Providing Care For Someone With Alzheimer’s Disease.

If you are a caregiver for someone, with Alzheimer’s disease, here are the typical three stages:

First, the person can conceal their memory loss, depression, apathy, and decreased speech. Additionally, they notice the changes in themselves. Therefore, they remove themselves from family activities. However, most family members may not recognize this stage, or may not choose to admit to it. Consequently, they assume the individual is withdrawn, forgetful, and disinterested.

Two, over time the memory declines. They have new numerous activities, wandering, repetitive motions, pacing, and placing objects in their mouths. Also, they have decreased communication and interaction with family members.

Third, they require constant supervision, provided by family members, home health caregiver, at an assisted living facility, or a nursing home. Additionally, they resist eating meals and appear unresponsive to basically, everyone and everything.

The cost of home health care varies across Maryland. If you are looking for a budget figure, $20 per hour is generally, the cost. Home care services can be paid privately, i.e. your own funds or funds from a family member; or thru your long term care insurance policy, if you meet their standards for help; or through a variety of public sources, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Veterans’ Administration.

The Alzheimer’s Association estimates 10 million American’s care for their loved ones at home with Alzheimer’s. As previously stated in my blogs, the caregivers are prone to overworking and possibly developing anxiety and depression. If you’re currently providing care for a loved one, you need to take care of yourself, so you can care and be an advocate for your loved one. If you are not there, who will be?

We, at Senior Life Care Planning, provide our clients, families, and caregivers, with a support system, expertise and resources they need to better navigate the many health care, legal, and financial complexities associated with aging.