Reply to Next steps for elderly relative showing signs of mental decline

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Goal would be to go to a primary care doctor who can outline next steps; maybe a referral to neurologist for further testing, perhaps a diagnosis (could be general like cognitive decline). Maybe a social worker gets involved if nothing else but to discuss available resources like adult day care, transportation services, home health aide visits or plan, etc.

A general plan should be outlined: are they going to stay in current home? If so, how practical and most importantly, safe is their residence? How are medicines managed? Home delivery? Very important to critical that meds - all-even OTC are supervised.

Are doorways wide enough to get a walker or wheelchair through? Where are primary bedrooms?

How will home maintenance be handled? Lawn care?

Is there a DNR in place? If so, this must be out and visible -make copies and distribute. Also discuss power of attorney. Who can write checks, pay bills if one partner is hospitalized or unable to do so?

Plan to have a responsible adult accompany the patients to any doctor appointments. This person will take notes, clarify, ask questions.

OP Here: These will be very helpful to ask the current caregiver, thanks.  It seemed like they were already doing a lot of this (one-story house, yard service,medication management with pill boxes, wills/power of attorney is all up to date, they have a joint account to pay bills) - but since they are also of advanced age - so how much they can handle is also a concern.

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