If your father has always been your hero growing up and you have gone to him for sound advice throughout your lifetime, but now are dealing with the fact that he has been diagnosed with the early stages of alzheimer's, your world may seem as if it has been turned upside down and you may be plagued with confusion and worries as to how rapidly your father's condition will deteriorate. Use the advice that follows to help educate yourself and provide your father with the care he needs and deserves. 

Consult With Your Father's Doctor

Before getting ahead of yourself and thinking that your father's quality of life will rapidly decline and that there is no hope for him to completely regain his memory, meet with your dad's primary physician to discuss alzheimer's and your father's current condition.

Since your father has been diagnosed with the early stages of the disease, his condition may remain the same for a while and medication that is prescribed to him could stop the disease from progressing as quickly as it would without medicine. Ask the doctor what his or her opinion is, concerning your father's fate, and ask the doctor about the success rate concerning the types of medication that your dad will be taking

Attend Meetings And Spend Time With Peers

Many communities across the United States offer support groups for a wide range of ailments. Contact your local government or a community center to find out if there are any alzheimer's support groups held in the vicinity and inquire about meeting times and the name of each group leader that oversees one of the groups. Mention the meetings to your father and ask him if he would like to attend some of them with you.

During meetings, you and your dad will be provided with the opportunity to listen to personal accounts from other people who have been diagnosed with alzheimer's and will be able to gain insight from their family members. If you and your father make friends with some of the people who attend meetings, ask them if they would like to spend quality time with you and your father outside of the meetings. 

Consider A Long Term Living Facility And Make Time for Your Father

If your father doesn't feel confident about living on his own or is in need of care during times that you are not available, consider placing him in a long term living facility. A long term facility will offer a private living space and caregivers will be able to assist your dad whenever he needs help with a personal task.

After your father moves into a facility, such as Wellspring Meadows Assisted Living, set aside time on a regular basis to spend with your loved one. Bring your dad's favorite books or photos to each visit so that you can help keep your dad's memory intact and so that you and your dad can share special moments together. 

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