How Can Alzheimer’s Care from Visiting Angels of Boulder County Help Seniors Throughout the Three Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease?

If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, they will eventually need more and more care over time. Learn how Alzheimer’s care from Visiting Angels helps seniors in Longmont, Boulder, Louisville and surrounding cities in Boulder County, CO manage each stage of Alzheimer’s disease.

When an elderly loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, it's important for families to pay attention to their symptoms to determine the stage of the disease. Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease that progresses over time. Seniors with Alzheimer's need a unique level of care depending on what stage they’re currently in. The disease is often divided into early, middle and late stages. The further along their cognitive decline, the more assistance they'll need.

When symptoms and behaviors become overwhelming, Alzheimer’s care from Visiting Angels of Boulder County can help. Our caregivers can provide the personalized, one-on-one support your loved one needs with managing symptoms and assist with everyday tasks in order to give you peace of mind.

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. They may 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 the early stages, family members should encourage loved ones to see a doctor. An early diagnosis allows more time to explore options for professional Alzheimer's care. This is 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, typically quite a few years. During this stage, your loved one may need help with daily activities.

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• Feeling moody or withdrawn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

Together, determine which tasks they can do independently and which tasks require assistance. Find ways to simplify activities. Family caregivers should consider respite care from Visiting Angels of Boulder County to take a break from caregiving while a professional caregiver provides support.

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 care. You may also want to consider your options for 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 Can Alzheimer’s Care from Visiting Angels of Boulder County Help My Loved One?

If you’re looking for a reliable source for Alzheimer’s care in Boulder County, choose Visiting Angels. Our in-home care services allow seniors living with Alzheimer’s to get the support they need while remaining in their own home. Aging in place can be highly beneficial for seniors with Alzheimer’s as their surroundings will be familiar.

Our caregivers can assist with daily tasks like making meals, getting dressed 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 familiar surroundings while enjoying their everyday routine. With Alzheimer’s care from Visiting Angels of Boulder County, you’ll know your loved one is in good hands.

To learn more about how our Alzheimer’s care services can help, contact our Longmont, CO office at 303-848-2331.