We have the diagnosis, now what? a post title Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Caregivers – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be an overwhelming one. It is a disease that not only affects those with the disease but the entire family, who often struggle with what to do next. This diagnosis is unique – there is no way to prevent, treat or cure Alzheimer’s, and this fact can be daunting. Alzheimer’s disease often presents an uncertain and even confusing future for all those involved.
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be an overwhelming one. It is a disease that not only affects those with the disease, but the entire family, who often struggle with what to do next. This diagnosis is unique – there is no way to prevent, treat or cure Alzheimer’s, and this fact can be daunting. Alzheimer’s disease often presents an uncertain and even confusing future for all those involved.
Start with the Alzheimer’s Association®
Contacting the Association’s free 24/7 Helpline after receiving your diagnosis provides you with different resources for each of your specific needs. The Helpline is answered 24/7 by master-level social workers or counselors who are trained to get to the heart of your concerns and ensure you have the support and information to help with whatever you are going through. This service is available throughout your diagnosis so you can call as things progress and change. You do not need a diagnosis or a specific question to call – we are always here to help.
In addition to our Helpline, the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter offers Care Navigation, a 90-minute one-on-one session, which focuses on your specific needs and concerns. Together with loved ones, you will develop an action plan which includes resource referral to ensure you make the connections needed to develop your allies. Care Navigation can be provided in one of our regional offices or over the phone.
Follow-up visit, what to ask your physician?
The Alzheimer’s Association suggests a diagnosis be confirmed by a neurologist or diagnostic center. A primary care physician will know you and how you have changed over the years but may not be specifically well-versed in Alzheimer’s disease. Be sure to write down questions as you think of them and keep a notebook or journal as it is helpful to focus concerns in one place.
What might those questions be? Here are some possibilities about the diagnosis:
- How did you determine the diagnosis?
- What are you measuring?
- Could the tests be wrong?
- Could my symptoms be related to another disease?
- What makes it Alzheimer’s disease?
You may want to know more about the disease itself.
- How will the disease progress?
- What can I expect in the next six months, year or two years?
- How will Alzheimer’s affect my daily living?
- Will Alzheimer’s disease affect my physical health?
As the disease progresses and symptoms manifest, discussing options for mediating symptoms for comfort is important.
- What are my options – medication versus environment?
- What are the risks and benefits of those options?
- How will I know if a medication is working for me?
- If a side effect becomes noticeable, what are my options?
- How will these medications interfere with other medications I already take?
We also suggest that your healthcare team has a strong knowledge-base of and experience with the disease, so they can better understand your specific needs.
Your number one ally is YOU
As you learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, you will see that you and your loved ones must advocate for your future. While many things will be out of your control, there is some planning that can ease your anxiety and provide loved ones with a peace of mind. Advanced planning for financial and legal matters allows the wishes of the person recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease to be heard. Having power of attorney for property and healthcare along with a will are the minimum advanced planning documents to put in place. The requirements, forms and processes vary from state to state, so working with an elder law attorney or geriatric care manager may make this process less overwhelming. These professionals are versed in issues specifically related to older adults and can guide you through the decision-making process of advanced planning. If in place, legal documents of your wishes should be communicated to your loved ones and medical team.
If you need referrals and information about elder law attorneys, geriatric care managers, diagnostic centers, support groups, etc., please call the helpline number 800.272.3900 at any time to get support and help you need during this overwhelming time.
The Alzheimer’s Association Free 24/7 Helpline provides reliable information and support to all those who need assistance. For more information please call us at our toll-free number, anytime day or night, at 800.272.3900 or contact Melissa Tucker, Director of Helpline & Support Services at the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, at mtucker@alz.org or 847.324.0367.
Support – Education – Resources
The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter can help you through.
Helping You!