Receiving the news that an older family member has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is life-changing. Thinking through the various aspects and factors associated with the disease, both now as well as in the long run, can be overwhelming.
Over the next several months, our three-part series will examine the early, middle and later stages of dementia. Each blog will detail the particular care needed during each stage, what family caregivers can expect, and how Anthem Home Care can help.
Caring for a Loved One with Early Stage Alzheimer’s
If you have recently stepped into the role of caring for a senior loved one with early stage Alzheimer’s, we have the help and the hope you will need. A good place to start is to take a deep breath and find comfort in knowing you are not alone. There are more than 50 million people currently living with dementia worldwide, and ten million new diagnoses per year.
It is also beneficial to recognize that the beginning stage of Alzheimer’s might last for many years, frequently with treatment options designed to slow the advancement of the disease. And, many older adults in the early stage are dealing with minimal cognitive challenges – which means you will have the chance to work together to put into place a plan that tackles all of the older adult’s wishes pertaining to finances, legal matters, and long-term care.
With that in mind, below are the changes you may expect both for your loved one and yourself.
Early Stage Dementia – Impact on the Senior Diagnosed:
- Forgetfulness
- Becoming lost in familiar places
- Losing track of time
- Denial and/or fear
Can benefit from assistance and support with:
- Setting up and keeping appointments
- Financial management
- Medications
- Transportation
- Recalling familiar places, words, and names
Early Stage Dementia – Impact on the Family Caregiver:
- Stress, anxiety, fear, and uncertainty with what the future will hold
- Anger, frustration and resentment
- A loss of control
- Sadness, grief, and despair
- Denial and a sense of disbelief
May benefit from:
- Prioritizing self-care: getting plenty of rest, eating a well-balanced diet, exercising, and putting aside time for relaxing activities
- Engaging the services of a mental health professional if needed
- Creating a network of close friends and family who are prepared to help
- Finding and attending a support group (either in-person or online)
- Becoming educated on the disease, treatment options, and what to expect as it advances
A knowledgeable home care provider, like Anthem Home Care, is an invaluable asset to family members caring for a loved one with dementia. Setting up home care services now, in the earliest stage, is imperative to building trust and rapport with the senior – something that will likely be vital as the dementia moves into subsequent stages. In addition, it allows family caregivers the chance for ongoing, regularly scheduled breaks. Our professionally trained and experienced care experts are highly skilled and up to date on the most effective dementia care techniques.
We can also make available helpful information specific to any particular challenges you are facing. Just reach out to us at 361-643-2323 to learn about our specially-trained caregivers in Corpus Christi, Texas, and the surrounding areas and request a complimentary in-home consultation. With Anthem Home Care, you are never alone; we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.