After receiving results indicating cognitive impairment, it’s important to take several steps to ensure the well-being of your loved one. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the next steps:

• Start Journaling:
  Track changes in cognitive status, noting when they occur and what they look like.
• Consult with Primary Care:
  Get lab work done to rule out vitamin deficiencies, monitor vital parameters, and manage other underlying conditions (such as diabetes).
• Reviewing Medications: What are you taking, why, is there an alternate, is this the lowest dose? (reference the American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria® for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults)
• Join a Support Group:
  Consider joining a local support group for caregivers. One in-person option meets at Lincoln Gere Library every 2nd Thursday at 6:30 pm.
• Legal, Financial, and Long-Term Care Planning:
  • Prepare or update your advanced directives.
  • Review your will, living will, and establish Healthcare and Financial Power of Attorneys.
  • Share your POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) with healthcare providers.
  • Review your long-term care insurance benefits
• Improve Home Safety:
  • Install technology like smart doorbells for monitoring.
  • Add grab bars, toilet rails, and a shower bench in the bathroom to prevent falls.
  • Consider a wearable device for GPS tracking.
• Driving Evaluation:
  Get a driving evaluation, such as the Interactive Driving Simulator at Madonna (Lincoln: 402.413.3000).
• Encourage Physical Activity:
  Promote daily physical activity to improve strength and balance.
• Hire a Home Care Team:
  Consider hiring a home care team with dementia expertise. Contact Karla at Home Care Partners at 402-780-1211 for a free care consultation.

Start with a few hours of care and adjust as needed. Muscle memory makes home the easiest and most familiar place to continue your dementia journey.

• Create a Routine:
  • Stick to familiar places, people, and routines.
  • Use compensatory strategies like digital calendars, marker boards, and notes for short-term recall.
• Organize Medications:
  • Use a medication organizer with compartments for morning, afternoon, and evening doses.
  • Keep medication bottles out of sight.
• Prepare for Social Experiences:
  Avoid crowded places and keep the environment calm and quiet.
• Address Unmet Needs with P BREATHE:
  • P: Pain
  • B: Boredom
  • R: Restroom
  • E: Exhaustion
  • A: Approach
  • T: Thirst
  • H: Hunger
  • E: Environment
• Self-Care: Create a care plan for yourself, what brings you joy, what gives you energy?
• Focus on What Matters Most
• Call for a free Care Consultation and prepare for what’s next. 402-780-1211

Karla Frese, Certified Dementia Practitioner Home Care Partners® Phone: (402) 780-1211, Karla@Homecarepartners.com

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Home Care Partners Staff

Home Care is an affordable way to bring Independent and Assisted Living levels of care directly into the home. It also provides additional support when needed for those already living in a senior living community.

Our Caregiving team provides personal one-on-one attention for your loved one. When you are ready to begin your care journey, we are the experts that will answer your questions and help you implement a plan.

Home Care Partners is locally owned and committed to providing Thoughtful, Quality, and Dedicated Care.

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