How Can Alzheimer’s Care from Visiting Angels Help Seniors in Eldersburg, MD and Nearby Areas Manage Each Stage of Alzheimer’s?

At Visiting Angels, our Alzheimer’s care services help seniors in Eldersburg, Westminster, Baltimore, Columbia, Ellicott City and surrounding areas in Maryland get the support they need, no matter what stage of Alzheimer’s they’re currently experiencing

When your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, it's important to pay attention to their symptoms to determine the stage of the disease. Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease that progresses over time, meaning that seniors with Alzheimer's need the proper level of care to match their stage. The disease is often divided into early, middle and late stages. The further along their cognitive decline, the more assistance they'll need.

When managing their symptoms and behaviors become overwhelming, Alzheimer’s care from Visiting Angels Eldersburg can help. With personalized, one-on-one home care solutions, we can provide your loved one with the support they need while living with Alzheimer’s.

The Three Stages of Alzheimer's Disease

Seniors who have early-stage Alzheimer's can usually function independently. At first, it may seem like your loved one is having memory lapses, but they may still be capable of driving their own vehicle or attending social gatherings independently. During this stage, your family should encourage your loved one to see a doctor. An early diagnosis allows more time to explore options for Alzheimer's care. 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.

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

Middle-stage Alzheimer's usually lasts the longest, typically quite a few years. During this stage, your loved one will most likely need help with daily activities. Together, determine which tasks they can do independently, and which tasks require assistance. Find ways to simplify activities. Additionally, you should explore options for respite care to take a break from caregiving, while a professional caregiver 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 or even move. Your loved one will benefit from more extensive hands-on Alzheimer’s care, including 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 Alzheimer’s Care from Visiting Angels Eldersburg Can Help Your Loved One

At Visiting Angels Eldersburg, 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. Our care plans are fully customizable and flexible, so we can continue to provide the assistance and support your loved one needs even as the disease progresses.

Seniors with Alzheimer’s can age in place in their own home while enjoying their everyday routine thanks to Alzheimer’s care from Visiting Angels Eldersburg. With Visiting Angels Eldersburg as your partner in home care, you’ll know your loved one is in good hands.

To learn more about our Alzheimer’s care services, call our Eldersburg, MD office at 410-549-8002 to schedule a free in-home consultation.