The first month after a diagnosis is mostly about slowing down. Very little has to be decided immediately.
Short answer
What to do in the first month, and what can wait longer than you think.
What to do, in order
- Slow down. Very little has to be decided this month.
- Get the specific diagnosis. Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, Lewy body and frontotemporal dementia progress differently and respond differently to medication.
- Do the legal work now, while capacity is clear. Power of attorney, medical power of attorney, directives.
- Call the Area Agency on Aging serving your county. CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions covers every county in this metro -- one call reaches the same agency regardless of which county you are in.
- Understand what memory care will require later. Indiana requires a written Alzheimer's and Dementia Special Care Disclosure, not a separate certification -- ask to see it by name when the time comes.
