A certain amount of memory loss comes with age, but if you notice your mother or father just isn’t as sharp as he or she used to be or is forgetting important things, it’s impossible to stop your mind from racing with possibilities. Here are some signs to watch out for and tips on what to do if you suspect your aging parent has Alzheimer’s.
Know the Early Signs & Symptoms
The first thing you need to do is observe your parent for behaviors that are often associated with Alzheimer’s. Memory loss is one of the most significant and noticeable signs of the disease. For instance, if your parent asks you to repeat the same information over and over again or suddenly forgets important dates he or she used to remember, it could be a sign of Alzheimer’s. Your loved one may also misplace things and have difficulty finding them later.
Seniors with Alzheimer’s also experience changes in mood and personality. Your loved one may withdraw from normal activities and keep to him or herself more. Your parent also might become easily confused and may not trust people as easily anymore.
Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors to manage without assistance, and it can be just as challenging for families who don’t have experience in providing Alzheimer’s care. Rocklin Home Care Assistance provides Alzheimer’s care seniors and their families can depend on. Our proprietary Cognitive Therapeutics Method was designed to help seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions live happier and healthier lives.
Seek a Medical Diagnosis
If you suspect Alzheimer’s, call your loved one’s doctor as soon as possible to examine your loved one. If the doctor does diagnose Alzheimer’s, don’t panic. Early treatment can delay the symptoms and ensure a high quality of life for some time.
If your loved one is diagnosed with the disease, it’s also important to find local support groups for families of seniors with Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association has chapters in most big cities, and having people to talk to who are going through the same thing you are can reduce stress and anxiety and benefit your overall mental health and wellbeing.
Explore Treatment Options
Although a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is disheartening, technology and medical advancements are enhancing the type of care seniors receive today. Alzheimer’s can have many different causes, and your loved one’s medical team can assess his or her overall health to understand more about his or her unique situation. Then they can provide a treatment plan that may include medications and lifestyle changes, such as participating in brain-boosting activities.
Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Hire a Professional Caregiver
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease. Although your loved one’s treatment plan is designed to slow the progression of the disease, you should expect to make some arrangements for his or her continued care.
At first, your loved one may only need minimal support at home. For example, your parent may benefit from having a professional caregiver arrive each day to assist with medication reminders. Over time, additional care strategies can be implemented to support your loved one’s changing needs.
Talk to your loved one about his or her preferences now while he or she can provide the best level of input. Research shows aging in place is ideal for seniors with Alzheimer’s. If that’s a possibility, find a caregiver who can assist your loved one with daily activities and promote safety in the comfort of home.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Rocklin home care service provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help. If you need professional care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (916) 226-3737.