Alzheimer's disease is a major cause of mental deterioration among the 65+ population. The majority of these 4.5 million Americans live at home, where friends and family provide the majority of their care. Because Alzheimer's is chronic and progressive-it not only affects memory, but can impede a person's ability to carry out daily activities and teach themselves new things-victims are totally dependent on others and often receive care from relations, which can be both a mental and physical burden for families.As conditions worsen and memory loss progresses, caregivers must devote more time to their loved ones. Senior care provided by private duty caregivers can assist families with elderly loved ones suffering from Alzheimer's disease.This article explains the stages of Alzheimer's, as well as information any family should be aware of when caring elderly loved ones.
Senior Care for Alzheimer's: Stage One
When providing senior care for elderly loved ones with Alzheimer's disease, it's important to understand the following points. During stage one, elderly loved ones are often able to cover up or conceal their memory loss, depression, apathy, and decreased speech. At this point in time, you may be aware of a change in your loved one and they may be aware of the change in themselves, causing them to remove themselves from family activities. Family members may not recognize this, may not admit to it, or assume all elderly individuals are withdrawn and forgetful, and simply believe their older loved one to be disinterested or careless.
Senior Care for Alzheimer's: Stage Two
As years go on, your elderly loved one's memory may worsen. He or she may not speak often, may wander around, or repeat movements meaninglessly.You may observe your loved one lose interest in family interaction and care less about his/her surroundings-pacing, increased appetite, and putting objects in the mouth are other indications of the disease as well.
Senior Care for Alzheimer's: Stage Three
Stage three of Alzheimer's requires a loved one receive continual supervision and senior care, provided by family members or a private duty caregiver.Loved ones may resist eating meals and appear unresponsive.
Private duty caregivers have experience caring for elderly loved ones with Alzheimer's, and offer the following care giving suggestions.
Be aware of the safety of your loved one. Ensure he/she is in a quiet and unstressed environment.
Help him/her with personal hygiene and maintain a regular toileting routine.
Provide small, nutritious meals for your loved one.
Observe your loved one's sleeping habits. When sleep-deprived,individuals become disoriented, confused, and forgetful.
Be sensitive. Simply being near your loved one sends a very comforting message. Respect his/her wishes.
According to the Alzheimer's Association in Chicago, 10 million American's struggle to care for relatives and loved ones with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, and are prone to overworking themselves and possibly developing anxiety and depression. If you're currently providing care for a loved one, learn more about elder care providers. They help out with household chores, assist loved ones, and provide personal care services.
Experienced caregivers are available to provide in home care, 24 hours a day to allow elderly individuals to remain in their own home and improve the quality of their lives, with joyful companionship, meal preparation and diet monitoring services, errands and shopping, and may other services, Learn more about how an individualized elderly care program to improve the life and health of your loved one.
Erica Ronchetti is a freelance writer for Visiting Angels, the nation's leading, network of non-medical, private duty home care agencies providing senior care, visitingangels.com elder care, personal care, respite care and companion care to help the elderly and adults continue to live in their homes across America. Visit the Visiting Angels website to find out more information on visitingangels.com senior care programs.
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