Alzheimer’s Takes a Financial Toll on Caregivers

Alzheimer’s disease has long been known to take a tremendous toll not only on those living with it, but also their family and friends. Researchers, however, are also finding that this condition can take a significant bite out of a family’s finances.

Simple Tips Can Go a Long Way in Helping Alzheimer’s Caregivers

Helping a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease can have its ups and downs, sometimes several in the course of a single day. Caregivers who follow a few simple tips, however, are likely to find that keeping things on an even keel can help them and their loved ones alike.

Planning Advice For Those Living With Alzheimer’s Disease

A positive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t mean a person’s ability to live, love and remember will diminish immediately. This progressive, incurable disease, takes time to progress and can sometimes be slowed along the way. The reality, however, is that for many of the 5 million Americans currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, progression of the disease will occur. As it does, the ability to plan for the future – medically and financially – may diminish. This is precisely why it is recommended people living with Alzheimer’s disease work with loved ones and legal representatives in the disease’s earliest phases so they can have a say in how care will unfold down the road.

Making an appointment with a legal representative early after diagnosis can give the person living with Alzheimer’s disease a chance to articulate wishes in regard to a number of issues. He or she, for example, can ensure a will is created and a living will, as well. This may also be the time to designate a medical power of attorney and other stand-in representation should the time come that making decisions personally is no longer feasible.

When an appointment with an attorney is made, there are a number of documents that can prove helpful to bring along. They include such items as:

·         An itemized listing of all assets, including current value and listed owners.

·         Copies of existing wills, powers of attorney, trusts and so on.

·         Copies of any real estate deeds.

·         Life insurance policies and health insurance policies.

·       Any admission agreements that have been made or are being considered with heath care facilities.

Planning for the future is always important. For those living with Alzheimer’s disease, however, the need to act sooner rather than later is likely imperative if personal participation in the process and stating out wishes is desired.

Tips For Alzheimer’s Caregivers

Providing care for a family member or friend who is living with Alzheimer’s disease is a labor of love. The job, however, is a 24-hour commitment that can take its toll on caregivers. As the disease progresses, caregivers often find their daily tasks become more difficult, emotions can run high and the sense of loss as a loved one’s memory fades may be profound. There are ways caregivers can help themselves cope while ensuring loved ones receive the care they deserve. These tips can help:

Tips For Interacting With Someone Living With Alzheimer’s Disease

Interacting with a friend or loved one who is living with Alzheimer’s disease can be difficult. After all, it’s hard to know what to say if he or she is having a bad day, doesn’t remember things as easily as before or happens to be in an agitated mood. There are tips that can help make everyday interactions easier. Here are just a few: