Professional Care Consultations Can Help
at Various Stages of Dementia
By: The Coalition of NYS Alzheimer’s Association Chapters
T
he Alzheimer’s Association provides care
consultations to those with dementia and their
families – critical, in-depth, personalized meetings for
those facing decisions and challenges pertaining to the
diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.
These consultations help people navigate the difficult
decisions and uncertainties they might face at
every stage of Alzheimer’s, including educational,
support and planning needs, and using community
resources. Care consultants assess the needs of
those involved and create action plans to address
concerns. And although it’s very helpful to have these
discussions and assistance during the early stage of
dementia, consultations can be beneficial for those
in later stages who might be living in various types of
residential facilities or for those participating in adult
day programs.
Care consultants will guide the person with dementia
and caregiver(s) through a discussion about the disease
to ensure that the caregiver(s) and family understand
dementia and caregiving issues, and help them with
problem-solving techniques and coping strategies.
Perhaps most importantly, consultants can provide
emotional support that is at times desperately needed
by those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. The
care consultants’ tools include:
• Disease education.
• Familiarity with community resources.
• Assessment of caregiver stress.
• Support groups.
• Supportive interventions.
• Action step recommendations.
A care consultant will complete a thorough assessment
and create an action plan with the family, if desired.
They will explore, among other things:
• Past and current physical and mental health of the
person with dementia and involved family.
• Disease stage and relevant symptoms/behaviors.
• Cultural values and beliefs.
• Family structure.
• Social supports.
• Financial resources.
• Legal issues, including power of attorney,
guardianship, living will and advance directives.
Please contact the Alzheimer’s
Association if you feel your
resident(s) could benefit from a
care consultation. Visit www.alz.org
for more information, or call the
Alzheimer’s Association at
800-272-3900.
leadingageny.org
After the assessment, the constituent/family
and the care consultant can create specific
and measurable goals to address the
needs identified. The plan will enhance
connections to community resources
and support, and identify goals for the
person with dementia and the caregiver.
The action plan can be modified and
adjusted as the family moves through
different phases of the disease.
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