How to Choose the Best Kind of Care For Your Loved One With Alzheimer\’s

Alzheimer\’s is a terrible disease for both those afflicted and their families, although usually by the end, it\’s more traumatic for the families than for the patients. Eventually, those affected by dementia or Alzheimer\’s will need more help than their families can give, so care options for Alzheimers patients must be looked at. Alzheimer care homes can often offer them better care than with the family, with activities for Alzheimer residents and medical care around the clock, should they need it. Staff will also be able to keep an eye on the resident and make sure they don\’t trip and fall, get lost, and will be around to assure them that they are safe and in the right place. If your loved one had early detection of dementia, it may not be a bad idea — though it\’ll be painful — to discuss with them in advance what kind of place they\’d like to enter once they can\’t live alone or with family anymore. Giving them that choice — and helping them make that choice in advance — may save a lot of heartache down the line.
Who Does Alzheimer\’s Affect?
Sadly, Alzheimer\’s can affect just about anyone. You\’re more at risk if you have a family history of it, but anyone can have it, though women are more at risk. Around two-thirds of those with Alzheimer\’s in the United States are women. One in three seniors die with some form of dementia, including Alzheimer\’s, and it\’s the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
Sadly, there is no cure as of right now, and it\’s the only top ten causes of death in the United States that can\’t be stopped, slowed down, or healed.
What Are My Care Options for Alzheimers Patients?
Depending on what stage your loved one is at, there are a few different care options for Alzheimers patients. Adult day care, residential care, and in-home care might be some of the best choices if you can afford these and if you\’re adamant about keeping your loved one at home the whole way through. Having someone in-house will also keep you from being overtaxed and help the whole family mentally and emotionally. Even if you want to care for your loved one around the clock, you should also be taking mental health breaks for yourself. It\’s not selfish, it\’s important. Dementia is a terrible thing to deal with and you help nobody if you feel depressed, resentful, or overburdened.
Assisted living or a specialized home for those with Alzheimer\’s might be good choices to look into if you simply can\’t care for your loved one in home or don\’t have the resources to. Assisted living residences can be a godsend, with 24-hour supervision, three meals a day, personal care and health care services, medication management, and healthcare. Things like laundry and housekeeping are taken care of, and there are plenty of people around for your loved one to socialize with.
How Do I Choose Which Care Options for Alzheimers Patients is Right?
There\’s no hard and fast rule here — every family is going to be a little bit different in terms of need, budget, and of course, how the dementia progresses. However, if you can, research all the options available to you — if possible, with your loved one who is affected — before you decide on one. Ask the providers (if it\’s not immediately clear) whether or not they have training in caring for patients with dementia.
The staff caring for your loved one should know what he or she likes and needs ahead of time, in order for a smooth transition. Don\’t be afraid to change care if you need to and be sure to be evaluating as you go. Sometimes you may need to change the level and frequency of care. That\’s okay.
There are no easy answers for a family struggling with Alzheimer\’s and it can be devastating to everyone involved. Don\’t be shy about asking medical professionals for their advice or joining a support group to find out how others are handling or have handled similar situations.