This consumer guide for caregivers provides an overview of dementia care services and tools for selecting the right residential community. A free digital copy of How to Evaluate the Quality of Residential Care for Persons with Dementia can be downloaded. Or email news@abesgarden.org to have up to five hard copies shipped for $5.
Preparation tips prior to diagnosis appointment
It helps to be prepared for the neurologist appointment and have realistic expectations. Some things you can do to be prepared include:
Keep a journal of changes you and others have noted. Be prepared to give the doctor some examples of worrisome, challenging, or problematic behaviors that have been observed. As your loved one is likely to be present for this meeting, be sensitive in your communication so it won’t appear that you are giving a listing of all their faults. You may want to leave some notes if the list is extensive.
Bring in a list of medication s/he is on, and information on the method of delivery, (i.e. independent, pill box, reminders from a caregiver, etc). It will help to check up on the compliance and accuracy of medication usage, if possible.
Bring a list of questions you and your loved one may have. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and forget important questions you wanted to ask.