Dementia Care for the Elderly

Without a doubt the worst problem facing elderly people and their adult children is dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. These debilitating diseases take the person mind and memories while they may still be relatively healthy. Because of the nature of the problem, a huge variety of problems arise.

First the adult child may notice that the parent is forgetting things. Sometimes the onset of the disease is slow and other times the memory lapses come quickly. At first everyone makes light of the problem. Mom is getting older and a little forgetful. This is nothing surprising considering her age. No big deal.

Then you begin noticing other problems. She forgets to lock the doors or leaves the stove on when not in use. She may forget to take her medicine or leave food in the house that has spoiled. When you question her, she will probably feel a little scared or worried. She will promise to be more careful next time. Unfortunately, the problems keep getting worse and worse.

At some point, the problem comes to a head. You become worried that she will hurt herself or burn down the house with her in it. If she smokes, you worry all the time. This is generally the time most people consult a doctor. After many evaluations, the doctor may make a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. This evaluation is terrifying to the patient and the family. Decisions must be made because she cannot live alone any more

Some people decide at this point to take in the parent. These adult children should consult experts to help with the situation. Your personal physician will give you some names of people who can provide the necessary guidance. Taking care of a parent with dementia is very difficult to take care of because their memory loss is so progressive. There will come a time when the parent no longer even recognizes who she is or who she is living with.

The complete loss of memory makes caretaking so difficult. At this point, if money is available, a home nurse is very helpful. Give yourself a break; you will need help. You simply cannot care for the parent 24 hours a day. Having help will make this time easier. Many people are able to keep their elderly sick parent with them until the end, but some people must put their parent in a care facility that specializes in people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. When the parent can no longer stay in the home this is the only answer.

Having a parent with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is such a tragedy. Knowing what to do is so difficult. There are many support groups for adult children with parents who have these problems. If possible joining these groups is very helpful, especially if you decide to keep your ailing parent at home.

Copyright 2007 Janice D. Sterling - All Rights Reserved

Eye To Eye: Quality Elder Care At Less Cost

Technorati Tags: Elderly Care, Dementia Care For The Elderly

• Elderly Care
• Community Care For The Elderly
• Dementia Care For The Elderly
• Dental Care For The Elderly
• Elderly Care Companion
• Elderly Care Jobs
• Elderly Day Care
• Elderly Hair Care
• Elderly Health Care Products
• Elderly Home Care
• Elderly In Home Care
• Elderly Residential Home Care
• Elderly Skin Care
• Health Care Cost For The Elderly
• Health Care For The Elderly
• Nursing Care For The Elderly
• Private Care Home For Elderrly
• Residental Care Facility For The Elderrly
• Taking Care Of The Elderly
• Taking Care Of The Elderly Parent
• Social Bookmark This
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• Privacy Policy
• Sitemap