How Alzheimer’s Care from Visiting Angels Helps Seniors in Annapolis, MD and Surrounding Areas Manage the Three Stages of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that’s often split up into three stages with symptoms worsening in each stage. With Alzheimer’s care from Visiting Angels, seniors in Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Arnold, Millersville, Pasadena, Crownsville, Severna Park and surrounding areas in Maryland can get the support they need to manage their symptoms even as their symptoms worsen.
When your loved one gets diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, you should pay attention to their symptoms to determine the stage of the disease. Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease that progresses over time, which means seniors living with Alzheimer's need the proper level of care depending on the stage they’re currently in. The disease is often divided into early, middle and late stages. The further along their cognitive decline, the more care and assistance they'll need.
If managing your loved one’s symptoms and behaviors becomes overwhelming, consider Alzheimer’s care from Visiting Angels Annapolis. Since 2002, our home care services have helped many seniors throughout Anne Arundel County get the support they need to manage their symptoms even as they progress throughout each stage of Alzheimer’s disease.
The Three Stages of Alzheimer's Disease
Seniors who have early-stage Alzheimer's can usually function independently. If your loved one is in the early stages, it may seem like they’re just having memory lapses. They may still be capable of driving their vehicle or attending social gatherings.
Common symptoms of early-stage Alzheimer's disease include:
- Misplacing valuables
- Struggling to plan or organize
- Struggling to find the right word or name
- Difficulty performing tasks at work or in social settings
- Forgetting names and information they've recently learned
During this stage, you should encourage your loved one to see a doctor to see if they have Alzheimer’s. An early diagnosis allows more time to explore options for Alzheimer's care in Anne Arundel County. This is also the best time to put legal, financial and end-of-life plans in place because your loved one will still be able to make important decisions.
Middle-stage Alzheimer's usually lasts the longest; seniors often experience middle-stage Alzheimer’s for quite a few years. During this stage, your loved one may need help with daily activities. Together, determine which tasks they can do independently, and which tasks require assistance. You can also find ways to simplify activities.
If you need additional support when caring for your loved one, consider respite care from Visiting Angels Annapolis to take a break from caregiving while one of our professional caregivers provides support.
Common symptoms of middle-stage Alzheimer's include:
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Feeling moody or withdrawn
- Difficulty controlling bladder and bowels
- An increased tendency to wander or become lost
- Confusion about their surroundings or what day it is
- Forgetting personal events or their address or phone number
- Wearing inappropriate clothing for the season or the occasion
- Personality changes such as suspicious, compulsive or repetitive behavior
In late-stage Alzheimer's, seniors have lost the ability to respond to their environment, communicate and other functions. Your loved one may benefit from more extensive hands-on Alzheimer’s care. You may also want to look into options for hospice and end of life care during their final days.
Common symptoms of late-stage Alzheimer's include:
- Difficulty communicating
- Vulnerability to infections
- Being unaware of their surroundings
- Trouble with walking, sitting, and eventually, swallowing
- Extreme memory loss, including forgetting recent experiences
- Inability to manage personal hygiene, usually requiring 24-hour care
How Visiting Angels Annapolis Helps Seniors Manage Alzheimer’s
If you’re looking for a reliable Alzheimer’s care provider, choose Visiting Angels Annapolis. We provide personalized and flexible care that can be adapted if your loved one’s condition progresses. Best of all, we provide in-home care services that allow your loved one to get the care they need while continuing to live at home.
Our caregivers can assist with daily tasks like making meals and making beds. In addition, we can help with personal hygiene, behavioral changes, wandering tendencies and companionship.
Seniors with Alzheimer’s can age in place in their beloved home and continue enjoying their everyday routine. With Alzheimer’s care from Visiting Angels Annapolis, you’ll know your loved one is in good hands.
To learn how our Alzheimer’s care services can help your loved one, call our Millersville, MD office at 410-505-5141.