Get organized.
About money: If you haven't done so already, have a frank talk with your loved one about his or her financial situation. To start off, you'll need to know what kind of resources are available monthly and over the long term as you plan ahead for the future care he or she will need. Early-stage Alzheimer's is the ideal time to take the legal and practical steps necessary to protect assets.
About records: Put systems in place for your record-keeping. In designated files or binders, store your loved one's medical records, financial records, and helpful personal information (such as the names and contact information of his or her friends and neighbors, hair stylist, pastor or rabbi, and others). It's best to do this now, while your loved one can help you gather information and give medical professionals permission to share information with you. This is doubly important to do early on if you're dealing with other health issues on top of Alzheimer's.
About dates: Set up a central calendar in your loved one's home to help him or her remember appointments, support group meetings, and other commitments. Many geriatric care providers who work with dementia issues also recommend using a portable dated diary or journal where he or she can, with your help, develop the habit of writing down notes, details of conversations, and other day-to-day things he or she wants to recall.
About help: Start your own running resource list of the names and contact information of people who can help provide care, from local Alzheimer's organizations to friends and family who can run errands and otherwise aid you and your loved one. Discuss with siblings and other family members a way to keep everyone in the loop.
Plan ahead for care.
It's possible that nothing in your loved one's life needs to change immediately following diagnosis. (One exception is driving. Now's the time to give up the keys if he or she hasn't done so already, since getting lost and poor judgment are hallmarks of the disease.) Most people with early-stage Alzheimer's can remain in their own homes with sufficient checks and supports. Living independently for as long as is practical can empower him or her and perhaps slow the pace of decline. But practical is the key word. As judgment and problem-solving skills become increasingly impaired, he or she will eventually need more-elaborate help -- a live-in aide or an assisted-living facility. In the meantime, with some research on your part, you can identify needs that will likely come up in the near future. Examples include self care, cooking, home maintenance, bill paying, and safety around the house. A basic outline of these issues, near and far, and possible ways to deal with them, will help everyone feel prepared.
Consider any care plan a work in progress that you'll need to update and revise periodically. You can get insider input on issues you're liable to encounter from your loved one's doctor, a geriatric care manager or consultant, your local Alzheimer's associations, and online support groups.
