Alzheimer's Support is the Most Important Resource

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are treatments and therapies that can slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve the quality of life for those with the disease and their caregivers. If you suspect your loved one is showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s, it is extremely important to be proactive by getting them to their physician, and if a diagnosis is made, to get a home care assistance team and plan in place as soon as possible.

If a physician diagnoses Alzheimer’s, the more proactive you are in making decisions regarding caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, the more you can manage the disease. Here are a few basic steps to help if you or someone you love is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s:

1. Educate yourself about the disease. The more you know, the more you can be prepared. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and the Alzheimer’s Association are two great resources.
2. Take care of financial, legal, and long-term care planning issues. Discuss wishes related to future home care assistance and end-of-life issues.
3. Employ cognitive stimulation. Listening to music, word puzzles, and memory games can help and can provide a positive experience for the patient and caregivers.
4. Arrange respite and/or regular home care assistance. Even if you are willing and able to be a primary caregiver for an Alzheimer’s patient, you will need help, if only to take a short break. Plus, it helps to introduce a professional caregiver while a person is still in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, because once the disease progresses it can be more difficult and upsetting to change routines. When looking to hire home care help, try to find a person who has Dementia Care Professionals of America training or experience with dementia care clients. Visiting Angels, for example, the nation’s leading network for quality, compassionate home care, is one local home care franchised agency that provides this training to its staff.
5. Build a support system. Being a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s can be stressful and overwhelming. Find people to talk to, reach out for help, and always make time to maintain your own physical and mental health. Many local hospitals and departments of aging offer free support groups, along with sites like the National Family Caregivers Association) and Caring.com.

If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, know that you are not alone. For more information or to explore home care assistance options, call Visiting Angels of Chelsea at 617-409-9039 or request Alzheimer's care here to learn more.