Elder Care Newton MA
For many family caregivers, the thought of their aging parent developing Alzheimer’s disease is one of their greatest concerns. This is a condition that many people fear, and that carries with it a wide variety of myths and misconceptions, which means that it can be difficult to approach.
In your important role in your parent’s life, however, it is critical that you focus on understanding this condition thoroughly, approaching it honestly, and doing everything that you can to help your elderly parent reduce the chances of developing this condition or support them in managing it in the best way possible if it does develop.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. With approximately 4 million people throughout the United States suffering from this condition, it accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all cases of dementia. Despite popular belief, distinct changes in memory, cognitive processing, and behavior such as those that come along with Alzheimer’s disease are not normal elements of aging and should not just be “tolerated” or considered inevitable.
The changes that come along with Alzheimer’s generally begin very mild and develop slowly over time. In fact, some people have some of the early changes that come along with the disease for years before they are detected. The progressive nature of the disease means that the symptoms and challenges that come with the disease will change, increase, and intensify over time.
Though there is a basic course that the disease generally follows, it is important to note that each person who experiences Alzheimer’s disease will go through their own personal journey with it. Their symptoms will be their own and they will progress on their own timeline. This means that you cannot fully predict how it will manifest or progress, but that you can prepare yourself as much as possible so that you are able to give your elder loved one the care that they need and deserve.
Though there is no one way that you can prevent this disease from developing, there are certain ways that you can help to reduce the chances that your elderly parent will experience it, and that you can help them to maintain more of their functioning and control if the disease does develop.
Starting elder care for your elderly loved one can be one of the best decisions that you make for them throughout the course of your caregiver journey with them. This is especially true if they are living with a serious cognitive condition such as Alzheimer’s disease. An elder home care services provider can be with your elderly parent on a customized schedule that is designed to give them the exact level of care, support, assistance, and encouragement that they need to manage their symptoms, address their challenges and limitations, and encourage them to still live a lifestyle that is active, engaged, and fulfilling as they progress through their disease.
Starting this type of care as early in the progression as possible can be a valuable means of helping your parent get accustomed to the changes in their life, forming a bond with their care provider and other members of their care team, and getting into a care routine that they can adapt and modify as their needs change and progress with the condition.
Sources: http://www.alz.org/dementia/types-of-dementia.asp
http://www.alz.org/what-is-dementia.asp
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp
If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care Services in Newton MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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