Alzheimer’s disease hinders the ability to perform the daily task. The functioning of the brain is affected, and it can hamper the person’s routine social or working life. Diagnosis of the problem is really important. Yet, anxiety and fear can make people negate a diagnosis.
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be a life-changing experience for you or your loved one. Dealing with the problem or other signs of dementia can be challenging. But there is nothing to fret about. Alzheimer’s & dementia support services are available to make the caregiver’s journey a bit easier.
Alzheimer Vs. Dementia
Many of us often get confused with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Sometimes, people think that both these conditions are the same, but they are not.
Dementia refers to a specific classification of diseases that lead to a great decline in brain functionality. On the other hand, Alzheimer’s is a specific type of dementia, and it is the most common type.
Other Types of Dementia
Besides Alzheimer’s, there are many other forms of dementia, which include:
- Vascular or Multi-Infarct Dementia
- Frontotemporal Dementia or Pick’s Disease
- Young-Onset Dementia
- Mixed Dementia
- Dementia with Lewy Bodies
What Are Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Services?
Caregivers might need some support for themselves while looking after a person who is in the earliest stages of dementia. However, some caregivers seek assistance when the person is in the later stages. Seeking support is absolutely fine, and you can get it whenever you want.
Alzheimer’s & Dementia support programs primarily focus on supporting a caregiver and the person undergoing the problem. All this helps the person get constant care and live life to the fullest.
At Alnicor Consulting, we offer support services to manage the signs and effects of dementia. We know the social and emotional challenges a patient has to go through when suffering from this condition.
Caregiver’s Role In The Early Stages Of Dementia
There may not be much need for caregiving in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. But, the role of a caregiver in the initial stage would be to assist the person in coping with their diagnosis. They must also help them in making future plans, staying healthy, and showing as much involvement as possible. Here are a few things one should know:
Acceptance Of The Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
It may not be easy to accept Alzheimer’s diagnosis for both the patient and their family. In this situation, you and your loved ones should take time to process the news and adapt to the new situation. Denial from diagnosis may not be a good idea. So, you must avoid it and prefer to seek early intervention.
Managing Conflicting Emotions
Emotions like anger, disbelief, anger denial, and frustration are quite common in the early stages. This goes for both patients and the caregiver. You, as a caregiver, must know the feelings of the patient and motivate them to carry on pursuing activities that add meaning to their life.
Make Use Of Available Resources
There is a horde of online and community resources. With these, you can provide the patient with top-notch care. You can start by searching for an Alzheimer’s Association within your neighborhood.
Alzheimer’s Association provides practical support and guidance to the family and caregiver. These organizations also help get connected with local support groups.
Also Read: How to Take Care of a Baby At Home: For New Parents
Protect Your Loved One’s Independence
You can take certain steps to alleviate dementia symptoms. There are available treatments for some symptoms. However, lifestyle changes may also help decelerate the effects of the condition. These may include:
- Daily exercising
- Sleeping well
- Eating healthy
- Staying socially and mentally active.
- Lowering stress
Types Of Support That A Patient Can Receive
Depending on the level of help or care needed, there are many options to opt for. Some of these are:
Long-Term Care In The Home
One can get long-term care in the home from their own family members or friends. They can also receive support from paid service providers and can get general or medical care. The main focus of in-home services is on bathing, dressing, eating, and ensuring safety for the patient. Plus, these services involve certified experts and need a doctor’s recommendation.
Day-To-Day Support
A patient suffering from Alzheimer’s disease can find day-to-day support via adult day centers and respite services. All these offer temporary support to the person and let the caregiver take a break. With day-to-day support, the patients can expect transportation, supervision, and food delivery to their homes.
Hospice Services
Hospice services offer end-of-life care to those suffering from dementia as well as their family members. Also, the patient can receive immediate support at home, a residential care facility or a hospice care center.
Residential Care
Residential care is quite important for a person with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Such a person demands more care and supervision, which they can receive at home. Assisted living facilities can offer plentiful support in the earliest stages of dementia. On the other hand, nursing homes may be more apt for those who aren’t able to live securely at home.
How To Find The Best Support Service For Alzheimer’s And Dementia Patients?
Caregivers play an important part in the life of a dementia patient. Usually, dementia patients are likely to lose their independence and want support from another person. The purpose of the support is to look after the patient’s health. So, it is important to consider a caregiver because it may not be possible for the loved ones to be around all the time.
So, you need to look for reliable sources like Alnicor Consulting to get the ideal care and support. Here are the factors that you need to consider when selecting a caregiver:
- Short-list home care providers by creating a list of care needs and expectations.
- Call first to know what type of care the care provider will offer
- Do a background check by looking at the online reviews
- Appoint accredited or certified home care services only
Conclusion
Support services are all you need when for your loved one who is undergoing Alzheimer’s. These mainly emphasize maintaining a healthy lifestyle of the patient and understanding the feelings of the patient.
Where to get the best Alzheimer’s & dementia support services? Alnicor Consulting is the perfect place to find trained, experienced caregivers offering needed support to dementia patients. For every patient, we make a personalized care plan, considering all their specific needs. Call 183-325-6267 or +1 833-211-1777 to schedule an appointment. Learn more about our Alzheimer’s & dementia support and care services here.