The moment you hear your aging loved one is living with Alzheimer's disease is life-changing. Suddenly everything that you thought about their future has to be reevaluated, and the plans you've made for them may need to change. As a family caregiver, you know Alzheimer's disease is a progressive condition, meaning their challenges, symptoms, and limitations will increase and worsen as time passes.
Eventually, they will be completely unable to care for themselves, and will require consistent care 24 hours a day. This means you need to begin planning now for the care you will give them later. Knowing this likely leaves you to wonder how your parent will progress through the disease, and when these challenges and symptoms will increase and worsen.
Being able to predict how your parent will progress through Alzheimer's disease is an important part of planning for their care. The reality, however, is that there is no true way to completely predict how your parent will progress through their disease. Alzheimer's disease is it completely personal condition, and your aging loved one will experience the challenges and symptoms in their own way, and on their own time frame.
One thing you can predict is that your senior will move through with the basic stages of the disease. Alzheimer's disease moves through three basic stages, often referred to as as early, middle, and end stage, or mild, moderate, and advanced Alzheimer's. Educating yourself about these stages, the symptoms and challenges that are common in them, and the care your parent will need, can prepare you to plan the most effective and meaningful care approach for your parent.
The only thing you can't really predict about Alzheimer's disease is that it is unpredictable. Every person experiences a completely personal journey with this disease, and there are challenges and stages your senior can anticipate, there's no way to really know how your parent will experience this disease. This means it can be very challenging it to create a care approach that effectively manages all of their needs, challenges, and limitations.
Starting senior care could be a fantastic way to supplement the care you give, and feel confident your care approach is effective, efficient, and meaningful for your parent. A senior home care services provider can step into philcare gaps, supplement your care efforts, manage care needs that are sensitive or challenging for you, and also ensure your parent has what they need to manage what they're dealing with now, and feel confident about the progression in the future.
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/stages
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in East Millcreek, UT, contact the caring staff at Interim Healthcare. Call today 801-401-3515.
Author: Michael and Marlena Hawkins, Owners, Interim HealthCare, Salt Lake City, UT
Interim HealthCare of Salt Lake City has been in business since February 2014, providing in-home personal care and support services that help our elderly and/or disabled neighbors live enriched, safe and independent lives. Our goal is to provide customized care and support services that make it possible for our clients to remain in the comfort of their own homes rather than relocate to an assisted living facility. Interim HealthCare is family owned by Michael and Marlana Hawkins, and is a Veteran Owned Small Business.
