Q: I am in the early stage of Alzheimer's and I live alone. My kids are worried about me, but I would like to remain independent as long as I can. How can I make my children feel more comfortable?
A: I know this can be a stressful time for you and your family. Many individuals manage on their own during the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease, with assistance from others. The following suggestions may help you.
Arrange for someone to help you with housekeeping, meals, transportation, and other daily chores. You can contact the Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter 24-Hour Helpline for guidance with this.
Arrange for help in paying bills. You can give a trusted individual the legal authority to handle money matters.
Plan for home-delivered meals if they are available in your community.
Leave an extra set of keys with a trusted neighbor or your super.
Arrange for someone to regularly check your smoke alarm.
Have family, friends, or a community service program call or visit daily. Keep a list of questions and concerns to discuss with them during your time together. Also, keep a list of things for them to check out around the house, such as electrical appliances, mail, and food items.
I would also suggest looking into our educational meetings and support groups. There is a meeting designed for family and friends new to Alzheimer's and other dementias. Still other programs cover legal and financial issues, planning for long-term care, and nursing and residential care facilities.
Although this might seem overwhelming right now, the best thing for you and your children is to be educated and prepared. Support groups are offered in every borough with some specifically designated for individuals in the early stage and some for adult children. All meetings are free of charge.
Our Early Stage Services provide support, counseling and programs specifically tailored to meet the needs of persons with early stage dementia.
For help with this or any other dementia situation or for a list of our services visit our website at www.alznyc.org or call our 24-hour helpline 1-800-272-3900. There is always a caring and informed person at the other end of the line to help you.
The Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter
If you have a question for the Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter, please send it to Jed Levine at expert@alznyc.org
