Alzheimer’s Care in La Grange, IL: November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

A certain amount of memory loss or forgetfulness is common in many people as they age. Simple memory loss or a little slowing in your thinking process does not mean that you have or will develop Alzheimer’s. If you are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and it is still in an early stage you will still have an opportunity to have some input into how the disease will be managed and treated. Here are some things you will need to look at make sure you get the best possible care.

The Cost of Care

Before you can begin planning the financial cost of care you need to determine what the costs will be. The most common costs of Alzheimer’s disease are listed here.

1. Ongoing medical treatment will be necessary to treat symptoms and track the progress of the disease. You will want to know in advance when you think you may need help caring for yourself.
2. Will you be able to stay at home and use a home care service or will you need to move into a senior care facility. Initially you will be able to use an in-home care service to help you with daily living. Eventually unless you have a family member who will be able to live with you as the disease progresses you will have to plan on either a live in home care assistant or moving to an assisted care facility.
3. As the disease progresses you will need to install some safety equipment in your home to make sure you don’t hurt yourself.
4. There will probably be additional costs for other medical conditions that you have so be sure to include these in your financial plan.

Financial Planning

One of the most important factors that determine your future is how much money you have available for treatment and care. Some government programs may be able to assist you with prescription drug costs, transportation, and meals. Find out right away what assistance you can expect from the government. If you or your spouse is a veteran you may be able to get assistance from the VA. Look into what any supplemental insurance may provide. If you or your spouse is covered under a pension plan you may be entitled to some help with care and treatment under the plan.

Paying for Care

If you have been able to save up a little nest egg while you were working, have some investments or retirement benefits this will certainly become a big part of your financial plan. If you are enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid they will be able to provide some help to pay for care. If you have life insurance or a long term care policy you can use them to help pay for your care. If you own your home a reverse mortgage will allow you to stay in your home and help you pay for care. Be careful about using a reverse mortgage because it may cost you some government benefits. There are also many scams out there that prey on elderly people using revers mortgages.

For Alzheimer’s Care in La Grange, IL call 708-761-4909. Serving La Grange, Oakbrook, Oak Brook Terrace, Brookfield, Westchester, Downers Grove, Berwyn, River Forest, Oak Park, Hinsdale, Chicago and surrounding communities.