My mother was just diagnosed and the doctor mentioned 'stages' without much detail. I want to understand what typically comes next so we can plan care and money before we're in a crisis.
ProLife best answer
Dementia is commonly described in three broad stages, early (mild), middle (moderate) and late (severe), and each stage calls for different planning, so the best time to settle legal, financial and care decisions is right after diagnosis.
Early stage: memory slips, trouble with planning, bills and appointments, but she can still take part in decisions. This is the time to complete a health care proxy, power of attorney and will with an elder law attorney, review finances, and talk about her wishes for future care.
Middle stage: usually the longest. Confusion grows, she may need help with bathing, dressing and medications, and wandering, sundowning or personality changes can appear. Families typically add supervision and regular aide hours, make the home safer and look at Medicaid eligibility if needed.
Late stage: she will likely need help with almost everything, including eating, moving and toileting, and may lose most speech. Planning shifts to comfort, preventing bed sores and infections, and discussing hospice with her doctor.
Every person moves through these stages at a different pace, so ask her doctor which stage she is in now and what to watch for next. The Alzheimer's Association helpline (1-800-272-3900) is also a good resource.
When you are ready to add help at home, our coordinators can talk through options at (718) 232-2777.
Anna Klyauzova, RN, MSN, MPA · Director of Patient Services, ProLife Home Care
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