Alzheimers: Caregiving After the Diagnosis

Author

Heart Body and Mind Homecare

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Heart Body and Mind Homecare

Posted on

Jan 28, 2022

Book/Edition

Florida - Southwest

Share This

For more information on the author ,Heart Body & Mind Home Care, CLICK HERE!

Now that your family member or friend has received a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease its important to learn as much as you can about the disease and how to care for someone who has it. At Heart, Body & Mind Home Care, we feel that it is important for family members to know the right way to share the news with other family and friends.
Sometimes, you may feel that you don't know how to care for the person with Alzheimer's. This is a common feeling among caregivers of people with Alzheimer's because each day may bring different challenges. Learning about the disease can help you understand and cope with these challenges .Heart, Body & Mind Home Care offers free information about Alzheimer's disease for families and caregivers.
Learning About Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's disease is an illness of the brain. It causes large numbers of nerve cells in the brain to die. This affects a persons ability to remember things and think clearly. People with Alzheimer's become forgetful and easily confused and may have a hard time concentrating. They may have trouble taking care of themselves and doing basic things like making meals, bathing, and getting dressed.
Alzheimer's varies from person to person .It can progress faster in some people than in others ,and not everyone will have the same symptoms. In general, though, Alzheimer's takes many years to develop, becoming increasingly severe overtime. As the disease gets worse, people need more help. Eventually, they require total care.
Alzheimer's disease consists of three main stages: mild (sometimes called early-stage), moderate, and severe (some time called late stage). Understanding these stages can help you care for your loved one and plan ahead.

Mild Alzheimer's Disease
In the mild stage of Alzheimer's ,people often have some memory loss and small changes in personality. They may have trouble remembering recent events or the names off similiar people or things. They may no longer be able to solve simple math problems or balance a check book. People with mild Alzheimer's also slowly lose the ability to plan and organize. For example, they may have trouble making a grocery list and finding it  in the store.
Moderate Alzheimer's Disease
In the moderate stage of Alzheimer's, memory loss and confusion become more obvious. People have more trouble organizing, planning and following instructions. They may need help getting dressed and may start having problems with bladder or bowel control. People with moderate Alzheimer's may have trouble recognizing family members and friends. They may not know where they are or what day or year it is. People with moderate stage Alzheimer's may also begin to wander, so they should not be left alone. Personality changes can become more serious. For example, people may make threats or accuse others of stealing.
Severe Alzheimer's Disease
IntheseverestageofAlzheimers,peopleusuallyneedhelpwithalloftheirdailyneeds. They may not be able to walk or sit up without help .They may not be able to talk and often cannot recognize family members. They may also have trouble swallowing and therefore refuse to eat.
Tips from Heart, Body & Mind Home Care
Sofar,thereisnocureforAlzheimers,buttherearetreatmentsthatcanpreventsome symptoms from getting worse for a limited time. Below are some ways that you can learn more about Alzheimer's disease.

If you have a family member who is a client of Heart, Body & Mind Home Care you have access to our FREE online Family Learning Center that contains more than 50 family caregiver training videos and resources.
Talk with a doctor or other healthcare provider who specializes in Alzheimer's disease.
Checkout books or videos about Alzheimer's from the library.
Got o educational programs about the disease.
Findasupportgroupforcaregivers,ideallyoneinwhichmembersaretaking care of someone who is in the same stage of Alzheimer's as the person for whom you are caring.
You may also contact Heart, Body & Mind Home Care for additional free information regarding Alzheimer's or request a FREE in-home consultation.

Talking with Family and Friends
When you learn that someone has Alzheimer's disease, you may wonder when and how to tell your family and friends. You may also be worried about how others may react to or treat the person. Others often sense that something is wrong before they are told. Alzheimer's disease is hard to keep secret. When the time seems right, be honest with family, friends, and others. Use this as a chance to educate them about Alzheimer's disease. You can share information to help them understand what you and the person with Alzheimer's are going through. You can also tell them what you can do to help.
Listed below are suggestions of how you can help family and friends understand how to interact with the person who has Alzheimer's.

Help them realize what the person can still do and how much he or she can still understand.
Givethemsuggestionsabouthowtostarttalkingwiththeperson.Forexample, Hello George, Im John .We used to work together.
Help them avoid correcting the person with Alzheimer's if  he or she makes a mistake or for gets something.
Helpthemplanfunactivitieswiththeperson,suchasgoingtofamilyreunionsor visiting old friends.

Helping Children Understand Alzheimer's
If the person with Alzheimer's has young children or grandchildren, you can help them understand what is happening. Answer their questions simply and honestly. For example, you might tell a young child Grandma has an illness that makes it hard for her to remember things. Know that their feelings of sadness and anger are normal. Comfort them. Tell them they did'nt cause the disease.
If the child lives with someone who has Alzheimer's, don't expect him or her to babysit the person. Make sure the child has time for his or her own interests and needs, such as playing with friends and going to school activities. Spend time with the child, so that he or she does'nt feel that all your attention is on the person with Alzheimer's. Many younger children will look to you to see how to act around the person with Alzheimer's disease. Show children that they can still talk with the person and help them enjoy things. Doing fun things together, like arts and crafts or looking through photo albums, can help both the child and the person with Alzheimer's.
Challenges for Teens
A teenager might  find it  hard to accept how the person with Alzheimer's has changed. He or she may find the changes upsetting or embarrassing or not want to be around the person. Talk with teenagers about their concerns and feelings. Dont force them to spend time with the person who has Alzheimer's.

Other Articles You May Like

JCC Senior Expo 2024: A Vibrant Celebration of Senior Living

JCC Senior Expo 2024: A Vibrant Celebration of Senior LivingThe Jewish Community Center of Dallas is thrilled to announce the much-awaited arrival of the Senior Expo 2024, set to take place on March 26th, from 10 am to 1 pm, on the sprawling grounds of the JCC campus. This annual event promises a delightful fusion of informative sessions, interactive exhibits, and lively entertainment, tailored especially for seniors and their loved ones. With admission and parking completely free of charge and no pre-registration required, this is an opportunity not to be missed.Empowering Seniors in DallasAt the heart of the Senior Expo lies a dedication to enriching the lives of seniors in the Dallas community. This years event will showcase a diverse array of companies, services, and organizations committed to enhancing the well-being and quality of life for seniors. From senior living communities to healthcare providers and insurance companies, attendees will have the chance to engage with a wide spectrum of resources, all aimed at providing free or low-cost services tailored to the unique needs of seniors.An Immersive ExperienceBeyond the invaluable networking opportunities, attendees can look forward to a day brimming with excitement and entertainment. A complimentary lunch will be provided, ensuring that guests can refuel and recharge as they explore the offerings. Live entertainment will infuse the atmosphere with energy and joy, creating a vibrant backdrop for meaningful connections and conversations. Additionally, sponsors will generously contribute to the festivities, offering an array of prizes and giveaways to lucky winners throughout the event.Get InvolvedFor those interested in supporting this noble cause, sponsorship opportunities are available. By becoming a sponsor, businesses and individuals can contribute to the success of the Senior Expo while gaining visibility within the community. For more information on how to get involved, including sponsorship opportunities, please call 214-239-7115.Mark Your CalendarsThe JCC Senior Expo 2024 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of senior living, unity, and empowerment. Whether youre a senior yourself, a caregiver, or simply passionate about supporting the senior community, this event offers something for everyone. Join us on March 26th, at the Jewish Community Center of Dallas, and be part of a day filled with discovery, connection, and celebration.For further details and updates, please visit JCC Dallas Seniors.Dont miss out on this enriching experience see you at the Senior Expo 2024!

Pathways of Comfort: A Compassionate Approach to Senior Moves

A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe in guiding seniors through their moves with a compassionate touch, recognizing the emotional journey involved in transitioning to a new home. Our approach focuses on creating pathways of comfort, ensuring that seniors feel supported and empowered throughout the process. From the initial planning stages to the final settling-in period, our team is dedicated to providing gentle guidance and heartfelt assistance every step of the way.We understand that moving can stir up a range of emotions, from excitement to apprehension, and we are here to offer a listening ear and a caring presence. With our expertise in senior moves, we aim to alleviate stress and uncertainty, fostering an environment of reassurance and comfort. At A Call to Order, we don't just organize relocations; we pave the way for seniors to embark on this new chapter of their lives with confidence and peace of mind.

The Integral Role of Family in Senior Care: Bridging the Gap with Executive Home Care

The Integral Role of Family in Senior Care: Bridging the Gap with Executive Home CareAt Executive Home Care, we recognize the vital role that family plays in the overall well-being and care of seniors. This February, we want to highlight the importance of family involvement in senior care and how we at Executive Home Care facilitate this essential partnership.The Cornerstone of Effective Senior Care: Family InvolvementFamily involvement is more than just a preference; its a cornerstone of effective senior care. We understand that the journey of caring for a loved one can be both rewarding and challenging. Thats why we encourage family members to actively participate in the care planning process. By doing so, you ensure that the care provided aligns not only with the needs of your senior loved ones but also with your familys values and expectations.Our Approach: Bridging the Gap Between Professional Care and Family InvolvementOur caregivers are trained to work closely with families at Executive Home Care. This collaboration ensures that everyone involved is on the same page, leading to more personalized and effective care. Heres how we bridge the gap:Regular Updates and Communication: Our caregivers provide regular updates to family members, ensuring you are informed and involved in every step of your loved ones care journey.Emotional Support for Families: We understand that caring for a senior loved one can be emotionally taxing. Our team is here to offer support and guidance to family members, helping navigate the challenges that may arise.Aligning Care with Expectations: We ensure that the care provided is in line with both the seniors needs and the familys expectations. This alignment is crucial for the well-being and satisfaction of all parties involved.Learn More About Our Family-Centric Care ApproachWe invite you to learn more about how Executive Home Care fosters a nurturing environment where professional care and family involvement go hand in hand. Visit our website to explore our range of services and read testimonials from families who have experienced the positive impact of our collaborative approach.Join Us in Supporting Senior CareThis February lets acknowledge the invaluable role that families play in senior care. At Executive Home Care, we are committed to supporting you and your loved ones every step of the way. For more information on our services and how we can assist your family, please reach out to us.Remember, your involvement as a family member is not just beneficial, its essential. Together, we can ensure that our seniors receive the love, care, and support they deserve.For more insights and updates, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn and stay tuned to our blog. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your familys needs, feel free to info@executivehomecare.com .