When someone you care about gets diagnosed with Alzheimer's, it feels like your world gets turned upside down. However, with some planning and support from others, you can make things easier for them. This guide will help you understand Alzheimer's Disease, how to choose the best health insurance policy and create a loving, caring home where you can face this together.
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer's Disease, a progressive brain disease, slowly steals your memory and affects your reasoning, thinking skills, and ability to do everyday things. Symptoms can range from moderate (like mood swings, delusions, changes in sleep pattern, difficulty in controlling bladder and bowel issues, and repetitive behaviour) to severe (such as limited response to one's environment, inability to communicate properly with others, difficulty in sitting and walking, and complete dependence on caregivers).
- Catching the early signs (like forgetting things all the time, getting confused about where you are or what time it is, and having trouble doing things a person used to do easily) is crucial. Build a support system involving family members and friends and seek help in caregiving activities.
- Everyone with Alzheimer's has a different experience. Symptoms worsen quickly for some people, while others have a slower decline. You must know the extent to which your loved one is affected, as this can help you create a care plan that fits his/her needs. You can opt for counselling involving family members to resolve emotional challenges and explore coping strategies.
Regular check-ups can help identify the symptoms of Alzheimer's. Consuming a balanced diet and managing stress by practising meditation, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques can help. Simplify daily routines and integrate physical activities like yoga, walking or swimming to stay physically active. Using apps to keep track of doctor’s appointments, taking medicines on time, etc. can help.
Picking the right health insurance for managing Alzheimer
Having the right health insurance policy is vital when you’re dealing with Alzheimer’s. Individuals diagnosed with this disease require long-term care, and having a comprehensive senior citizens’ health insurance plan can help ease the financial burden of ongoing treatments, medications, in-home care, and possibly long-term care facilities. When looking for a healthcare policy, make sure it covers the following -
- Talk to your doctor to identify the specific needs of the patient and potential modes of treatment; this will help you find the most suitable coverage options.
- Compare various plans, shortlist a few, and review their features and premiums.
- You must understand the policy’s scope of coverage. It must cover the expenses related to therapy, medicines, and support for caregivers or professional assistance at home.
- Look for a plan that offers coverage for early diagnosis, including diagnostic tests and assessments for this disease.
Pick a senior citizens’ health insurance policy that meets your needs and budget. Review the policy document and attain clarity on co-pays, deductibles, limitations, and exclusions. Consider investing in a critical illness insurance policy to seek timely diagnosis and medical intervention for Alzheimer’s.
Conclusion
It's essential to read the fine print of your health insurance policy to avoid unpleasant surprises when you make a claim. Alzheimer's isn't just about the physical symptoms. It can also take a toll on the person affected and his/her family. So, prioritise mental and emotional support as well to help the affected individual cope better.