If your loved one has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, then it’s important that they get the care they need to feel at home and thrive. In-home care is often a great option when your loved one’s Alzheimer’s is still in its early stages or even later stages if you choose to seek the help of professionals. Either way, your loved one can feel a lot more comfortable living in their home environment as they age. It’s always best that your loved one retains as much of their independence and their typical routine as possible in order to help prevent further cognitive decline.
Assess your loved one’s symptoms and seek professional help
In order to implement what’s best for your loved one in terms of care, you’ll need to learn more about their Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. With the help of a professional, learn about the symptoms of Alzheimer’s at different stages and ask about how often your loved one might need the assistance of a family member or a caregiver. How much care your loved one needs all depends on the severity of their dementia or Alzheimer’s symptoms. You can learn more about subjective memory loss, forgetfulness, and cognitive impairment through the Alz Info website.
Consider bathroom renovation to ensure the safety of their home
When a person suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, they often experience issues with mobility. They’re more likely to suffer from visual and cognitive impairment, so you’ll want to minimize the risk of tripping and falling. Remove any rugs and add motion-sensor night-lights in every corner. Consider bathroom remodeling in Midland, TX, to ensure they have grab bars in their shower or tub. Make sure there are handrails within reach and remove any shiny bathroom flooring that can be slippery, or be mindful of any surfaces that stay wet. For the bathroom remodel, make sure that everything is accessible, safe, and visible. These are the three most important factors when it comes to doing renovations or making changes to the home for someone with Alzheimer’s.
Come up with a manageable care plan
Now that you’ve spoken with their doctor and made the appropriate changes to their home, it’s time to come up with a detailed care plan. How will you stay on top of their medication management? Will you need the help of a caregiver or another family member? Who is the contact person in case of any emergencies? Which family member will have power of attorney? With a disease like Alzheimer’s, it’s important to make these arrangements as soon as your loved one is diagnosed. At some point, they may no longer be able to make these decisions independently. Start thinking about how much you can realistically handle in terms of care. And if you think it’s best to get support, look into it as soon as possible. Your loved one needs to have enough exercise, socialization, a healthy diet, and daily activities. How much of that can they still manage on their own, and how much of it can you handle on their behalf?
The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. The symptoms of the disease involve poor judgment, memory loss, repeating questions, trouble handling their money, getting lost, misplacing items, problems with speech or writing, and difficulty completing tasks. If your loved one is experiencing these behavior changes, it’s best to do your research and consult a health care professional. If your loved one is still capable of living on their own, in-home care is a great way for them to continue daily life. Just make sure that you are helping to minimize greater risk of injury through the steps above.
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