Those caring for someone in their golden years may be concerned about the person’s well-being and safety if he is suffering from Alzheimer’s. As one of the most common issues with aging, a lot of families find the person they once knew and depended on for support seems to be slipping away. They may forget names and faces, they may appear to be living in the past, and most of all, they may need additional supervision. If you are caring for someone experiencing bouts of dementia and you feel as if you need additional support, consider the services of Seniors Helping Seniors home care.
A common misconception concerning dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is that they are the same thing. This is not the case. Dementia describes a broad range of problems that include impairment in thinking and memory. It becomes dementia when the problems interfere with a person’s everyday life, and their ability to do things a person was once able to do without problem. Alzheimer’s Disease is a specific form of dementia. Doctors continue to study patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s to determine the exact cause as to why the disease develops. In addition to the general signs of dementia, Alzheimer’s patients may also suffer from difficulty solving problems or completing familiar tasks, confusion with time and location, difficulty with visuals and spatial relationships, losing items, using poor judgment, withdrawal and change in mood.
If you suspect a loved one may be suffering from either Alzheimer’s or dementia, you will want to speak with his doctor. Keep in mind, your loved one may feel embarrassed or offended by your desire to discuss his condition, but it is important to remember you are doing it to protect his well-being. Once you have determined they are suffering, you will need to make changes to ensure they are safe and cared for. If they live alone, you will want to consider other options. A lot of people assume this means a person will need to move to an assisted living facility, but this may not be the case. If their dementia is mild, you may decide they can stay in their own home. Seniors Helping Seniors can assist with routine tasks and help transport seniors to various errands. If your concern is mainly for when your loved one is outside the home, this may be the perfect solution.
However, if your loved one shows more serious signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s, he may require constant supervision. If you will be solely responsible for the care of a senior, it is important to ensure you will have the support you need. A spouse of someone suffering from dementia may find it is difficult to constantly be watching out for someone else. It can feel much like caring for a small child, and while that may have been a small challenge when you were in your 20s or 30s, it can be particularly taxing once you are well into your golden years. Those with parents who suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia may have the physical vitality to deal with the problem, but it may be tough balancing their care with your children, home, and work. If you are currently caring for, or preparing to care for a loved one who is suffering the effects of dementia or Alzheimer’s, consider the support of Seniors Helping Seniors.
Helpers at Seniors Helping Seniors do not offer medical care. They may be trained to recognize some of the warning signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s, or they may have personal experience with either of the conditions. They are most valuable to those caring for a loved one in the early stages of the disease. A family care provider may find himself constantly on alert, which can be stressful. According to Ed Cotter, owner and operator of Seniors Helping Seniors Southwest, helpers offer, “… respite care. This gives care givers a break for few hours.” If you are spending days supervising the actions of your loved one and ensuring they are safe during their bout with dementia, a few hours away could make all the difference. One main recommendation of doctors for caregivers is to take care of yourself. This can be tough when the majority of your focus is one your loved one and that loved one requires so much attention. A visit a few times a week from a helpful care giver at Seniors Helping Seniors will help you with the responsibility of caring for your loved one.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
