Alzheimer’s
The Stages of Alzheimer’s and Care Tips for Each
Understanding the complexities of Alzheimer’s is challenging, to say the least. Since it impacts each person uniquely, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to providing care. However, there are some broad similarities that can be categorized into three stages:
Beginning Stage:
This stage of the disease can last for years.
Your loved one may experience some changes in thinking and learning abilities, which may not be detectable to others without daily contact.
What you can do:
Be a care advocate for your loved one, providing emotional support and encouragement.
Help plan for the future:
Discuss care setting desires (home, assisted living, hospice) and identify care providers.
Research support groups.
Discuss end of life care requests.
Provide memory prompts and personal organization assistance when needed.
Provide assistance with money management or hire a professional to assist.
Establish a regular daily routine.
Help your loved one to stay healthy and engaged in what he or she loves … Read More »
Alzheimer’s or Depression? Here’s How to Tell the Difference.
In our last blog, we outlined the warning signs that could point to Alzheimer’s. It’s important to note, however, that a number of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s are strikingly similar to those of depression. In order to receive proper treatment, it’s crucial to accurately document which, if any, of the symptoms below are being exhibited by your loved one, and share that information with his or her physician:
10 Warning Signs that Could Indicate Alzheimer’s
It may start out as subtle little nuances that are barely noticeable – Mom begins experiencing slight memory lapses and forgetfulness, occasionally misplacing the keys or phone – but perhaps there’s enough of a change in her behavior to make you wonder: could it be Alzheimer’s? Here are ten red flags to be on the lookout for:
Exciting New Advance in Curing Alzheimer’s Disease!
Consider the facts…
Currently, over 5 million Americans are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Every sixty-seven seconds, someone develops the disease.
Almost 2/3s of those with Alzheimer’s Disease are women.
Everyone knows someone who suffers from Dementia and/or Alzheimer’s Disease. We may not fully understand the disease, but we are fully aware of the challenges. Because of this, we were especially excited to read this recent report. Yesterday’s report out of Australia reports that huge strides have been made in laboratory tests, and that a team at the Queensland Brain Institute has come up with a possible advance that would successfully treat Alzheimer’s.
Hired Hands Homecare is very proud of our special Dementia/Alzheimer’s Team. This amazing group of Caregivers has received extensive specialized training, giving them the knowledge and tools to better assist families dealing with this difficult situation. If we may be of any … Read More »
“Thanks so much for sending Ken!”
Marvin “Ken” J. started with Hired Hands Pleasanton November 2013. He is currently working with 2 clients and is remarkable!!! One client resides at an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Center and the staff there have noticed a great change in the client since Ken started. They recently said “We are so pleased to have Ken. He is a gem, and she is really happy. Thank you so much for sending him to us”.
Thank you Ken for all you do!
Helping Alzheimer’s Patients…
This week, an interesting story aired on NPR regarding how researchers are discovering how different types of light affect people. What’s most impressive is how they’re using their findings, and applying them for helping Alzheimer’s patients and seniors. Both the interview and the transcript can be found here.
Is it Alzheimer’s, or Normal Aging – Know the 10 Signs
As we age, everyone gets forgetful now and then. Just the other day, I misplaced my keys. Sometimes, memory loss starts to become more frequent, disrupting life on a daily basis. This may be a sign of Alzheimer’s, or some sort of dementia, and these warning signs may be a good reason to check in with your doctor. The NorCal Alzheimer’s Association has a great set of tools at http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp.
