February 6, 2023
After ten years of slow decline of Alzheimer’s disease, your mom has reached a point where she is no longer able to make decisions on her own. You step in to advocate for her Alzheimer’s care needs.
When you’re the one taking care of your mom’s appointments, tests, and health care, when do you draw a line? Is there a point that her comfort has to come before routine tests? Wise Health Care Consumer Month is a good time to look at the best ways to make wise decisions regarding your mom’s health care needs.
Alzheimer’s Is a Terminal Disease
Sometimes, you have to pick and choose what is most important to your mom’s health. Alzheimer’s is a terminal disease, so it’s not always worth following a doctor’s recommendations. Suppose your mom has an anxiety attack over having to sit still for a mammogram, it’s not that important in the long run. Her doctor may recommend it, but she’s already facing an incurable disease.
If she’s broken her anklet, you have to put your foot down and get her to the hospital for x-rays and a cast. If you don’t, she could be in a lot of pain when it heals improperly. Be ready to advocate on your mom’s behalf. If her doctor is fighting to have her undergo surgery, carefully weigh the pros and cons, as anesthesia can worsen your mom’s confusion.
What happens if a doctor pushes you to bring your mom in for tests you feel are unnecessary? Get a second opinion. It may be time to change doctors. Ask your mom’s neurologist if there are doctors with more experience treating Alzheimer’s patients. You want a medical partner in these decisions, not a doctor who argues your choices.
Sign Up For Free Classes for Family Caregivers
Alzheimer’s is a challenging disease. Even if you manage to build a strong Alzheimer’s care team for your mom, you’ll often spend one-on-one time with her. Consider attending the free classes the Alzheimer’s Association offers.
These courses are held each week and cover topics like “Effective Communication Strategies” or “Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior.” Some classes are open to anyone, whether they’re a caregiver or not.
While the schedule of classes changes, you’ll often find classes that help you better negotiate your mom’s care with medical professionals. It will help to have someone who gets what you’re dealing with and has valuable insights.
Arrange Alzheimer’s Care Services
As your mom’s health care advocate, don’t rule out Alzheimer’s care. Even if you want to take care of her by yourself, it can become overwhelming. Her rage, memory loss, and loss of motor skills are physically, mentally, and emotionally draining.
She’s going to need someone to feed her, help her bathe, and complete her oral care and nail care routines. She needs help with ambulation, dressing, and transportation. It’s a lot of work that’s made harder by her mood swings.
Make sure you’re taking care of yourself each week. Hire Alzheimer’s care providers to help your mom when you need time to yourself.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Alzheimer’s Care in Pittsburgh, PA, please contact the caring staff at In-Home Quality Care today. Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area since 1990! Call 412-421-5202
