It takes a village to care for a loved one with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other dementias. Family members come together to talk about care duties, money, hospital visits, and other logistics. Caring for a person with dementia is more than numbers on bills and spreadsheets, prescription medicine schedules, and late-night caregiving duties. It’s about the collective love and support given to the individual and fellow caregivers.

Don’t Avoid Talking About Money and Dementia

It’s challenging to start a conversation about dementia and finances, especially among family members at such a tender time. The syndrome makes it difficult to do tasks that loved ones once found simple and easy. It gets more apparent with time, leaving everyone with emotional weight — from fear and denial to guilt and confusion. Costs can be surprising, and information may be unclear. However, it’s important not to let dementia control your family. Proactive planning for care costs can be a great way to showcase your love and strength.

Envision A Better Quality of Life

Providing your loved one with the care they deserve will help them manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. Many of your choices will have pros and cons, so it’s up to caregivers to decide which things matter most for the support you want to give.

While memory care and assisted living communities, along with nursing facilities, may cost more, they can be the best option for those who need extra medical attention. Alternatively, in-home care may be a better option for individuals who prefer to maintain their independence. The best way to boost quality of life is to understand the general needs of dementia patients and the unique needs of your loved one.

Caregivers should determine the best ways to help their loved ones with dementia feel relaxed and comfortable. For example, outdoor gardens, patios, or even big windows with a view of nature can help alleviate stress for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Another way to increase comfort is to ensure that your caregiving duties extend beyond your loved one’s immediate needs, such as food and medication schedules. Accompany loved ones in their daily routines, play their favorite puzzles or music and schedule support groups. Dedicated companionship can significantly improve their welfare.

Understand What Planning Will Entail

There are many components in caring for a loved one with dementia. Thoroughly research medical and personal care options that are available and their associated costs. Some of the most well-known are:

• In-home care
• Adult day centers
• Assisted living villages
• Skilled nursing facilities

If you’re not opting for the medical and personal care route, other costs that accompany dementia may include transportation, special equipment like oxygen tanks and wheelchairs, and the potential loss of income for the caregiver. Beyond initial expenses, the entire family must become familiar with long-term care. For example, asking the right questions when your loved one with dementia is doing or saying something you can’t understand.

Assemble Your Team and Document Everything

Caring for a loved one with dementia becomes significantly easier with the right resources. Begin your journey by identifying family members who will be responsible for managing the situation. Determine which caregiver is best suited for each task. Contact professionals, including lawyers, financial advisors, and care managers. They can help relieve the mental load of handling financial assets, medical insurance policies, and other important documents.

Although this can be a daunting process, numerous resources are available to help your family navigate it more effectively. This includes information about the best care home facilities, dementia-related events — such as support group meetings, activities, and webinars — and medical terms you should know. You can also find advice regarding routines and independent tasks suitable for those with dementia.

Leverage Community and Expert Support

Remember, you’re not alone in the journey. If you feel overwhelmed by the process, it’s beneficial to step back and seek advice from experienced caregivers, existing communities, and medical experts. By asking questions and being part of a community, you can gain hands-on and practical advice for addressing the daily challenges faced by individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

The Peace of Mind a Plan Provides

Beginning the challenging conversation about the logistics of managing dementia is the first step in the journey. There are many things to consider, including financial matters, emotional challenges, care principles, dementia facilities, and community events. Take it one step at a time. With the right mindset and sufficient information, you and your family can work together more effectively.

Beth Rush is the mindfulness editor at Body+Mind. She writes about caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. She also shares tips for coping with c-PTSD, PCOS, and climate anxiety. Her goal is to encourage readers to live their best lives. Subscribe to the Body+Mind Newsletter for more posts by Beth

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