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New Alzheimer’s Treatments Essential 2026 Guide for Families

new alzheimer's treatments

New Alzheimer’s treatments are changing everything for families facing this diagnosis. For the first time in history, we have medications that don’t just treat symptoms — they actually slow the disease itself.

If your loved one was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s five years ago, the only options were medications that temporarily improved symptoms while the disease continued its relentless progression. Today, these new Alzheimer’s treatments give families genuine choices that can preserve months — potentially years — of meaningful time together.

But these new treatments aren’t for everyone. They require early diagnosis, regular infusions, frequent MRI monitoring, and careful observation for side effects. Understanding what’s available — and what it actually means for your family — is essential.

This guide explains the breakthrough Alzheimer’s treatments approved in 2023-2024, who qualifies, what treatment involves, and how home caregivers support families navigating this new era of Alzheimer’s care.

Why These New Alzheimer’s Treatments Are Different

Previous Alzheimer’s medications — donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and memantine (Namenda) — work by boosting brain chemicals that support memory and thinking. They can temporarily improve symptoms, but they don’t change the underlying disease. The brain continues to deteriorate.

The new Alzheimer’s treatments work completely differently. They’re monoclonal antibodies that target and remove beta-amyloid plaques — the sticky protein clumps that accumulate in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s and are believed to drive the disease.

By clearing these plaques, the medications slow the rate of cognitive decline. In clinical trials, patients receiving treatment declined more slowly than those receiving placebo, preserving an estimated 4.5 to 7.5 additional months of function over 18 months of treatment.

That may not sound dramatic, but for families, those months represent holidays celebrated together, conversations remembered, and independence maintained. It’s time that matters.

The Two FDA-Approved Disease-Modifying Treatments

Leqembi (Lecanemab)

FDA Approval: July 2023 (traditional approval)

How it works: Leqembi targets and removes beta-amyloid protofibrils — the toxic, soluble form of amyloid believed to be most harmful to brain cells — as well as larger amyloid plaques.

Administration: Intravenous (IV) infusion every two weeks, lasting approximately one hour per infusion. After completing the initial 18-month regimen, patients now have maintenance options: an IV infusion once every 4 weeks OR a weekly subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection that can be administered at home.

Clinical results: In the CLARITY AD trial involving 1,795 patients, Leqembi slowed cognitive decline by 27% compared to placebo over 18 months. Patients showed statistically significant benefits on measures of cognition, daily function, and quality of life.

Cost: Approximately $26,500 per year. Medicare covers Leqembi for eligible patients enrolled in an approved registry.

Kisunla (Donanemab)

FDA Approval: July 2024 (traditional approval)

How it works: Kisunla targets a modified form of beta-amyloid (pyroglutamate Aβ) found specifically in established amyloid plaques. It’s designed to clear existing plaque deposits from the brain.

Administration: Intravenous (IV) infusion once every four weeks (monthly), lasting approximately 30 minutes. A key advantage: treatment can potentially be stopped once amyloid plaques are cleared to minimal levels, as confirmed by a PET scan — typically after 12-18 months.

Clinical results: In the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 trial involving 1,736 patients, Kisunla slowed cognitive and functional decline by approximately 29% compared to placebo over 76 weeks. This corresponds to a delay in symptom progression of 4.5 to 7.5 months.

Cost: Approximately $32,000 per year for a person of average weight. Medicare coverage is available for patients enrolled in an approved registry.

Leqembi vs. Kisunla: Key Differences

Leqembi Kisunla
Infusion frequency Every 2 weeks Every 4 weeks (monthly)
Treatment duration Ongoing (with maintenance dosing) Can stop when plaques are cleared (typically 12-18 months)
At-home option Yes (subcutaneous maintenance) No (IV only)
Annual cost ~$26,500 ~$32,000
Slowing of decline ~27% ~29%

Both medications have similar efficacy. The choice between them often depends on practical factors: infusion frequency preference, whether the possibility of completing treatment appeals to the patient, and insurance coverage.

Who Qualifies for Treatment

These medications are specifically approved for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Not everyone with memory problems is a candidate. If you’re exploring Alzheimer’s and dementia home care options, understanding treatment eligibility is an important first step.

Eligible patients for new Alzheimer’s treatments must have:

  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s — Memory and thinking problems that are noticeable but don’t significantly interfere with daily life
  • OR mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s — Early-stage dementia, where the person still has significant independence
  • Confirmed amyloid pathology — Proof that amyloid plaques are present in the brain, demonstrated through amyloid PET scan or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing. Blood tests (plasma pTau217) are increasingly being used for initial screening.

Who does NOT qualify:

  • People with moderate or advanced Alzheimer’s disease
  • People with other types of dementia (vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia)
  • People without confirmed amyloid pathology
  • People taking blood thinners (anticoagulants) — increased risk of brain bleeding
  • People with certain genetic profiles may face restrictions (see below)

The ApoE4 Gene Factor

Before starting treatment, patients undergo genetic testing for the ApoE4 gene — a genetic variant that increases both Alzheimer’s risk and the risk of treatment side effects.

  • No ApoE4 copies: Lower risk of side effects — typically good candidates for treatment
  • One ApoE4 copy (heterozygous): Moderate risk — treatment generally appropriate with careful monitoring
  • Two ApoE4 copies (homozygous): Higher risk of serious side effects — the European Medicines Agency restricts Leqembi use in this group; careful risk-benefit discussion required

Understanding ARIA: The Most Important Side Effect

The primary safety concern with both new Alzheimer’s treatments is ARIA — Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities. This refers to brain swelling (ARIA-E) or small areas of bleeding (ARIA-H) that can occur as amyloid is cleared from the brain.

Key facts about ARIA:

  • ARIA occurs in approximately 20-35% of patients
  • Most cases are asymptomatic — detected only on routine MRI monitoring
  • When symptoms occur, they may include headache, confusion, dizziness, vision changes, nausea, or difficulty walking
  • Most ARIA resolves on their own within weeks to months
  • Serious or life-threatening ARIA is rare but possible — the FDA has identified fatal cases, prompting enhanced monitoring requirements

MRI monitoring schedule:

Patients receiving these treatments require multiple brain MRIs to monitor for ARIA:

  • Baseline MRI before starting treatment
  • MRIs before specific infusions (schedule varies by medication)
  • Additional MRIs if symptoms develop
  • For Leqembi: MRIs recommended before the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 14th infusions

What Treatment Actually Looks Like

Understanding the practical realities of these new Alzheimer’s treatments helps families make informed decisions.

Before Treatment Begins

  • Comprehensive cognitive evaluation to confirm diagnosis and stage
  • Amyloid confirmation (PET scan or CSF testing)
  • Genetic testing for ApoE4 status
  • Baseline brain MRI
  • Review of all medications (blood thinners must be stopped)

During Treatment

  • Regular infusions: Every 2 weeks (Leqembi) or monthly (Kisunla) at an infusion center or hospital
  • Infusion time: Approximately 30-60 minutes plus observation
  • MRI monitoring: Multiple scans throughout treatment (schedule varies)
  • Regular follow-up: Ongoing cognitive assessments and safety monitoring
  • Side effect watch: Families learn to recognize potential ARIA symptoms

Infusion-Related Reactions

The most common side effect (affecting about 25% of patients) is infusion-related reactions during or shortly after the infusion. These typically include:

  • Flushing, chills, or fever
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Body aches
  • Rash

Most reactions are mild to moderate and occur primarily with the first few infusions.

What’s Coming Next: The Future of Alzheimer’s Treatment

Research on new Alzheimer’s treatments continues rapidly. As of 2025, 138 drugs are being studied in 182 clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease. Some notable developments:

Tau-targeting therapies: While current treatments target amyloid, the next generation may target tau protein — another hallmark of Alzheimer’s. Biogen’s BIIB080 and other tau-targeting drugs are in Phase 2 trials, with major results expected in 2026.

Easier delivery: Subcutaneous (injection) and potentially oral formulations are being developed to reduce the burden of frequent visits to infusion centers.

Blood-based diagnostics: Simple blood tests (like pTau217) are increasingly accurate at detecting Alzheimer’s pathology — matching PET scan results more than 90% of the time. This will make screening more accessible and affordable.

Prevention trials: Studies are underway testing whether these treatments can prevent Alzheimer’s in people who have amyloid buildup but no symptoms yet.

Combination approaches: Future treatment may involve multiple drugs targeting different aspects of the disease, similar to how cancer and HIV are now treated.

How Home Caregivers Support Treatment Success

These new Alzheimer’s treatments don’t eliminate the need for supportive care — they increase it. Treatment success depends on consistent monitoring, transportation to frequent appointments, and vigilant observation for side effects. Whether you need hourly home care for appointment days or 24-hour home care for comprehensive support, professional caregivers play a vital role.

At All Heart Home Care, our caregivers play a vital role in supporting families navigating Alzheimer’s treatment:

✓ Transportation to infusion appointments — Reliable transportation every 2-4 weeks to infusion centers, plus additional trips for MRIs and follow-up visits

✓ Side effect monitoring — Trained to recognize potential ARIA symptoms (headache, confusion, vision changes, dizziness) and alert family members and healthcare providers immediately

✓ Post-infusion observation — Providing companionship and monitoring during the hours following each infusion

✓ Medication management — Ensuring all prescribed medications are taken correctly and tracking any that must be stopped during treatment

✓ Cognitive engagement — Supporting brain-healthy activities that complement medical treatment: puzzles, conversation, reminiscence activities, physical exercise

✓ Daily living support — Helping with meal preparation, personal care, and household tasks so the person with Alzheimer’s can focus on treatment and maintaining quality of life

✓ Communication with healthcare team — Documenting observations, tracking symptoms, and providing detailed reports to physicians

✓ Caregiver respite — Giving family members time to rest while ensuring their loved one receives consistent, attentive care

These medications slow decline — they don’t stop it. Supportive care remains essential for quality of life, safety, and independence throughout the treatment journey.

Important Considerations About New Alzheimer’s Treatments

These new Alzheimer’s treatments are not cures. They slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease but do not stop or reverse it. Cognitive decline continues, just at a slower rate.

Earlier treatment is better. These medications work best in the earliest stages of disease. If you notice memory changes in a loved one, seek evaluation promptly. Early diagnosis now opens doors that didn’t exist before.

Not everyone benefits equally. Some patients show more improvement than others. Clinical trials measure averages — individual responses vary.

Treatment is a commitment. Regular infusions, frequent MRIs, and ongoing monitoring — treatment requires significant time and coordination.

Access varies. Availability depends on proximity to qualified infusion centers, insurance coverage, and healthcare system capacity. Rural areas may have limited access.

Costs add up. Beyond drug costs, families should anticipate expenses for PET scans, MRIs, genetic testing, infusion center visits, and transportation.

Questions to Ask the Doctor

If you’re considering these new Alzheimer’s treatments for a loved one, here are essential questions for their healthcare provider:

  • Is my loved one in the early stage where treatment is likely to help?
  • What testing is needed to confirm eligibility?
  • What is their ApoE4 status, and how does that affect the risk-benefit calculation?
  • Which treatment do you recommend, and why?
  • Where will infusions take place, and how do we arrange transportation?
  • What’s the MRI monitoring schedule?
  • What symptoms should we watch for at home?
  • What are the total estimated costs, and what will insurance cover?
  • Can current symptom-relief medications continue during treatment?

We’re Here to Help

At All Heart Home Care, we’ve spent 12 years helping San Diego families navigate Alzheimer’s and dementia care. As these new Alzheimer’s treatments become available, we’re here to support families through every stage of the journey — from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.

Whether your loved one is starting one of these new Alzheimer’s treatments or managing the disease with traditional approaches, our caregivers provide the consistent, compassionate support that makes the difference between surviving and thriving.

Call us at (619) 736-4677 for a free in-home consultation.

We’ll assess your loved one’s care needs and create a personalized plan that supports their health, safety, and quality of life — today and as their needs evolve.

Because medical breakthroughs matter most when families have the support to make the most of them.

Resources

  • Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900
  • Alzheimer’s Association Treatment Information: alz.org/treatments
  • Leqembi Copay Assistance Program: 1-833-453-7362
  • Medicare Coverage Information: medicare.gov
  • Clinical Trial Finder: clinicaltrials.gov

References

  1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Converts Novel Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment to Traditional Approval. July 2023. FDA.gov
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Approves Treatment for Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease. July 2024. FDA.gov
  3. van Dyck CH, et al. Lecanemab in Early Alzheimer’s Disease. New England Journal of Medicine. 2023;388:9-21.
  4. Sims JR, et al. Donanemab in Early Symptomatic Alzheimer’s Disease: The TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2023;330(6):512-527.
  5. Cummings J, et al. Alzheimer’s Disease Drug Development Pipeline: 2025. Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions. June 2025.
  6. Alzheimer’s Association. Lecanemab and Donanemab Treatment Information. 2025. alz.org

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare providers who can evaluate individual circumstances. Eligibility for Alzheimer’s treatment, risks, and benefits vary by patient. Always consult your physician before starting or changing any treatment regimen.

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About the author

Eric Barth, co-founder and CEO of All Heart Home Care San Diego

Eric Barth

CEO, All Heart Home Care

Eric Barth is the founder and CEO of All Heart Home Care™, an award-winning San Diego agency dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized in-home care for seniors. As the writer behind the All Heart Home Care blog, Eric shares insights and stories drawn from years of hands-on experience leading one of San Diego’s most trusted home care teams.

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Additional FAQ's on Digital Home Care System

Yes. HITRUST CSF Certified security—same gold standard hospitals use. More secure than paper.

Extremely rare (99.9% uptime), but caregivers can work in offline mode if connectivity is temporarily lost. Care continues without interruption. Documentation syncs automatically when connection returns.

Caregivers document throughout their shift in real-time. Notes are typically finalized and visible in Family Room within minutes of the caregiver clocking out.

We can set up Family Room accounts for as many family members as you want—local siblings, children in other states, anyone you authorize. Everyone sees the same information. No limit on number of accounts.

Yes. Family Room includes secure document storage. Upload medical records, insurance cards, POLST forms, medication lists, doctor’s instructions, photos—anything important. All authorized family members can access these documents. No more searching for forms.

We update the digital care plan immediately, and all caregivers receive instant notification of changes. This is one of the biggest advantages over paper—updates reach everyone simultaneously, not gradually over days or weeks.

Absolutely. Family Room is a tool for families who want it, not a replacement for human connection. We’re always reachable by phone at (619) 736-4677. Many families use both—portal for quick updates, phone calls for detailed conversations.

We train every caregiver on the WellSky mobile app before their first shift. The app is intuitive—designed specifically for caregivers, not engineers. If someone can text and use GPS navigation, they can use our caregiver app. And we provide ongoing support.

Yes. The Family Room care calendar shows upcoming shifts with caregiver names and times. You’ll know exactly who’s coming and when. No more surprise caregiver switches.

Use the two-way messaging feature in Family Room. Send your message, and the caregiver receives an instant notification on their mobile app. They’ll see it and can respond or confirm receipt immediately.

Yes. All notes are searchable. Want to see every mention of “appetite” from the past month? Type it in the search bar and find all relevant notes instantly. No more flipping through pages of handwritten entries.

You can access the complete care history from the day Family Room access began. Review notes from last week, last month, or since care started. Historical data helps identify patterns over time.

Family members cannot delete caregiver documentation—that’s protected and maintained by All Heart for record-keeping purposes. You can delete your own uploaded documents, but we can often recover those if needed within a certain timeframe.

With your authorization, we can provide limited Family Room access to healthcare providers. This allows better coordination between home care and medical teams. You control exactly who has access and what they can see.

Family Room works both ways. You can access it through any web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge) on your computer, or download the mobile app for easier access on your phone or tablet. Your choice.

All authorized Family Room users see the same care information—we can’t create different access levels for different family members. However, you (as the primary contact) control who gets Family Room access in the first place. If family dynamics are challenging, you decide who receives login credentials.

The messaging system shows when messages are delivered and read. You’ll see confirmation that the caregiver received and opened your message. For critical information, you can also call our office to ensure the message was received.

Yes. You can print individual shift notes, date ranges, or specific types of documentation (like Change of Condition reports) directly from Family Room. Useful for doctor appointments or insurance purposes.

If your loved one transitions to hospice, hospital, or another care setting, we can maintain your Family Room access for a transition period so you have complete records. After care ends, we provide a final data export if requested, then access is closed according to your wishes and legal requirements.

Yes. Family Room is accessible from anywhere with internet connection. If you’re traveling abroad, you can still check on your loved one’s care. The system works globally.

Family Room doesn’t support selective information sharing—all authorized users see the same care documentation. For private family communications, you’d need to use personal email, phone, or text outside the Family Room system.

Change of Condition reports automatically alert you when caregivers document significant health changes. For custom alerts (like specific behaviors or situations), talk to our office—we may be able to add special flags to your loved one’s care plan that trigger notifications.

We typically set up Family Room access during your initial care planning meeting, before the first caregiver shift. You’ll have login credentials and a brief tutorial on how to use the portal. Most families are viewing their first shift notes within 24 hours of care beginning.

Complete Security & Privacy Information

HITRUST CSF Certification - What This Means

HITRUST CSF (Common Security Framework) is the most rigorous security certification in healthcare. It's harder to achieve than HIPAA compliance alone. This certification requires:

  • Annual independent security audits by certified assessors
  • Continuous monitoring of security controls
  • Documented policies and procedures for data protection
  • Employee security training and background checks
  • Incident response and disaster recovery plans
  • Regular penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities

Why it matters: If it’s secure enough for hospital patient records, it’s secure enough for your loved one’s care information.

Bank-Level Encryption Explained

Data in Storage (At Rest):

  • All information stored on WellSky servers is encrypted using AES-256 encryption
  • This is the same encryption standard used by banks and the U.S. military
  • Even if someone physically accessed the servers, they couldn't read the data without encryption keys

Data in Transmission (In Transit):

  • When you access Family Room from your phone or computer, all data traveling between your device and our servers is encrypted using TLS 1.2 or higher
  • This is the same technology that protects your online banking
  • The "lock" icon in your browser address bar confirms this encryption

What this means: Even if someone intercepted the data (extremely unlikely), they would only see scrambled, unreadable information.

Strict Access Controls

Who Can See What

Family Member Access:

  • You decide exactly which family members get Family Room login credentials
  • Each person has their own unique username and password
  • You can add or remove access at any time
  • Family members can only view information for your loved one—no one else's

Caregiver Access:

  • Caregivers only see care plans for clients they're actively assigned to
  • When a caregiver is no longer working with your loved one, their access to that care plan is immediately revoked
  • Caregivers cannot access billing information or family contact details

Staff Access:

  • All Heart staff access is role-based and monitored
  • Office staff see only the information necessary for their job function
  • Nursing supervisors have broader access for quality oversight
  • All access is logged with timestamps

Audit Trail:

  • Every action is logged: who accessed what information, when, and from where
  • These logs are regularly reviewed for any suspicious activity
  • Logs are maintained for compliance and security purposes

HIPAA Compliance - Federal Protection

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) establishes federal standards for protecting health information. Our compliance includes:

Privacy Rule Compliance:

  • Your loved one's health information is never shared without authorization
  • You control who has access to information
  • Clear privacy policies explain how information is used

Security Rule Compliance:

  • Administrative safeguards (policies, training, access management)
  • Physical safeguards (secure facilities, workstation security)
  • Technical safeguards (encryption, authentication, audit controls)

Breach Notification:

  • In the extremely unlikely event of a data breach, affected individuals are notified promptly as required by law
  • We maintain insurance and procedures for breach response

Business Associate Agreements:

  • WellSky (our technology provider) has signed formal agreements guaranteeing HIPAA compliance
  • All vendors with potential access to data must meet the same standards

Continuous Backup & Disaster Recovery

Automated Backups:

  • Data is backed up automatically multiple times per day
  • Backups are encrypted and stored in geographically separate secure data centers
  • This protects against hardware failure, natural disasters, or other catastrophic events

Redundancy:

  • Data is stored across multiple servers simultaneously
  • If one server fails, others immediately take over
  • No single point of failure in the system

Disaster Recovery Plan:

  • Formal, tested procedures for recovering from any disaster scenario
  • Regular drills ensure the recovery plan actually works
  • Recovery Time Objective (RTO): System restored within hours, not days
  • Recovery Point Objective (RPO): Minimal data loss (minutes, not hours)

What this guarantees: Your loved one’s care information is never truly lost. Even if an entire data center were destroyed, complete backups exist elsewhere.

99.9% Uptime Guarantee

What “99.9% uptime” means:

  • The system is available and functional 99.9% of the time
  • That translates to less than 9 hours of downtime per year
  • Most families never experience a single outage

Monitoring:

  • System performance monitored 24/7/365
  • Automated alerts notify technical teams of any issues immediately
  • Problems are often resolved before users even notice them

If the system goes down:

  • Caregivers can work in offline mode on their mobile devices
  • Care continues without interruption
  • Documentation is saved locally and syncs automatically when connection returns
  • Your loved one's care never depends on perfect internet connectivity

Multi-Factor Authentication (Optional)

For families who want extra security, we can enable multi-factor authentication (MFA):

  • Requires both password AND a code sent to your phone
  • Even if someone stole your password, they couldn't access your account without your phone
  • Optional but recommended for families with high security concerns

Mobile Device Security

Caregiver Phones:

  • WellSky mobile app requires login credentials
  • Apps lock automatically after inactivity
  • No data is stored permanently on caregiver phones—it's accessed from secure servers
  • If a phone is lost or stolen, we can remotely disable access immediately

Your Devices:

  • Family Room is accessed through secure web browsers or mobile apps
  • You can log out from any device at any time
  • Session timeouts prevent unauthorized access if you forget to log out

Security Incident Response

In the extremely unlikely event of a security concern:

  • Detection: Automated systems and staff monitoring detect potential issues immediately
  • Response: Security team investigates and responds within minutes
  • Containment: Affected systems isolated to prevent spread
  • Resolution: Issue resolved and systems secured
  • Notification: Affected users notified as required by law
  • Review: Incident analyzed to prevent future occurrences

Digital vs. Paper Security Comparison

Security Concern
Paper Binders
WellSky_Color

Who can read it?

Anyone who enters the home

Only authorized users

Can it be lost?

✔︎ — permanently

✕ — backed up continuously

Can it be damaged?

✔︎ — spills, fires, floods

✕ — stored digitally

Is access tracked?

✕

✔︎ Access logged & audited

Encryption protection?

✕

✔︎ — bank-level encryption

Updates reach everyone?

✕ — printing/distribution delays

✔︎ — instant notification

Survives disasters?

✕

✔︎ — redundant backups

HIPAA compliant?

✕ — difficult to prove

✔︎ — certified & audited

Can be accidentally discarded?

✔︎

✕ — requires a password

Verdict: Digital is significantly more secure than paper in every measurable way.

Common Security Questions

"What if I forget my password?"

Secure password reset process via email or phone verification. We verify your identity before resetting access.

"Can hackers access the system?"

Multiple layers of security make unauthorized access extremely difficult. Regular penetration testing simulates attacks to identify and fix vulnerabilities before hackers can exploit them.

"What if my phone is stolen?"

Change your password immediately from any other device. The thief would still need your password to access Family Room.

"Can All Heart staff see my credit card information?"

No. Payment processing is handled by a separate, PCI-compliant payment processor. We never see or store your full credit card number.

"What happens to the data if I stop using All Heart?"

Your data is retained according to legal requirements (typically 7 years for healthcare records), then securely deleted. You can request a copy of your data at any time.

This isn’t just secure—it’s among the most secure systems available in healthcare.

Your information is safer in our digital system than it ever was in a paper binder sitting on a kitchen counter.

Complete Care Plan Contents:

Care Goals & Priorities

  • What matters most to your family (safety, remaining at home, socialization, quality of life)
  • Family's priorities for daily care
  • Long-term care objectives

Emergency Contact Information

  • Primary and secondary emergency contacts
  • Preferred contact methods (call, text, email)
  • Contact priority order

Medical Conditions & Health History

  • Chronic conditions (dementia, Parkinson's, diabetes, heart conditions, etc.)
  • Recent hospitalizations or surgeries
  • Functional limitations (hearing, vision, mobility, speech)
  • Allergies and medication sensitivities
  • DNR status and advance directives

Mental Health & Cognitive Status

  • Dementia staging (if applicable): none, forgetful, mild, moderate, severe
  • Specific symptoms and behavioral patterns
  • Triggers that cause agitation or confusion
  • Calming strategies that work
  • Best times of day for activities
  • Communication preferences and techniques

Medications & Supplements

  • Complete medication list with dosages
  • Administration times and frequency
  • Medication reminder schedules
  • Who manages medications in the household
  • Special instructions (with food, before bed, etc.)

Mobility & Transfers

  • Mobility equipment used (walker, wheelchair, cane, gait belt)
  • Fall risk assessment
  • Transfer assistance needs
  • Use of dominant arm/hand (left or right)
  • Weight-bearing limitations

Personal Care Routines

  • Bathing preferences and frequency (shower, bath, sponge bath)
  • Grooming and hygiene assistance levels
  • Dressing assistance needs (independent, light assist, total assist)
  • Dental care and denture management
  • Skin care requirements

Meal Preparation & Dietary Needs

  • Favorite foods and meal preferences
  • Food allergies and restrictions
  • Special diets (diabetic, low-sodium, pureed, etc.)
  • Meal times (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)
  • Appetite patterns and hydration goals
  • Swallowing difficulties or feeding assistance

Daily Routines & Schedules

  • Morning routine (wake time, preferences)
  • Afternoon activities and needs
  • Evening routine (dinner time, bedtime)
  • Sleep patterns and nighttime assistance
  • Napping schedule

Activities & Engagement

  • Favorite hobbies and interests
  • Activities at home (reading, games, music, crafts)
  • Activities away from home (parks, outings, restaurants)
  • Social preferences and visitor information
  • Brain health and cognitive activities

Home Environment Details

  • Gate codes and access instructions
  • Lockbox location and code
  • Parking information for caregivers
  • Pet care instructions (feeding, walking, behavior notes)
  • Safety equipment locations (grab bars, shower bench, raised toilet seat, bed rails)
  • Camera locations (if applicable - California law requires disclosure)

Transportation & Driving

  • Does client drive?
  • Caregiver transportation needs (errands, appointments)
  • Vehicle information (client's car vs. caregiver's car)
  • Parking permit requirements

Additional Important Information

  • Cultural or religious considerations
  • Language preferences
  • Communication style preferences
  • Special instructions or family notes

This comprehensive information ensures every caregiver provides consistent, personalized care from day one.

Tracking health changes that matter.

The Change of Condition form documents significant shifts in your loved one’s health—new symptoms, changes in mobility, behavioral differences, or improvements in their condition. This isn’t about minor day-to-day variations; it’s about meaningful changes that physicians, families, and caregivers need to know about.

Why have a separate form for this?

Instead of searching through weeks of caregiver narratives to find when symptoms started or conditions changed, this form puts all significant health changes in one easy-to-reference place. When doctors ask “when did the difficulty walking begin?” or family members want to understand the progression of a condition, you’ll have clear, dated documentation right at your fingertips.

What gets documented:

Each entry includes:

  • Date the change was observed
  • Description of the change in condition (symptoms, behaviors, mobility changes, cognitive shifts, or improvements)
  • Caregiver instructions based on the change (new monitoring requirements, adjusted assistance levels, safety precautions, or care plan modifications)
  • Authorization source (Client, Family, Doctor, or Agency)
  • Expiration date for temporary instructions (or marked as "Indefinitely" for ongoing changes)
  • Caregiver acknowledgments confirming they've read and understood the new instructions

Why this form matters:

Early detection changes outcomes. When caregivers notice something different—increased confusion, difficulty walking, loss of appetite, or even positive improvements like better mobility—documenting it immediately allows for faster responses.

Your family stays informed about meaningful health changes. Physicians receive accurate updates during appointments instead of relying on memory. Incoming caregivers know exactly what’s changed and what new precautions or assistance your loved one needs.

One form. Complete health timeline. Better care.

Whether tracking a temporary change after a fall or documenting the progression of a chronic condition, the Change of Condition form creates a clear health timeline. This helps everyone—doctors, family members, and our San Diego caregiver team—understand how your loved one’s needs are evolving and respond appropriately.

Proactive monitoring isn’t just good practice. It’s essential senior care.

How the Caregiver Narrative works.

Each caregiver documents their shift using a simple timeline format that captures the essential details of your loved one’s day. This structured approach ensures consistency across all caregivers and makes information easy to find.

What we document in every narrative:

  • Daily health observations and changes in condition
  • Meals, snacks, and hydration intake
  • Mobility assistance and transfer support
  • Activities completed, mood, and engagement levels
  • Social interaction, conversation topics, and preferences
  • Safety concerns or environmental changes noticed
  • Medication reminders provided (when applicable)
  • General well-being updates and family notes

Narrative Format:

Each entry follows this structure:

  • Start Date | Start Time | Caregiver Name
  • Timeline Narrative (chronological notes throughout the shift documenting activities, meals, observations, assistance provided, and any notable moments)
  • End Date | End Time | Caregiver Name

Why this format works:

This timeline approach provides clear, chronological documentation that’s easy for incoming caregivers to read and understand. Instead of wondering what happened during the previous shift, they can see exactly what your loved one ate, how they felt, what activities they enjoyed, and any health changes observed.

One record. Every shift. Complete continuity.

Whether care is short-term, long-term, or evolving, the Caregiver Narrative ensures nothing gets missed and nothing gets repeated. Your family can review the journal at any time during visits, or we can share photos of recent narratives with long-distance family members who want to stay connected and informed.

Complete transparency and peace of mind, right when you need it.

Your loved one's complete care roadmap, now available digitally.

The All Heart Customized Care Plan is completed during your initial assessment and tailored to your loved one’s specific needs, preferences, mobility level, and safety requirements.

Now fully digital and accessible on every caregiver’s phone.

We’ve gone paperless. Your care plan is accessible through our digital platform—caregivers reference it anytime, anywhere. Updates happen in real-time, so when something changes, every caregiver sees it immediately.

What's included:

Care goals, emergency contacts, medical conditions, mental health & cognitive status, medications & supplements, mobility & transfers, personal care routines, meal prep & dietary needs, daily routines, activities & engagement, and home environment details.

One plan. Every caregiver. Consistent care.

This digital approach ensures every San Diego caregiver has the same accurate, up-to-date information from day one—promoting safety, continuity, and person-centered care.

See how we organize care information. This form becomes your loved one’s digital care roadmap.