Alzheimer's is a difficult disease, not only for the individual, but for the whole family. Spouses lose the precious companionship once shared and children lose the view of their parent being practically invincible. Many families choose to take care of affected individuals as long as possible, but there will reach a point when help is needed. As Alzheimer's takes affect, individuals lose the ability to remember how to do even the most simple tasks.
Memory Processes
In cases like Alzheimer's the body starts to attack itself and begins in the brain to kill off memory connections and crucial functioning abilities. This video is a great and simple depiction of what Alzheimer's is and how it affects memory. It begins small but soon spreads and becomes fatal. It is a slow disease that lasts over the course of about ten years from beginning to end, depending on whether it comes earlier or later in life. Because memory is not only crucial to daily living but crucial to social competence, Alzheimer's is a serious disease that will require special help, care, and outside assistance.
Help For Alzheimer's Families
Some adult day care centers and care facilities offer respite for spouses and families. This allows the affected individual to enjoy social interaction, music, and needed assistance while the family caregiver runs errands and takes time to care for his or her own needs. Because Alzheimer's can be so overwhelming for caregivers at home, it is important to look at care facilities that can help. Be sure to look carefully at these facilities to ensure that it is the right fit for your loved one, particularly looking at what stage they are at on this long journey. Different facilities will focus on different aspects. For example, for some, music is a huge part of bringing out the best of someone who seems to have forgotten everything. Many behavioral aspects as well as memory training may be used and prove helpful such for individuals as well. Trained staff will assist in giving medication, help in toileting and bathing, as well as assist in behavioral issues that arise.
The Next Step: Hospice
Care facilities may help to assist in the process of finding hospice help as the final stages of Alzheimer's come. Hospice helps to ease the pain and emotional stress of the affected individual as well as family members as the last breath draws near. Although it is difficult to accept, when it comes to the last six months of your loved one's life, it is important to ensure that the highest and best care is available and ready when it is needed most. Overall, it is important to always remember your loved and the connections you once shared, even when they have forgotten.
For more information contact a facility such as Valley View Retirement Community.
