Approximately 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, which is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. While Alzheimer’s disease is frequently associated with adults 65 years of age and older, there are thousands of others under the age of 65 who have early-onset Alzheimer’s.
Since Alzheimer’s disease is so prevalent among older Americans, it is an important consideration for choosing elder care facilities and healthcare for seniors. November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to discuss Alzheimer’s disease.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia. It leads to memory, thinking, and behavior problems, which make caregiving challenging. It worsens over time, eventually getting to the point where the individual with Alzheimer’s disease is no longer able to accomplish daily tasks such as preparing meals or getting dressed.
Memory issues are typically mild in the beginning and get worse as the disease progresses to the point where individuals are unaware of their environment. For many families, providing round the clock care becomes a nearly impossible task…but finding the right elder care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can also feel impossible. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are treatments that may slow its progression.
Caring for Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, these tips from Senior Living can help you help your loved one, especially in the early stages.
- Stick to a Routine: Maintaining a daily routine can help avoid confusion by letting your loved one know what to expect each day.
- Avoid Overstimulation: Keep things as simple as possible.
- Be Encouraging: Reassure your loved one when needed and try to make sure he or she feels safe and comfortable.
- Don’t Raise Your Voice: While you may be frustrated from time to time, avoid yelling or arguing. Keep your voice calm and try to remain patient when answering questions. Taking a deep breath before answering often helps.
As the disease progresses, you may find that your loved one needs round the clock care. Make sure to research potential nursing facilities thoroughly and talk to family members of other residents while screening if possible. Be aware of the signs of elder abuse and learn how to report elder abuse in Indiana just in case. Your loved one is relying on you to be their advocate.
If you or a loved one has suffered from elder abuse, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
