The first month after a diagnosis is mostly about slowing down. Very little has to be decided immediately.
Short answer
What to do in the first month, and what can wait longer than you think.
What to do, in order
- Slow down. Very little has to be decided this month.
- Get the specific diagnosis. Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, Lewy body and frontotemporal dementia progress differently and respond differently to medication.
- Do the legal work now, while capacity is clear. Power of attorney, medical power of attorney, directives.
- Call the Area Agency on Aging serving your county. Nassau County Office for the Aging (516-227-8900) or Suffolk County Office for the Aging (631-853-8200) -- both are also NY Connects access points.
- Understand what memory care will require later. New York requires SNALR certification, an add-on to an ALR license, specifically for dementia care -- not a separate license category.
