According to Georgia’s Department of Public Health, more than 130,000 Georgians are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Dementia’s progressive impact on cognitive and physical abilities takes a toll on both older adults and their loved ones who are providing care.
While there are many symptoms associated with dementia—memory loss, confusion, behavioral changes, and more—this condition looks much different for everyone. Due to challenging symptoms and uncertainty, it’s essential to understand your local resources for memory care, so you’re never left with important questions unanswered.
Alpharetta, GA, is home to several impactful memory care resources for people with dementia and their loved ones. Let’s take a look at some of these next.
Managing Care Needs
The Atlanta Agency on Aging, or EmpowerLine, provides many resources for older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers. This is a great starting place for exploring memory care resources in the Alpharetta, GA region. Resources include care supports like home care and adult day programs, Meals on Wheels, and support navigating Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be a challenge for many seniors and their families. Without a definite diagnosis, there can be feelings of uncertainty and misalignment. With a diagnosis, you can feel empowered to face the future and develop a plan that makes sense for your family. Emory Hospital offers a Cognitive Neurology Clinic. Their skilled clinicians can help identify the root cause of cognitive impairment, make treatment recommendations, and identify potential research trials. With this knowledge, you can feel confident when exploring your care options.
Many families supporting a loved one with dementia find a geriatric care manager to be an essential part of their care journey, no matter where they currently are in that journey. A geriatric care manager can take the heavy lifting off of caregiving and help you evaluate and understand care options and how to implement them. Find a geriatric care manager who is local to you through the Aging Life Care Association search tool.
Alpharetta’s Adult Activity Center offers plenty of opportunities for adults aged 50+ to stay active and engaged in the community. Caregivers may enjoy attending a support group, and individuals with mild cognitive impairment may enjoy the copious social opportunities or the Brainercise program designed to support brain health.
Long-Term Planning
If your loved one in Alpharetta was recently diagnosed with dementia, you may need to fill out their long-term care legal documents. This includes advanced care directives and assigning a power of attorney. You can get started on Georgia’s required documents here.
There are several skilled elder law attorneys in the Alpharetta area. These attorneys specialize in navigating elder-specific legal concerns such as establishing power of attorney, navigating Medicaid, and financial management. Check out some of Alpharetta’s trusted attorneys through the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys.
Support for Caregivers
Regardless of the level of care you provide, caregiver support is essential to delivering long-term, quality care. Georgia’s chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association offers numerous caregiver support programs, including educational sessions and support groups. Educational sessions include communication, behavioral changes, and long-term care planning. These sessions are offered in person and virtually, making them especially accessible to caregivers.
Caregiver burnout is highly prevalent. The act of caregiving takes a physical, emotional, and financial toll. Caregivers often take care of their loved ones at the expense of their own needs. Without respite, caregivers are at an increased risk of burnout, negatively impacting their ability to provide long-term assistance. Respite can come in different ways: home care, adult day programs, or support from family and friends.
As your loved one’s disease progresses, your family might choose to explore memory care neighborhoods nearby. A memory care community offers safety, nutritious meals, support with personal care, and engaging activities designed specially for individuals living with dementia. This is all in addition to providing caregivers with needed respite, and decreasing their burnout.
Oftentimes, exploring your residential options ahead of when you need them can decrease stress in the future. Arbor Terrace Crabapple is a premium memory care option, designed to provide quality care, while allowing family members to do more of what matters most - spending time together.
No matter how severe your loved one’s memory condition may be, the trusted senior living advisors at Arbor Terrace Crabapple can help you understand which care option is suitable for your loved one and what other community resources may be a fit for you. Give us a call or schedule a tour today to learn more about specific resources for your family's unique needs.
