Community CMS Practice Test

Educating the family about how dementia typically progresses is the best choice because the initial visit should empower them with knowledge to plan ahead. When families understand expected changes, they can anticipate future care needs, adapt daily routines, identify safety concerns, and start thinking about resources, support networks, and practical decisions (like caregiving responsibilities and planning for future care). This foundational information also supports informed planning for goals of care and coping strategies as the disease evolves. Prescribing medications, scheduling physical therapy, or arranging a home health aide are actions that depend on specific medical assessment, diagnostic confirmation, and resource availability. They may be appropriate later, but they aren’t the primary objective of an initial educational encounter, which centers on informing and preparing the family for what lies ahead.