Preparing for Mid-Stage and Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care in Westminster, CO
Here's what you should consider when looking into options for mid and late-stage Alzheimer's home care in Westminster, CO and surrounding areas
Finding out that your dear mom or dad has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's is completely overwhelming, and it's only natural to focus on your parent's immediate needs right now instead of thinking about their future care solutions. However, since later stages of the disease are even more difficult than early ones, it is important to be prepared for what is coming. Eventually, you will need to find out the best care option for your loved one, whether it is relocating them to a nursing home or hiring professional Alzheimer's home care providers.
What to Expect with Mid-Stage and Late-Stage Alzheimer's
During the early stage that lasts up to two years, seniors are able to properly function and care for themselves most of the time. Occasional memory issues may occur from time to time, and an older adult may need help with certain day-to-day tasks. However, things drastically change when seniors reach the middle and later stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Mid-Stage Alzheimer's Disease
With mid-stage Alzheimer's, seniors require Alzheimer's home care from a family caregiver or a professional in order to stay safe. During this time their memory and cognitive abilities start to decrease, they experience severe memory lapses and sometimes cannot remember the current time and place. Some seniors are unable to remember the names of their loved ones and need help with everyday tasks such as dressing and bathing. This stage lasts from 2 to 4 years and during this time senior is able to continue living at home with some assistance.
Late-Stage Alzheimer's Disease
Late-stage Alzheimer's lasts up to two years and during this time a person loses the ability to speak as well as short-term and long-term memory function. Seniors in this stage also lose the ability to walk, sit and swallow and are extremely prone to infections. Since these patients are completely dependent on others for care living at home is very difficult.
How to Plan Ahead for Alzheimer's Home Care Services to Manage Later Stages of the Disease
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, rest assured that preparing for what's coming takes time. Doing the research, searching for the ideal solution and finding out how to help your parent is not something that can be done in a day. Therefore, take time to prepare for the later stages and educate yourself about what to expect. Keep in mind that your loved one's behavior might change, that they will need extensive care and that you will need to find a way to make them feel comfortable, safe and secure.
Make sure you develop a strong support network since caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's will leave you physically and emotionally drained. In addition, taking care of someone with mid-stage or late-stage Alzheimer's all on your own can be overwhelming, so by trying to do it alone you can even put yourself and your loved one at risk. Luckily, you don't have to do everything by yourself. Visiting Angels Westminster provides quality Alzheimer's care services that are essential for seniors who have early, mid and late-stage Alzheimer's. We can provide the care your loved one needs while giving you peace of mind.
Contact our office in Westminster, CO and learn more about our Alzheimer's home care options today.