Preparing for Mid-Stage and Late-Stage Alzheimer's In-Home Care in Annapolis, MD

Here's what you should consider when researching mid and late-stage Alzheimer's in-home care options in Annapolis, Millersville, Pasadena, Arnold, Glen Burnie and surrounding Maryland communities

If you have learned that your parent suffers from Alzheimer's, planning for mid-stage and late-stage Alzheimer's care is probably the last thing on your mind. After all, you are too busy focusing on your loved one's immediate needs. However, as soon as you are able to, find time to think about what lies ahead. Only by being prepared for what's coming you will be able to help your parent and ensure they receive quality care.

What to Expect with Mid-Stage and Late-Stage Alzheimer's

In the early stages, the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are noticeable but do not endanger your parent's independence. They might need assistance with some daily tasks and their memory might falter from time to time, but during this stage they will be able to care for themselves.

Mid-Stage Alzheimer's Disease

In this stage, your loved one's memory and cognitive abilities will significantly decrease and they will need Alzheimer's in-home care delivered by family or professionals. They could have trouble with remembering the current time and place as well as names of their loved ones. During this stage your parent might have decreased hand-eye coordination and could need help with bathing and dressing. Mid-stage Alzheimer's usually lasts from two to four years.

Late-Stage Alzheimer's Disease

Seniors with late-stage Alzheimer's depend on full-time care, which is why most families hire around-the-clock Alzheimer's care or relocate their loved one to a nursing home or memory care facility. During this period, seniors suffer from almost complete short-term and long-term memory loss, they have severe difficulty speaking, and lose their physical abilities such as ability to walk, sit and swallow.

Alzheimer's In-Home Care: How to Plan Ahead for Later Stages

Preparing for what lies ahead takes time and cannot be done in a day. You will need to do a research, learn about Alzheimer's care solutions and find the best care option for your parent while taking care of their immediate needs.

When you start planning ahead, learn about changes in behavior you can expect from your loved one and ways your parent's care will affect your well-being. Keep in mind that you will need to take a close look at your finances since Alzheimer's care is expensive and in advanced stages you will need to consider in-home memory care or residential memory care.

Caring for your loved one can leave you physically, mentally and emotionally drained. However, you are not alone. Our Alzheimer's in-home care professionals can ensure your parent receives the level of care they need, while you take time to recharge your batteries.

If you wish to learn more about Alzheimer's care and respite care options from Visiting Angels Annapolis, contact our Millersville, MD office today.