Forgetting dates or appointments Having trouble recalling names Challenges in planning or solving problems Difficulty with day-to-day tasks or routines General confusion Difficulty telling time Unable to visualize images or relationships (For example, picturing or describing concrete items may be difficult. ) Trouble with speech and/or writing Withdrawal from social activities Changes in behavior, mood, and/or personality
Navigating stairs Bathing Dressing Eating Maintaining a clean house or yard Paying bills Tending pets or plants Taking medications
You can also ask the doctors for referral of different living facilities or other healthcare options.
“Mom, Dad, can we talk about the future?” “I see that you’re having trouble walking down all of these stairs. Would it better if you were to live somewhere easier to navigate?” “I know you’ve recovered from your broken hip, but [insert sibling’s name] would feel better if you would get more help. ”
”Have you thought about moving to somewhere you can get more health?” ”Have you considered hiring a home health aide to help out with your diabetes?” ”Where do you see yourself in the next few years?”
”Why don’t you try it for six weeks. If you don’t like it, we can look for other options” ”If you don’t like facility, how about this one or this one?” ”Okay, I understand you don’t want to talk about this now. We’ll talk about it tomorrow. ”
Keep copies of important documentation (like birth records, medical records, power of attorney, etc) Organize items by type (clothes, furniture, personal items, etc) Keep medications well labeled Have a list of all medications and doctors Provide a list of family members’ names, phone numbers, and relation
Furniture Dishes, silverware, kitchen items Towels, sheets, blankets, etc. Toiletries
There are a lot of online resources to help you including stories done by NPR, Forbes, and Time. There are professional organizations like the AARP, CDC, National Plan Caring Council that have programs specifically designed to help families in this situation.
