Do you have a loved one that has begun to suffer from Alzheimer’s or Dementia? It can be hard to make the transition from family member to caregiver, but there are a few steps you can take to ease the process.
Plan Ahead
It’s important to educate yourself about your loved one’s disease, whether it’s Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Try not to dive in too deep as it can be overwhelming, but seek out reputable information, so you know what to expect as you both go forward. In the early stages, you will be able to support your family member’s independence, but their condition can progress to a point where they need 24/7 care. It’s also a good idea to discuss long-term plans with them while they are still able to understand the situation at hand. You should both take the time to consult with a medical team and discuss any questions and concerns either of you may have.
Take Care of Yourself
Taking care of a loved one who is suffering from Alzheimer’s or Dementia is a noble duty, but to provide the best care for your loved one, you need to ensure you are taking care of yourself as well. It’s not selfish, you need to be at your best in order to give them your best.
- Join a support group
- Try to exercise regularly
- Use available medical resources
- Take a caregiving course
- Most importantly, ask for help; you can’t do it alone.
Develop a Routine
Developing a daily routine will help you and your family member with Alzheimer’s or Dementia cope with the challenges ahead. Although it is okay to vary from your schedule slightly, having a consistent routine will help your loved one understand what is going on. Setting specific times for certain activities like waking up, bathing, eating, and getting ready for bed can help those suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia adapt to their new situation. It’s also helpful to combine each activity with a visual cue, like setting the table with a specific place setting, because it can help them understand their routine better than verbal cues in some instances. Also, try to do your best to allow them to independently complete the tasks they are able to do on their own. Your family member may not be able to complete these tasks on their own for much longer, but while they can, it will maintain their sense of independence and dignity, which is extremely important.
By combining the proper care with the right insurance policy, you can feel at ease knowing that your loved one is covered in every aspect of their battle with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Our affordable and reliable Critical Illness Insurance helps to pay bills related to living expenses or recovery expenses that emerge due to a critical illness. In addition, you’ll also be able to earn up to 2,000 Hudsons’s Bay Rewards points upon enrollment, and another 4,000 points for paying your premium during your annual renewal.¹
Consider signing up for our dependable Critical Illness insurance to be sure you or your loved ones are covered in the face of a critical illness like Alzheimer’s or Dementia.
Critical Illness Insurance is offered by Hudson’s Bay Financial Services and is underwritten by Chubb Life Insurance Company of Canada (“Chubb Life”). This information is for general information purposes only. Actual coverage is determined by the facts and circumstances of the particular loss and the terms and conditions of the policy as issued.
Chubb Life is part of the Chubb Group of companies. With operations in 54 countries, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. Chubb Limited, the parent company of Chubb, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index.