(NAPSA)}—Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be a complex and challenging process. Fortunately, there are ways to manage the process so it can be beneficial to both the patient and the caregiver. Hereare sometips: Create a “critical contacts” worksheet so you can easily find the names, specializations, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of key medical care providers. You may do the samefor providers of social services, as well as family, friends and financial contacts. A balanced diet is critical to keeping an Alzheimer’s patient A balanced dietis critical to an Alzheimer’s patient’s well-being. Keeping a food and nutrition log can help keep track of what the patient has eaten each day. emotionally and physically strong. that is discussed, as well as any Keeping a food and nutrition log answers to your questions. Also, can help keep track of what the notethe date and timeofthe next patient has eaten each day. Hav- appointment with that particular ing such a log can also beofassis- practitioner and any changes in tance during medicalvisits. the patient's treatmentplan. Prepare a series oflists that * According to the experts at document all medications the the Alliance for Aging Research, patient takes on a regular basis as there are certain key documents well as a record ofall vaccinations that a patient with Alzheimer’s and all medical tests, surgeries or should put in place oncethe condioperations that the patient has tion has beendiagnosed. taken or had performed and the For example: result of each. —A financial durable powerof Selecting a health care pro- attorney that identifies who is vider is a critical part of a pa- authorized to makefinancial decitient’s overall treatment plan. sionsfor the patient; Whenselecting a provider, make —A similar document—a sure he or she provides the ser- health care durable power of vices you need, is board certified attorney—that identifies who can and will accept your insurance. makehealth care decisions for the Preparing for an appoint- patient; and ment with a health care provider —Aliving will that addresses can help a patient get the most end-of-life care, and a will or livout of the meeting. Start by hav- ing trust. ing a written record of the date The Personal Health Orgaand time of the appointment, the nizer, available through the purpose, and any questions you Alliance for Aging Research, can may havefor the care provider. help you keep all this information During the appointment, make in one place. For morecaregiver a record of anytests, diagnosis or tips or to order this resource, visit information related to medication www.agingresearch.org.
