Alzheimer’s can have a hugh impact on a family. This video may help you recognize some common signs of Alzheimer Disease in a family member or a friend and Alzheimer’s care options . Understanding the different stages of Alzheimers shows there are many choices for assistance with Alzheimer’s care including support groups, adult day care and in-home companion care.
Dealing with dementia is all about the choices you make
There are at least two ways I can choose to feel when I go to visit my aunt, who is in the throes of the effects of dementia and residing in an Assisted Living Facility. I can be sad and depressed and on the verge of tears because it’s hard to recognize the person in front of me as my aunt. She was always very prim and proper with the same neat, short hairstyle forever and a very basic, plain style of dressing. The only flamboyancy I ever saw her express over the years was her purchase of a few convertible cars.
Another choice I have besides sadness is to look for a little humor in the person she has become. Gone is the neat hairstyle of the past, and in its place is a rather scary, unkempt Richard Lewis look. The plain, but color coordinated outfits have been replaced with some really bad clothing choices. The effects of dementia causes her to ignore two closets filled with clothing and opts to wear basically the same thing every day—topped off with shoes with no socks. Her socks, and other items, disappear on a regular basis. The staff at the facility thinks she throws them out. Initially, I found myself getting upset about things that went missing. Now, I just replace them.
The effects of dementia is causing my aunt to steadily lose her vocabulary. I have learned it is best to ask questions that can be answered simply—yes or no if possible. She no longer turns the television in her room on, but recently while waiting to be called for an appointment in a doctor‘s office, she was watching the national news channel that was on. She expressed extreme dislike of the green Geiko Gecko character, and when she saw George W. Bush, she announced to everyone in the waiting room, “I know that guy.” I had to chuckle. There are blogs devoted to finding some humor in the daily lives of Alzheimer and Dementia patients. I find them to be an affirmation that there are choices we can make when dealing with dementia and our loved ones affected by the disease.
Operations Manager, Barton Home Care
Big band music, Clark Gable and Shirley Temple movies, black and white photographs and treasured memories of days past are what so many elderly people cling to. They virtually live in the days gone by because they are more familiar and less frightening than the present days. Dealing with everyday technology, from cell phones to DVD’s and beyond, is often a major challenge. Social networks are diminished if not nonexistent. The loss of spouses, parents, siblings and friends and often the onset of illnesses sever many previous social connections. Couple all of this with a clear and present vision of one’s own mortality, and you have a perfect formula for depression.
Mistakenly, there are those who believe that depression in the elderly is a normal part of the aging process. In reality, it is generally a treatable illness, but often undiagnosed in primary care settings. Our elderly population is facing increased longevity, which can be somewhat unfulfilling if complicated with chronic medical problems. Elderly depression and medical issues can be cyclical in nature. Chronic pain can feel more intense because of depression, and dealing with chronic pain on a daily basis can contribute to depression.
Depression in the elderly can subvert one’s joy and enthusiasm for life. There are many options to consider in dealing with it. They could be as simple as addressing life-style issues like consuming a healthy diet, nutritional supplements, exposure to light sources, or an increase, based on ability, of exercise. They could be as complex as therapy or prescribed antidepressants. In-home senior care can provide another practical solution for the elderly patient with limited personal contact.
For more information on caring for senior citizens, Denver metro area, please see our Elder Care Home Services Checklist.
Operations Manager, Barton Home Care