Planning Your Best Future After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Alzheimer’s disease can be a tricky diagnosis. It takes ruling out many other possible problems like vascular issues, trauma or other medical causes in order to reach that conclusion. Then, there are screenings to determine if the decline in memory and reasoning are issues of aging or are specifically caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

Receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis comes with many challenging emotions and some difficult decisions. It is time to pull together a team of people who care about the one diagnosed, to help plan for their future and the future of caregiving family members. Seek assistance and advice from family members, doctors, long-term care specialists, and an attorney. No one should do this alone.

An early diagnosis allows more time for planning. Since Alzheimer’s progresses slowly, there will be time to make major decisions for the future around finances, legal matters and healthcare directives, however, working out those details sooner rather than later is best. Make arrangements early and get important documents drafted while you are still of sound mind. Documents you will need are:

Last will and testament
Advance directive or living will
Healthcare proxy designation
Living trust
Do not resuscitate order (DNR)

It is possible to live at home with a family member in those early stages of the disease. However, it is never too early to consider arrangements so proper care can be delivered as the disease progresses. When mental and physical abilities have declined significantly, a memory care community is truly the best place to be. Alzheimer’s treatment and care specialists provide quality of life in a safe environment tailored to the unique needs of each resident.

Make a list of the available memory care residencies in your area. Take your time touring before making your decision. Learn about their philosophical approach to Alzheimer’s care. Understand how the community is physically laid out and why. Get a clear picture of what a typical day is like. Find out how they work with residents to keep them happy, active and enjoying life.

When it is time to begin planning for your future memory care needs, we hope you will visit Avalon Memory Care. We believe you will find the most professional and sensitive care for the physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual needs of your loved one. We know it can be difficult to start talking about the future when this diagnosis is delivered but remember – they deserve compassionate and caring support. Rest assured our Alzheimer’s professionals are carefully selected to ensure that each of our residents is treated with the utmost respect and dignity. We love getting to know our residents and providing care that meets their personal life story. Call us at (972) 364-4755 to request a tour or virtual tour of our beautiful, home-like assisted living centers in Arlington, Irving or Houston. We are here and ready to serve.

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Testimonials

“Since my mother has lived at Avalon, I have had peace of mind for the first time since Alzheimer’s began to exact its terrible price from my mother’s life. Thank you for your part in making our lives better.”

Daughter | Ft. Worth, TX

“I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the care and love afforded to my mom over the last two weeks. Your success in finding such quality people has my gratitude and respect.”

Daughter | Dallas, TX

“We are very pleased with all of the efforts that your caring staff has made to smooth this traumatic transition.”

Son | Plano, TX

“I know my husband had the very best care in his final days. I regret that I did not know about Avalon sooner.”

Wife | Dallas, TX

“Mom spent the final 8 months of her life in Avalon Memory Care in Allen. The staff was great. There was rarely a day that my brother or I did not come by and they were always friendly to us and did their best to make mom comfortable and happy. We really appreciated them for everything they did.”

Daughter | Allen, TX

“Making the decision to place my mother in residential memory care was the hardest thing I think I have ever done. But living at Avalon has been the best thing for her at this stage of her life.”

Daughter | Allen, TX

“My grandmother has lived at Avalon Memory Care for 6 months now. I cannot speak highly enough about the warmth, dedication, and caring compassion of the staff. They always make us feel welcome and go out of their way to work with us to accommodate grandma’s needs.”

Grandson | Arlington, TX

“My grandmother spent her final days at Avalon and we couldn’t have asked for a better place to care for her. The caregivers are attentive and kind, and many of them have been with Avalon for years. If you are looking for a place to love on you and your family in a season that is inevitably difficult, Avalon is a wonderful choice.”

Granddaughter | Arlington, TX

“We are delighted with the facility of Avalon Memory Care. We just placed Grandma in an apartment with them and couldn’t be happier. It is clean and well-lit, and everyone greets us, down to the folks who clean up.”

Granddaughter | Arlington, TX