50+ Lifestyles

Making Long Term Care Decisions for a Loved One

Duffy Law Office is a member
of the American Academy
of Estate Planning Attorneys.

A loved one with dementia has special needs that should be taken into consideration, especially when choosing a long term care facility.  It’s important to take extra care so that your loved one is able to live a comfortable and safe life.  There are steps that you can take to make sure that you’re choosing the best possible facility for your loved one. We discuss those steps below.

• You may consider at home care. This can be a great way for your loved one to have a sense of routine in his or her life. It can also be a great way to keep your loved one in a familiar environment. If you have the same family members and friends, as well as one caregiver assisting in your loved one’s care, this can make it possible to live a less stressful life.
• Choose a long term care option that will allow your loved one to have some sense of independence, yet remain secure. Even if your loved one is only able to handle a couple of small tasks a day, this can make a difference in mood, self-esteem, and well-being.
• When selecting a long term care facility, consider an option that offers activities and events geared towards patients with dementia. Many facilities offer these programs to their patients.
• If you choose a facility, make an extra effort to have family and friends visit on a regular basis.  Depending on your loved one’s level of memory loss, you can bring in items that may spark a memory.  This can be a good way for the entire family to enjoy visits.

If you’re dealing with your loved one’s dementia, you’re probably stressed and frustrated. Know that there are steps that you can take to ensure that
your loved one is receiving the care that he or she deserves, while also living a comfortable and secure life. If you have any questions about choosing a
long term care option, consult with a qualified estate planning attorney.

Ryan Denman is an attorney at Duffy Law Office. He can be reached at (563) 445-7400 or at info@duffylawoffice.com.