Alzheimer’s is a disease of the brain that causes a decline in reasoning, thinking, and memory skills. Often, Alzheimer’s is fatal. Currently, as many as 5.1-million Americans are diagnosed with this disease according to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. This diagnosis is a major blow not only to the individual but also to their entire family, knowing that a loved one has been diagnosed with the disease is frightening; but it is not hopeless.
You may know by now that Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, which means that it will only get worse. Currently, there are therapies and treatment to slow or treat the symptoms but there is no known cure yet. If you suspect your loved one has Alzheimer’s here are warning signs to check:
Changes in their personality or mood like disinterest, mood swings, anxiety, and/or fearfulness in common activities
Withdrawal from social activities or work
Poor or decreased judgment
Unable to retrace their steps or misplace items constantly
Recent onset of speaking or writing issues
Difficulty with spatial relationships and visual images
Inability to track the passage of time and place
Problems with the completion of tasks that used to be familiar
Daily life disruption due to memory loss
If your loved one is displaying any or all of these signs, then the best solution is to speak with your loved one's health care professional and to take them in for an evaluation.
The best way to manage this disease is to be proactive with your loved one’s senior care plan. How, here are a few simple steps to get you started.
Have a support system in place – caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is no easy feat. Be prepared to be overwhelmed and stressed out. And most importantly, have someone you can turn to when you need vent.
Regular professional senior care – let’s face it, no matter how hard you try you can’t be a superman and handle everything yourself. In moments when you need to take a break, know that you can call someone to step in for you. And this is where Visiting Angels of Auburn's Alzheimer’s Care program is a deal made in heaven.
Educate yourself about Alzheimer's disease – the more you know about Alzheimer's disease, the better prepared you will be. Not sure where to start? Two great resources to utilize are The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrange for the financial and legal aspects for long-term care planning – it is important to discuss future senior care and end of life care wishes and with your loved one.
If you have an aging loved one who is struggling with Alzheimer's disease in Bedford, Salem, Manchester, Londonderry, Auburn, or the surrounding area, Visiting Angels of Auburn can help. Contact our senior care agency today to speak with an experienced care coordinator and to schedule your free, in-home assessment.
As a long-time client of your agency, I am writing to express my extreme satisfaction with the service I've received over the years. I find the caregivers to be capable, compassionate, and, most importantly, extremely conscientious. After disappointing experiences with other agencies, I'm happy to report something that you already know: the Visiting Angels have never let me down. Even in cases of extremely short notice, such as a last-minute illness or family trauma on the part of a scheduled caregiver, you have always been able to provide backup services, never leaving me stranded. You can't imagine the peace of mind this gives me, not having to worry about whether I will receive the services that I require. It allows me as a person with a disability to live independently, an ability that I treasure. I'll end by thanking you for the excellence of your organization, its staff, and especially the quality of your caregivers, without whose help my life would be much more difficult. As my mom often says, "Than