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As a person ages, a
certain amount of memory loss and confusion is quite normal. Personally,
I’ve been known to invoke the cliché, “The older I get, the better I
was!” Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s disease represents a more serious loss
of mental sharpness and calls for special care for seniors.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s
Disease is a progressive form of pre-senile dementia. Symptoms are
typically first noted in a person’s late forties or early fifties. As
the disease takes effect, it will first impact memory. Impaired thought
and speech will follow with the patient eventually becoming helpless.
Alzheimer’s
is a truly horrible disease because it robs a person of their ability
to function. The disease is also damaging to family and friends as it is
very difficult to watch a parent, brother, sister or friend progress to
the point where they don’t recognize anyone. The burden of caring for a
person suffering from Alzheimer’s is significant. At some point in
time, a family will have to look for assistance with the care.
Most
“board and care” and “assisted living facilities” are willing and
capable of providing for a person suffering from Alzheimer’s. These
facilities are similar to nursing homes, but with less of an
institutional atmosphere. If, however, a senior becomes increasingly
disoriented, perhaps even occasionally wandering away, they may require a
facility with a dementia waiver.
Despite the name, a “dementia
waiver” is an indication that a facility and staff have additional
training and licensing for the care of patients with dementia. On top of
the additional training, the actual facility may be secured with a
perimeter to keep patients on the grounds.
Alzheimer’s disease
leaves a mark on family and friends as well as the victim. There are,
however, facility options that can at least take the care burden off of
you.
About the Author
Alex Jensen is with Careplacement.com
- a free placement service for Southern California. Care Placement's
staff can review your care requirements to determine whether skilled
nursing care, assisted living facilities or board and care homes are a
viable option for seniors.
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