I'm very involved in coordinating the care for my grandmother, but she lives a few states away from me. She was recently diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer's, and I'm trying to help my family figure out what to expect and how to plan for the care she'll need in the future. We're a little overwhelmed by all the information that's being thrown at us. She's currently in an assisted living facility, but I'm not sure what to do to make sure that she's getting the best care and enough attention when I am so far away. Are there things I can do from a distance?

Hi Allison,

It is certainly an overwhelming time for you and your family, but there are plenty of things you can do from a distance. Here are a few suggestions to help you and your family create a plan.

-Learn about Alzheimer's Disease. The more informed you are the better you, your grandmother, and your family can plan. I recommend the Alzheimer's Association website (www.alz.org) and The 36-Hour Day by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins to start.

-If you have not already, have a discussion with your grandmother about a trusted person--likely a family member-- becoming durable power of attorney and health care proxy.

-It is often most successful when a single family member is the point person for health care matters. Have a conversation with your family about who the most appropriate person would be to take on this role. Who can keep up communication with your grandmother, doctors, and staff at the assisted living facility (ALF) and relay this regularly to other family members? When that has been decided be sure appropriate consent forms have been completed at the assisted living facility and at your grandmother's doctor's office. It is vital that a family member have authority to speak to her doctor without your grandmother present as the disease progresses.

- An article from a three-part series, Dementia Series: Long Distance Caregiving, Part II, outlines additional points to communicate with a care facility about. The author, Irene Olson, stresses meeting all department heads entrusted with your parent's care. I whole-heartedly agree. You want to know who is responsible for what and be sure they know how involved you are. You can view this article by going to
http://www.examiner.com/senior-care-in-seattle/dementia-series-long-distance-caregiving-part-ii

-Have a meeting with the ALF about how they support the needs of their residents with Alzheimer's disease. Will they be able to meet your grandmother's care needs as the illness progresses? Ask a lot of questions. Again, the more informed you are the better you will be able to plan.

I wish you and your family the best Allison. Please check in with us and let us know how things are going. I also recommend you check out our Long Distance Senior Caregiving group for extra support and resources.

Best,
Mary