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Once-A-Day Aricept® (donepezil HCI)

Using Care Facilities
As a caregiver, you will need to think about your loved one's long-term needs. As Alzheimer's disease progresses, the symptoms may get worse. There may come a point when your loved one needs more care than you can provide on your own.

Talk to the doctor about your loved one's changing needs. The doctor may be able to guide you in making the right choice for your loved one. As your loved one needs more help, there are a lot of options to consider. Here are several of the options you may want to discuss with your loved one's doctor:


In-home Care

If your loved one needs more help than you can provide, home care might be an answer. Home care can provide the support and extra help that a loved one needs to stay at home with a caregiver. In-home care may include any of the following:
  • Health and medical care
  • Friendly visits
  • Help with personal care
  • Cooking and housekeeping
Assisted Living
Assisted living allows people to live in an apartment-like setting. But, care and support is available when it is needed. Assisted living facilities may:
  • Provide meals
  • Help with bathing, dressing, taking medicine, and housekeeping
  • Offer recreation opportunities

A move to a facility is a big change for both you and your loved one. If possible, you should have support during the transition. Friends, family, or a social worker may be able to help.


Nursing Home Care

Nursing homes provide services and oversight around the clock by trained professionals. If nursing home care is the right choice for your loved one, look for places with special units for patients with Alzheimer's disease.

One day, you may need to make choices about end-of-life care. If you can, help your loved one fill out an Advanced Healthcare Directive. This can help make these choices easier. Each state has its own Advanced Healthcare Directive. You will need to get the forms that are accepted in your state. You may want to seek the advice of an attorney. There are a lot of options, and the doctor or attorney can help you make the best choice.
Get caregiver support

Consumer Consortium of Assisted Living
Visit the site to get information that will help you make a decision. Request the popular booklet Choosing an Assisted Living Facility: Considerations for the Right Decision.
National Association of Social Workers
Use the site to find a social worker who specializes in seniors and aging.
Advanced Health Care Directive
Get help making choices about end-of-life care.