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Many
older people choose to remain living in their own
home alone. This decision is based on a number of
reasons. Most who make this decision do so to remain
independent. A few have no family to whom they can
turn for assistance, while others simply do not wish
to live with their family or believe it will make
life difficult for all concerned. Residential care
or nursing home placement is certainly something few,
if any of us, ever wish to consider for ourselves.
You have the right to stay in your own home if you
wish.
For
many, independence is of greater priority than physical
safety. Since Alzheimer's disease and other dementias
are progressive diseases, the physical and behavioural
symptoms experienced will gradually get worse over
time. It is therefore important to plan in advance
for any assistance you may need to help maintain your
independence.
Consider
the following suggestions:
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Ensure
work, financial, legal and health matters are
addressed as soon as possible after receiving
your diagnosis. If left until late in the disease,
the power to make decisions about these matters
may be taken away from you.
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Inform
your bank if you have difficulties with keeping
track of your accounts, bill payments and other
banking needs. They may provide special services
for people with Alzheimer's disease.
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Arrange
for direct payments of Social Security cheques,
pensions and the like, into your bank account.
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Stay
in close contact with your doctor and specialist
for regular review of your medical situation.
There are other treatable illnesses which, if
left untreated, can exacerbate the symptoms
of dementia.
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Seek
information about getting assistance in the
home with housekeeping, general home maintenance,
transportation and home nursing.
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Plan
for home meal deliveries if available in your
area.
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Arrange
regular home maintenance checks eg. through
Home Assist Secure.
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Have
a smoke alarm fitted and check it regularly.
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Leave
a set of keys to your house with a trusted neighbour.
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Keep
a list of emergency numbers, in large print,
next to the phone.
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Ask
a friend or relative to assist in arranging
your clothes and drawers to make it easier for
you to find what you need to get dressed.
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Label
cupboards and drawers with words or pictures
that describe their content.
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Arrange
for a daily visit or telephone contact by friends,
relatives or a community worker to remind you
of meal times, appointments or to take your
medications.
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Label
photos with the names of those you see most
often.
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Mark
days off on a calendar to keep track of time.
Maintain your daily routines wherever possible.
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