Achieving quality care by asking the right questions

The first step to achieving quality care for your loved one may be as simple as asking the right questions.

When faced with the realization that your loved one is developing signs of dementia, you may feel overwhelmed and anxious about what to do next. My advice to you is don’t panic. There are many resources within your community that will help you find the information and tools you need to achieve the best quality care for your loved one. It’s all about asking the right questions and taking the time to find the answers that you need.

Here are some questions you should ask:

• What level of care and assistance will my loved one require to live independently?
• What kind of tasks can my loved one still accomplish on his/her own?
• What kind of tasks can my loved one no longer accomplish on his/her own?
• What activities, if any, has my loved one’s doctor told him/her they should no longer be doing independently?
• Who can provide the best quality care and assistance in the specific areas my loved one needs it most?

Once you begin to ask these questions and look for the answers you need, you will have a much better idea of how you can help your loved one manage their dementia and continue living a happy, independent life. You may find that services such as those offered by Seniors for Seniors may be able to fill some of the gaps by providing assistance in areas where your loved one needs it most. Knowing that your loved one is well taken care of can provide you with peace of mind and relieve some of the anxiety you may be feeling about their condition.

By asking the necessary questions and finding the information you require to ensure the right amount of help is in place, you may be pleasantly surprised by how much more manageable your loved one’s dementia can become.

For more information on Seniors for Seniors and our dedicated caregivers in the Hamilton/Niagara Area please call: 905-572-6162.