Dementia Care Planning Checklist - Steps Everyone Needs Before Making Big Plans
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Dementia Care Planning Checklist - Steps Everyone Needs Before Making Big Plans

Dementia care planning is determining how best to support a person with dementia. Planning for future care can ensure that the person will have access to quality services tailored to their needs. It can also reduce the stress associated with managing an unpredictable condition. 

If you are looking into creating a care plan for someone in your life with dementia, do thorough research and planning first. It can seem overwhelming, but having a plan will help ensure that your senior loved one's needs are met over time as their condition changes. In this blog post, we will provide an overview of what you need to know about dementia care planning. We'll also provide steps to take before making big plans.

Step 1: Understand Your or Your Loved One's Needs

Before creating a care plan, you must understand the needs of the person with dementia. A comprehensive evaluation can help assess their physical and mental health status and social or emotional needs. The person's medical history can provide insight into potential interventions that may be beneficial in managing behaviors or improving function. Their lifestyle and preferences will help identify services they may need now or in the future.

Step 2: Make a Financial Plan

Financial planning for dementia care can be a complicated and time-consuming process. Identify resources that may help pay for services, such as government benefits or private insurance. It is also helpful to estimate costs to determine what type of services you will need and how much these services may cost over time. 

Step 3: Consider the Different Types of Care Settings

Once you better understand your senior’s needs and what resources are available, consider different care settings. In-home care can provide comprehensive support in familiar surroundings with minimal daily routine and activity disruption. An assisted living facility may be appropriate for those needing more individualized attention than they could receive at home. Nursing home care may best meet the needs of someone requiring extensive medical monitoring or specialized rehabilitation services. 

Step 4: Research Providers

After identifying a potential care setting, research and evaluate different providers in the area. Ask questions about the experience and qualifications of caregivers, the cost of services, and any other services offered. Comparing customer reviews from other family members who have used these services is also helpful. 

Step 5: Make a Care Plan

Creating a care plan should involve input from multiple people, including family and the individual receiving care (if possible). A written care plan should identify who will be providing the care, what services they will provide each day, and how potential changes in care needs will be addressed. 

Step 6: Implement the Plan

The care plan should be updated regularly to accommodate any changes in needs, cost of services, and preferences. Monitor the plan implementation and make adjustments as needed. 

Need Help Making a Dementia Care Plan?

Dementia care planning can be complex and time-consuming. Planning and setting up resources in advance will help ensure that the person's needs are met now and into the future. If you or your family are looking for additional support for someone with dementia in Lexington, Georgetown, Nicholasville, Shelbyville, and surrounding areas, call us. Contact Senior Helpers Lexington, as we provide personalized services tailored to meet each individual's needs.