This week’s question:  How do I know when it's the right time to consider placement?    Moving a loved one to a care facility can be a difficult decision. There is no single “right time” to do so, because dementia affects every individual differently. Only caregivers and the family members involved in the decision-making process

This week’s question:  It's obviously dementia, so what's the point in getting a diagnosis?    In the case that your loved one does have some form of dementia, it is still critical to receive appropriate medical attention through evaluations and assessments. While diseases like Alzheimer’s do not currently have a cure, an early diagnosis will

This week’s question:  I really need more help, but don't know who to ask and don't want to burden my children. They are already so busy. What do I do? While it is true that adult children often lead very busy lives, many still want to contribute to the caregiving process, and often express feelings

This week’s question:  I feel so guilty for considering placement for my loved one. I promised I would keep her in her home, but I’m at the point where I need more help! What should I do?   This is a common promise made by family members, though it is not always one that can realistically

This week’s question:  My loved one refuses to see a doctor. How do I convince them to go?   It can often be difficult to get a loved one to go to the doctor for a diagnosis, or even just a routine check-up. First, it is important to know why they may feel reluctant in

This week’s question:  I've never attended a support group, how can it help?    First off, you may be wondering - what is a caregiver support group? Support groups are a place where caregivers can gather to share information, experiences, advice, and support for one another. Alzheimer’s Orange County regularly holds support groups for helping

My husband has Alzheimer’s, and he just won't listen to anything that I say! I’m just trying to help him. How do I convince him to listen to me? It can be very frustrating when you find you are repeating yourself, and yet your loved one simply doesn’t seem to understand or accept what you

  I'm a caregiver and am doing this all alone, how do I get a break?  Some benefits that you or your loved one may be eligible for may include Medi-Cal, which covers adult day centers, In-Home Support Services (IHSS), Veteran’s Aid, and many other programs and services. The IHSS program is considered an alternative

This week’s question:  What benefits might my loved one be eligible for, and how do I know?   There are many resources and benefits that you and your loved one may be eligible for. Here are a few:   Medi-Cal Medi-Cal can pay long-term care costs, including nursing, living facilities, and home care, for those