Caring for an elderly Mom or Dad who has even early stage dementia can be a challenge. Let Home Instead offer you easy solutions.
Probably not a surprise as we’ve been hearing so much in the news these days about dementia and Alzheimer’s, but it’s true. After age 85, nearly half of all seniors will have some cognitive impairment or dementia, typically Alzheimer’s disease. This brain disorder makes it difficult for people to remember, learn and communicate and over time makes it increasingly difficult for seniors to take care of themselves.
Victims of dementia suffer symptoms such as memory loss, a decline in the ability to perform routine tasks or learn new ones, and a loss of language, judgment, and planning skills. Alzheimer’s can even bring about personality changes — for instance, in the case of a formerly social senior who might stop going to parties, church and other events.
Dementia can interfere with the care of a loved one in a number of ways. People with dementia may eat poorly and irregularly and ignore exercise and social activity, all functions that would likely improve their health. Family caregivers are usually the first to recognize that dementia may be developing and should seek medical evaluation as soon as symptoms are recognized.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common — and often heartbreaking — form of dementia, afflicting only about 5 percent of seniors between sixty-five and seventy-four. But nearly half of those over the age of eighty-five may be affected. The disease usually begins slowly with mild memory loss and develops gradually into crippling brain damage with symptoms that can include paranoia.
Alzheimer’s victims typcially live for eight to ten years after being diagnosed with the disease and sometimes for as long as twenty years. So far, no medication or treatment has been successful in reversing or stopping Alzheimer’s, although medications are available that may help delay progression of some of the symptoms. It remains perhaps the most difficult condition to come with in a family setting.
This information has been provided to you through the recent book written by the founders of Home Instead Senior Care, Paul and Lori Hogan, specifically chapter 15 on Complicating Ailments and Issues. The book is entitled Stages of Senior Care: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Decisions.
If you’re ready to take the next step with caring for your elderly loved one now, then simply call Home Instead Senior Care of Richmond and we’ll be glad to review your home care needs with a free, professional in-home assessment. We give you many ways to contact us including any time by phone, 804.527.1100, or through our website at http://HomeInstead.com/Richmond-VA. We serve the entire greater Richmond area, including Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Powhatan and more, along with the Northern Neck as we have a second office in Tappahannock.
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Excellent blog! I’m continually concerned with how we as a culture and an industry will handle the sheer number of seniors who will have skilled needs and at the same time be affected by dementia. If you look at the number of seniors who will be dealing with dementia en mass as the baby boomers age it seems a bit daunting. Quality non medical caregivers who are well trained in dementia care will play a large roll in this equation. Make sure that any caregiver you use is employed, screened trained and insured by a full service agency. There are many options available to assist with dementia care, be diligent in who and how you choose