Future Planning and Safety for Early Dementia Care

Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with early stage dementia?  Do you worry about how you or your loved one will manage to live alone with this new diagnosis? There are things you can do to help manage the changes you’re experiencing in memory and thinking and to prepare for the future.

 

Make Everyday Tasks Easier

Many people with early-stage dementia continue to manage their everyday activities. It’s important to look ahead to a time when performing daily tasks will be harder. Consider some of these tips:

Organizing Your Days: Write down to-do lists, appointments, and events in a notebook or calendar. You can also keep track of activities with computer software or a smartphone app.

Paying Bills: Setting up automated payments is an easy way to pay your bills correctly and on time without having to write checks. You can set up automatic payments with your utility providers, insurance companies, bank, and mortgage company or leasing office. Also consider asking someone you trust to help you pay bills and review your financial statements.

Shopping for Meals: Many stores offer grocery delivery services, usually for a small fee. You can also order fresh or frozen meals online or by phone.  If you make your own meals at home, consider easy-to-prepare items, such as foods that you can heat in the microwave.

Taking Medications: Several products can help you manage medications. You can try a weekly pillbox, a pillbox that gives you a notification when it’s time to take medicine, or an automatic medication dispenser. You may need someone to help you set these up.

Using Transportation: If you drive, you may find that you become confused, get lost, or need help with directions more often than before. Consider using a transportation service, or coordinate times when a friend or family member can assist with your transportation.

 

Scan Your Home for Safety

Making minor changes in your home can create a safer environment. Consider some of these suggestions:

Declutter: Get rid of unused items and extra furniture. You could give items to family and friends or donating items to a charity.

Secure Electrical Cords and Rugs: Remove items that you may trip over. Move electrical cords, pick up throw rugs, and look for other things you might trip over.

Install Automatic Shut-Offs: Install an automatic shut-off switch on the stove. This switch can help prevent a fire from starting if the stove is left on accidentally.

Adjust Water Heater Temperature: Set the water heater at 120 °F. This setting will help you to avoid burns from scalding tap water.

Enhance Bathroom Safety: Add nonskid mats to showers and tubs. Also install grab bars in the tub or shower. Add a nightlight in the bathroom or hallway.

Carry Identification: Medical ID bracelets and necklaces are helpful in case you get lost or need help. In an emergency, an ID can also let emergency responders know if you have allergies or special medical needs.

Consider Emergency Devices: Consider getting safety devices to alert others in an emergency. Personal safety devices you may want to consider include fall monitors, emergency call buttons, and GPS tracking systems.

Arrange Home Maintenance Help: Get help with home maintenance and organization. Ask a family member or hire a professional service to help with tasks like managing clutter and making home repairs.

 

 

Prepare for the Future

Preparing for the future may be difficult to think about. Start discussions with family and friends early, so everyone can help make decisions together. Discuss health and finances as soon as possible to ensure that others, including your doctor and family, understand your preferences. Other ways to prepare for the future include:

Organize Legal and Financial Documents: Get legal and financial matters in order as soon as possible. Prepare or update your will, living will, and durable powers of attorney for health care and finances. Be sure to let someone you trust know where your documents are kept or give them a copy.

Explore In-Home Care Options: Understand your options for in-home care. Family members and friends may be able to help with everyday activities. If you need more help, look into options for a personal care assistant or a home healthcare aide.

Plan for Future Living Arrangements: Plan for care when you can no longer live alone. There will likely come a time when you need more day-to-day care and support. Consider your options for moving to a senior living community that offers memory care.

 

Staying Connected and Involved as a Senior Adult with Dementia

Preparing for the future may be difficult to think about. Start discussions with family and friends early, so everyone can help make decisions together. Discuss health and finances as soon as possible to ensure that others, including your doctor and family, understand your preferences. Other ways to prepare for the future include:

Some people with dementia choose to live alone. You may feel happier and more in control in your own home, where you can keep your routines and stay in your community. Keeping your independence may also be important to you.

 

Maintain Physical and Mental Health

Staying well and healthy will help you when you’re living on your own. This includes both physical and mental health. Keeping active, seeing people and staying in touch can all help with your wellbeing and prevent you from feeling isolated.

 

Build a Good Support Network

Having people around you to support you can be helpful. They might offer help with practical things you find difficult, look out for your wellbeing, or just be there to talk and spend time with you.

Asking for and accepting help can be difficult. You may feel that it will stop you being independent. Having people around who can help you if you need it will mean you can stay living alone for longer.

 

Planning for Daily Needs

Changes in thinking may reduce your ability to make appropriate decisions about self-care and your day-to-day needs as the disease progresses. You may be at increased risk for harm, falls, wandering and/or malnutrition. You also may have difficulty managing personal hygiene or household tasks, which can lead to unsafe living conditions. Plan ahead for how you will address your basic needs, including housing, meals and physical care.

It is common to feel isolated or withdrawn from others after receiving your diagnosis or as the disease progresses. It can be difficult to know when to ask for help or to admit that help is needed. Have a conversation with family and friends about the daily tasks that have become more difficult for you to complete. Consider them your care team and be specific about what they can do to help you.

 

 

Recognizing When Living Alone is No Longer Safe

There are plenty of dementia support and care services available to help those with dementia to live independently for as long as possible if they wish to do so. As the condition progresses it is important to look out for signs that it is no longer safe or in their best interests to be left living at home alone.

Some common signs that a person with dementia can no longer live independently include:

 

• Struggles with personal hygiene or cleanliness at home.
• Weight loss or difficulty preparing meals.
• Issues with communication, mobility, or getting lost when alone.
• Injuries, falls, or accidents at home.
• Declining mental well-being.

During the later stages of the condition, those with dementia may require round-the-clock care. The time it takes to reach this stage after a diagnosis varies for each person.

 

Transitioning to Full-Time Care

Full-time care is required when a person with dementia cannot safely or comfortably be left alone. This can be one of the following reasons:

• Experiencing problems with mobility.
• Having difficulties with eating or swallowing.
• Becoming incontinent.
• Showing behavioral changes, such as aggression or emotional distress.
• Suffering an accident or injury at home.

If it is becoming difficult to provide a person with dementia with intensive enough care at home or if their caregiver is having any concerns about their safety or welfare, then it may be time to consider moving them to an appropriate location, such as a memory care community, where they can receive full-time, professional care.

 

 

If you or your loved one is in need of memory support services, consider taking a tour one of The Ohio Masonic Communities‘ campuses. With three locations across Ohio—Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, Springfield Masonic Community in Springfield, and Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina—each offers a memory care neighborhood for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Our communities offer a homelike atmosphere where residents can maintain as much independence as possible while living in a safe, secure environment. Our communities are dedicated to helping older adults live their best lives. To learn more give us a call at 1-877-881-1623 or schedule a visit.