By Hannah White, Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter
The help provided by others can minimize stress and feelings of being overwhelmed. A care team is the group of people who you’ll partner with and rely on to provide help, care, and support after your Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. You are in the center, but you are not there alone.
Importance of building a care team
Developing your own network of helpers may help you lead a more productive, active, and engaged life while living in the early stage of the disease.
Getting people to help you with certain tasks works better with a well-thought-out plan rather than trying to find help in an emergency situation. This plan will provide you — and the people assisting you — with confidence that the assistance you need will be there when you need it.
Who should I include on my care team?
Family, friends, neighbors, professionals, and your community are all part of your care team. Start building your team by identifying a decision-maker you trust. Often, this person is a family member or friend. Have a conversation with this person about the type of help you may need and your long-term priorities.
Your care team should include the following people:
- Family members, whether living with you or living across the country
- A close friend(s)
- Neighbors or others who may help with your day-to-day tasks
- Your general practitioner, neurologist, counselor, or another specialist
- A volunteer from a community organization, members of your church, or another social group
Your care team circle
You are at the center of the care team with those closest to you. Regardless of who is with you as you start the process, you will expand your inner circle as you tell others about your diagnosis as well as add the additional circles of medical care professionals and community resources.
Tips to develop your care team
- Identify which friends, family, and neighbors may be willing to help you.
- Discuss the help you may need, and have a conversation with each person who may be willing and able to assist you.
- Be specific in stating clearly what help is needed or may be needed in the future.
- Ask if you could do things together, like shopping and preparing meals.
- When asking for help, seek individuals who are willing to listen and who care. It is okay to avoid people who seem judgmental, critical, or blaming.
- If someone isn’t able to help you, don’t blame yourself. It’s usually not because of anything you did but has more to do with what’s going on with the other person.
- Say thank you! Everyone likes to feel appreciated, and thanking people makes it more likely that they will help again in the future.
It is important to have a strong care team after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. You will then have the care and support you need and know you, as well as them, are not alone. Our 24/7 free helpline can be reached at 800-272-3900, or visit your local office at 416 Glen Ave. Peoria. For more information, visit www.alz.org/illinois.
https://alz.org/help-support/i-have-alz/plan-for-your-future/building_a_care_team