also encourage you to visit www.AlzheimersHope.com, which is an internet community that will give you the opportunity to connect with Alzheimer’s caregivers from around the world.
You are not alone in your journey through Alzheimer’s, and the above websites will assure you that there are many others experiencing the same thing as you.
If you have any other questions about Alzheimer’s or any other legal-related issues, please call my office at (847) 292-1220.
-Anthony B. Ferraro
Attorney-CPA
- Adult say services — Clients actually go to these centers for socialization, stimulation and supervision while primary caregivers get a break. Not all centers have experience caring for Alzheimer’s patients so check around.
- Overnight respite — Many nursing homes and assisted living facilities offer short-term stays with the express purpose of giving caregivers a break. Most do it on a space-available basis, though, so you need to plan and have a calling list ready.
- Hired caregivers — You can hire a live-in caregiver. Networking can be helpful here. Ask around church or other local groups, such as the Alzheimer’s Association or the Area Agency on Aging, for experienced caregivers who typically work on an independent basis. If no agency is going to be responsible for these caregivers, you must treat this process with the diligence of hiring an employee (which is, in fact, what you’d be doing). Check references, do a background check, get to know the prospective caregiver, see how she or he interacts with your loved one, and don’t be afraid to ask the candidate back to check interaction a second time. You should ask your loved one for input about the candidate. Sometimes people with dementia have keen senses of perception and intuition.
- Private duty home care — This is for single services or groupings of them on a spot basis. Many agencies offer workers who provide these types of services, which can include bathing, taking to appointments, shopping, sitting, meal preparation and other day-to-day needs.