Care Giving for Elderly Parents Suffering From Dementia And Alzheimer
About four million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, and many more are indirectly impacted. Although we may not have Alzheimer's ourselves, many of us are in a position where we must provide care for someone who does. The best way to deal with hearing that a parent has Alzheimer's is to learn as much as possible about the disease and how it impacts those closest to you.
Alzheimer's disease Explained
The precise origins of Alzheimer's are still a mystery, even though genetic and environmental risk factors have been identified. It's a progressive form of dementia caused by a degenerative brain disease. A gradual memory decline is a common symptom, followed by a breakdown in the cognitive and linguistic organization. As the disease worsens, the person's brain deteriorates to the point where they cannot care for themselves. The result is always death.
Getting Medical Care Quickly
As soon as possible after you notice symptoms, your parent should be evaluated for Alzheimer's disease. Locate a family or internal medicine physician conversant with the condition, ideally one specializing in geriatric medicine. Neurologists and psychologists are two other medical professionals who may make an Alzheimer's diagnosis. There may be no way to completely stop the disease from progressing, but many effective medications can be used to manage its symptoms.
It's also important to surround yourself with loved ones as soon as possible after receiving a diagnosis. The responsibility of caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease can feel crushing. Getting in touch with the Dementia, Alzheimer, palliative care services in your area is a good first step. They are a great resource for learning how to best care for your parent and developing your own set of coping mechanisms. And if you need additional assistance, they can point you toward local support groups and other resources. It's a good idea to have a plan for getting Dementia, Alzheimer, palliative, companion home care services if needed, and it's best to start looking for that plan as soon as possible.
Finding the Right Facility
It can be extremely demanding to provide constant care for an elderly parent who has Alzheimer's disease. Sometimes, you can't attend to their needs whenever they arise. Finding a facility like Dementia and Alzheimer care, experienced in caring for people with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia is essential in this situation. Find the best care facility for your loved one by doing homework. It would help if you considered whether or not an assisted living facility would be suitable for you. Nursing homes and smaller licenced residential care homes are also available options. For a higher price, some care centers specialize in treating those with Alzheimer's disease.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer's can be emotionally taxing, so it's important to remember that you need to prioritise your well-being, too. Rest and tend to your needs to be at your best when dealing with your ailing parent. When you need a break, leave them with one of the many days of care available. In addition, learn as much as you can about the illness, treatments, and choices you have so that you can face whatever comes your way. If you know what to expect and have a plan for dealing with the disease as it progresses, you'll be better able to handle the stress that comes with it.