Learning that your Mom or Dad has Alzheimer’s Disease can be extremely difficult. You will want to do whatever you can to help them during this time, but you also have your own life and responsibilities to take care of.
This is a very common struggle that many people deal with once their elderly parents are diagnosed with a serious disease. You love your parents and want the very best for them, yet at the same time you are unsure about your ability to be a full-time caregiver.
Understanding How Alzheimer’s Disease Progresses
Alzheimer’s is a very serious disease that gradually gets worse over time. At first, someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s may not act very different than how they have always been. They may forget things often or become disoriented at times, but overall, they can still take care of themselves.
It isn’t until around the second stage of Alzheimer’s disease that most seniors require additional care and assistance from their family members or a healthcare professional. At this stage, they may need help with activities of daily living such as bathing, getting dressed, or preparing meals.
During the third stage of Alzheimer’s, seniors require the most care. It is dangerous for them to be left alone and they will need assistance with every activity at this point. This is the most difficult stage of the disease and one that no caregiver is every truly prepared for.
How to Provide Quality Care for Your Loved Ones at Home
If you have a loved one who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it is possible for them to safely remain in their own home as opposed to transitioning to a nursing home. Here are a few things that family care providers can do to help care for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s.
- Join a support group to learn more about the disease and how it affects your loved one.
- Don’t be afraid to ask friends and family members for help. You can’t provide quality care when you are tired and overwhelmed.
- Make use of the resources that are available to you such as home health care or adult day care services.
- Create a schedule for you and your loved one to stick to every day.
Get Help with Caring for your Loved One with Alzheimer’s with Adult Day Care Services
Seniors living with Alzheimer’s Disease do not have to resort to living out their lives in an institution. They can receive quality Alzheimer’s care at home from family members, friends and professional home health care providers.
Another option for seniors with Alzheimer’s is staying at an adult day care center during the day while their family members go to work, run errands or simply take a break.
To learn more about adult day care services offered in the Middlesex, NJ area, get in contact with South Amboy Adult Day Care.