How Can Alzheimer’s Care from Visiting Angels Help Seniors in Naples, FL and Surrounding Areas Manage Each Stage of Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, meaning symptoms can change and worsen over time. Learn how Alzheimer’s care from Visiting Angels helps seniors in Naples, Marco Island and surrounding areas in Collier County, FL manage each stage of Alzheimer’s.
When a 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, meaning that it progresses over time. Seniors with Alzheimer's need a unique level of care that matches 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 symptoms and behaviors become overwhelming, count on Visiting Angels Naples to help with Alzheimer's care.
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 be capable of driving their vehicle or attending social gatherings. During this stage, family members should encourage loved ones to see a doctor. An early diagnosis allows more time to explore options for Alzheimer's care in Collier County. This is the best time to put legal, financial and end-of-life plans in place because seniors 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 may need help with daily activities. Together, determine which tasks they can do independently, and which tasks require assistance. Find ways to simplify activities. Family caregivers should look into professional respite care from Visiting Angels Naples 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- Feeling moody or withdrawn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 may benefit from more extensive hands-on Alzheimer’s care. They may also need 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
Why Choose Alzheimer’s Care from Visiting Angels Naples?
Visiting Angels Naples is one of the leading home care agencies for families throughout Collier County, including Naples, Marco Island, Coco River, Chokoloskee, Everglades City, Goodland, Ochopee, Jerome, Immokalee, Ave Maria and nearby communities. Unlike other local agencies, we focus on providing a personalized, one-on-one approach to care for seniors. That means our Alzheimer’s care services can be customized based on how far your loved one’s condition has progressed and we can be there when they need us most.
Our caregivers can assist your loved one with daily tasks like making meals 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 their familiar surroundings, enjoying their everyday routine thanks to our experienced and reliable home care providers. With Alzheimer’s care from Visiting Angels Naples, you’ll know your loved one is in good hands.
To learn how our home care services can help your loved one, call our Naples, FL office at 239-561-7600.