Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition marked by memory loss, difficulty with problem solving, and changes in mood and behavior.

It’s a degenerative disease that affects brain cells, gradually making it harder for individuals to complete daily activities or manage their own care. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are many things that can be done to improve the quality of life for someone dealing with the disease. One such thing is creating a health contract.

What is a Health Contract?

A health contract is a written document that outlines a person’s wishes regarding their care and treatment.

It can be used in a variety of situations, but is particularly useful for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, who may experience significant changes in their ability to communicate their needs as the disease progresses. A health contract can provide guidance to caregivers, family members, and medical professionals on how to meet the needs of the individual with Alzheimer’s.

Creating a Health Contract

Creating a health contract for someone with Alzheimer’s disease involves working with the individual, their healthcare providers, and family members to develop a plan for their care.

Below are some of the items that could be included in a health contract:.

Medical Care

The health contract should outline the individual’s preferences for medical care, including the types of procedures and treatments they would like to receive and those they would like to avoid.

It should also address end-of-life care and decisions that may need to be made when the person is no longer able to communicate their wishes.

Daily Activities and Routines

The health contract should list the individual’s preferred routines and activities, including favorite foods, hobbies, and pastimes.

It should also address any limitations or challenges the individual faces and provide guidelines on how to assist them with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.

Communication and Engagement

As Alzheimer’s progresses, individuals may have difficulty communicating their needs and engaging in social interactions.

The health contract should provide guidance on how to assist the individual in these areas, including strategies for improving communication and ways to engage them in activities and social interactions.

Legal Matters

The health contract should address any legal matters that may arise, including issues related to guardianship, power of attorney, and living wills. It should also provide guidance on how to manage finances and other important matters.

Support Networks and Resources

The health contract should provide a list of support networks and resources that can help the individual with Alzheimer’s and their family members. This may include local support groups, respite care programs, and home health agencies.

Managing Progression of Alzheimer’s

It’s important to recognize that Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, and the health contract should reflect this.

It’s a good idea to revisit and revise the contract periodically as the individual’s needs change, and to discuss the plan with healthcare providers and family members regularly.

Tips for Success

Creating and implementing a health contract can be a daunting task, but it’s an important step in improving the quality of life for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Here are a few tips for success:.

Involve the individual with Alzheimer’s in the planning process as much as possible
Work with healthcare providers and family members to ensure that everyone is on the same page
Be flexible and willing to revise the plan as needed
Communicate the plan to all involved parties, including medical professionals, family members, and caregivers
Regularly review and update the plan as the individual’s needs change

Conclusion

Alzheimer’s disease is a challenging condition, but there are many things that can be done to improve the quality of life for those dealing with the disease. Creating a health contract is one such thing.

By outlining the individual’s preferences for care and treatment, a health contract can provide guidance to caregivers, family members, and medical professionals, ensuring that the person with Alzheimer’s is able to maintain their dignity and quality of life throughout the progression of the disease.