Planning Ahead Is Essential
When thinking about the future, there are many difficult questions for a caregiver to consider, such as:
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Who should make legal and financial decisions for my loved one if he or she is unable to make those decisions? |
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Who should make choices about my loved one's healthcare? |
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If my loved one needs more help, how will it be provided? |
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How will we pay for it? |
Both of you need to consider these questions and what your decisions will be. But these are decisions that everyone needs to make, not only people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. A diagnosis of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease just highlights the importance of these decisions. People with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease may be able to understand information and weigh options. They may be able to make decisions and communicate their wishes long after their ability to perform other complex tasks has decreased. Therefore, it is important to include people with the disease in these planning discussions.
The Time Is Now
It is easy to delay decisions about the future. After all, don't you have enough to do right now? But these decisions are important. And making them sooner rather than later is both an act of empowerment and an act of love. It is an act of empowerment because it allows each of you to state your wishes. You can decide who will act on your behalf in the event that you are unable to act for yourself. It is an act of love because it reduces the anxiety and stress that your loved ones will feel if they have to make important decisions for you without your guidance. So to empower yourself and provide peace of mind for those you love, it is a good idea to start planning for the future, today.
Making Important Decisions — Steps You Can Take
It is difficult to predict, but Alzheimer's disease can progress slowly or rapidly, over 3 to 10 or more years. It is a good idea to take care of important legal, financial, and future healthcare issues as early as possible. And remember, the sooner your loved one starts on therapy, the sooner the worsening of symptoms may be reduced.
The mild to moderate stages of Alzheimer's disease may bring new needs in each of these areas. Not all of them can be known in advance, but some can. Discuss your wishes and preferences now, and put a plan in place to meet future needs. By doing this, you can make sure that important matters are taken care of in a way that is best for both of you.
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