Guidelines for making these essential and important decisions include: Focus on understanding all the needs and preferences of the one with Alzheimer’s, discussions can be sensitive especially at first - resistance is normal so be patient, allow for personal input from the patient for as long as possible, don’t be afraid to come back when the individual is having a better day for communicating, recognize that the individual with Alzheimer’s has rights and respect them as much as possible while at the same time keeping an eye out for safety and for what is best for good health.

Alzheimer’s Disease

The diagnosis can be emotionally upsetting for everyone involved so take it slowly and carefully at first until you know everyone’s individual style of communicating and until everyone has had a chance to digest the news. There are trained counselors that can help families to go through the decision-making processes so explore your options for help in this regard with the doctor in charge. Don’t ever be afraid to ask questions and seek resources! Knowledge is powerful and the more informed you are about the topic of Alzheimer’s the better capable you will be to make those all important decisions.