Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care: When to Consider It for a Loved One

by | May 20, 2015 | Healthcare

Losing the ability to remember information or use proper judgment or language can be disheartening, both for the individual struggling with these symptoms and for the person’s family members. Unfortunately, families in which a person struggles with Alzheimer’s/dementia understand this struggle all too well. Alzheimer’s and dementia care are specifically designed to help people struggling with these medical conditions.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Information

Dementia refers to a particular group of symptoms that affect social, thinking and memory abilities seriously enough to disrupt a person’s daily functioning. Alzheimer’s disease happens to be the most common cause today of a progressive form of dementia. When a person suffers from dementia/Alzheimer’s, he or she may struggle to complete daily activities, such as paying bills and even losing his or her sense of direction when driving.

Considerations

Several factors should be considered when planning Alzheimer’s and dementia care for a loved one. For instance, ask yourself if your loved one requires supervision when completing activities including using appliances or cooking. Your family member may benefit from 24-hour care or specialized health care, including help with certain medications. Perhaps your loved one needs help with grooming, dressing, bathing or toileting. The right home care agency can help to assess your loved one’s condition and assist you in making the best care decision for him or her.

Extra Signs Extra Help is Needed

Additional signs that your loved one may need Alzheimer’s and dementia care is if he or she begins to wander. The risk of wandering, in addition to falling, increases as a person enters dementia’s later stages. People with Alzheimer’s may also become more agitated during the latter parts of the day – a condition known as “sundowner syndrome.” This particular syndrome has the potential to take a major toll on the patient’s caregivers and even disrupt their family routines. If you notice your loved one becoming aggressive, this is also an indication that he or she needs extra care. A quality provider of elder care can easily help your sick loved one in his or her home or provide special care to those in assisted living centers.

 

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