Finding a doctor you like
Because of the slow, long-term nature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), it is extremely important that caregivers and patients find a health care professional they are able to understand, trust, and work comfortably with over time. Both caregivers and patients will need a physician who not only knows about the special needs and stresses of AD but also one who is available and accessible.
To this end, caregivers should take the time to develop a list of questions to ask their prospective doctors about the treatment and management of AD. Caregivers should not be afraid to ask tough questions about quality of care.
Developing tough questions
Here are some suggested questions you may want to ask your health care provider:
• How do you manage questions from caregivers?
• Within what time frame do you generally return phone calls?
• How often do you schedule examinations for AD patients and their families?
• What arrangements do you prefer for payment? Are you flexible about this?
• What other therapies do you recommend beyond traditional medications?
• Are you involved with clinical trials in this area of medicine?
Developing a treatment plan together
Caregivers may rely on the expertise of health care providers, but health care providers also rely heavily on the observation skills of caregivers. Working together, caregivers and health care professionals are best able to develop a treatment plan that best serves the needs of everyone involved.
By keeping a diary or observation log, caregivers can provide valuable information about changes in or patterns of cognitive and behavioral symptoms, reactions and responses to medications, and shifts in ability to perform activities of daily living. In addition to medical management, a comprehensive treatment plan will include strategies for dealing with deteriorating psychological and social skills. A complete team may include a social worker, physical therapist, psychologist, home health aide, dietitian, "Elder Law" attorney and clergy — any of whom would be helpful at different stages of the disease process.
Communicating with family
Breaking this kind of news is never easy: is it better to make a phone call, convene a family meeting, share books and videos, write letters, or log onto e-mail? You may have to do all of these things. Remember that everyone has a different learning style or way of receiving information.
In addition, responses will vary depending on the relationship of the person with AD to others who need to understand what is going on. It stands to reason that a spouse will have different concerns and reactions from someone whose parent, grandparent, in-law, or uncle is diagnosed with AD. Making decisions about who needs to know, and when, is part of appropriate communication. Shielding certain family members may or may not make sense. A social worker, counselor, psychologist, clergy member, or primary care physician can help families negotiate the communication process.
At least, the caregiver can assure other family members or friends that the disease advances slowly, allowing time to make plans to support the patient and each other during what will be a difficult, draining experience—both physically and emotionally.
As the reality of the diagnosis sets in, think about these things:
1. Everyone should try to become as knowledgeable as possible about AD. AD advocacy organizations have useful materials for families.
2. Prospective caregivers will have a variety of feelings and responses. It's common for family members to have a variety of reactions, or go through stages of denial, fear, and anger following diagnosis. Some family members may simply refuse to accept the diagnosis for a long time.
3. There may be family members who, because of temperament, age, or life skills, will not be able to pitch in to the extent that the primary caregiver may want. Knowing and accepting this in advance will reduce family frictions and lingering resentments.
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging. At Sunrise Senior Living communities, our compassionate and well-trained associates can offer advice about how to meet the needs of your senior loved one as well as provide helpful information for caregivers. And, at many of our locations, we offer support groups for caregivers.
Reprinted with permission from Janssen Pharmacuetica.
Sunrise does not endorse Janssen Pharmacuetica or any product or service offered by Janssen Pharmacuetica. This article is presented for informational purposes. This article does not provide medical advice and is not intended to substitute for professional healthcare treatment. Contact your doctor if you have any questions about your medical condition.
