Are you thinking of becoming a caregiver or have a spouse that was recently diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's? It's essential to understand the different types of caregiving so you can make the "next best decision" as your loved one's illness progresses. There are different types of caregiving, and they vary based on the type of care provided and the person receiving care.
Was your loved one recently diagnosed with a form of dementia? People with dementia are typically diagnosed in stage four. People in stage four have clear, visible signs of cognitive impairment and exhibit personality changes. I'm sure you notice symptoms well before a diagnosis. While doctor intervention can increase resources, validation, and support, the new journey can overwhelm many family caregivers. Dementia caregiving can be challenging and emotionally demanding, and all your feelings and concerns are valid.
A trip to the hospital can be stressful for people with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia and their caregivers. Being prepared for emergency and planned hospital visits can relieve some of that stress. This article suggests ways to help you prepare and tips for making your visit to the emergency room or hospital easier.
One of the biggest struggles of dementia caregiving is challenging behavior. The most common advice is, "Don't take it personally." And while this advice is correct, it is understandably tough when it is your loved one or spouse.
While many caregivers brave stage five on their own, eventually, hygiene and other daily battles become very difficult to manage alone.
Dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive function that affects memory, problem-solving skills, language, and daily living functions. Specific types of dementias — including Alzheimer's disease and vascular, Lewy body, and frontotemporal dementia — advance at unique rates and differ from person to person. The seven stages of dementia are separated [...]
Alz.org tells us that more than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's or other dementias. In 2021, these caregivers provided more than 16 billion hours of care, valued at nearly $272 billion! Eventually, these families need help and rest. Caregiving is a physically and emotionally taxing experience that can last for years. A [...]
Do you care for a loved one with dementia from home? Have their needs outgrown your capabilities? You aren't alone. Many family caregivers reach the end of their rope caring for a loved one with dementia. Eventually, the needs of their loved ones outgrow the caregiver's capacity - this is normal. When you can no [...]
According to the American Geriatrics Society, many seniors take over ten different medications, with 80% of seniors juggling multiple health conditions. Common conditions include heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, COPD, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and sensory loss. Unfortunately, seeing different doctors for each condition can make it challenging to maximize the quality of [...]
Over 40 million Americans struggle with long-term, chronic sleep disorders. From Alzheimer's to depression, sundowners can keep the elderly awake at night and create behavioral struggles during the day. Studies show that 20% of Alzheimer's patients experience confusion, agitation, and anxiety beginning in the afternoon and evening. Sundowners is often characterized by: Anger Depression Anxiety [...]
