Home Care Services And Alzheimer's Patients

By Jen Parsens

It is something that is hard even to think about. You would hate it if someone you love was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, but it is something that affects approximately 5 million Americans. Often called "Old Timer's," Alzheimer's is not actually something that only happens with old age.

Doctors do not really know all the specifics of what causes Alzheimer's; however, they can tell you some of the common symptoms. Patients usually notice a decrease in mental activity that will affect memory especially. It will also have a play in language and thought processes.

There are some things you can do to help patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. One method is cognitive therapies. If you do not want to go that route, there are medications you can try that are marketed for dementia.

As a family member, you have to make the choice of whether you want to have a nursing home care for them, you could care for them on your own, or you could opt for home care services.

Many loved ones of Alzheimer's patients are often dissatisfied with the first two of these options. Attempting to care for an Alzheimer's patient is not only taxing emotionally and physically, but is often almost impossible for individuals that work.

Caring for an Alzheimer's patient is often a full time job, depending on the severity and stage of this debilitating and consuming mental illness. A nursing care facility often feels like a cop out, and often family members struggle with the thought that their parent or grandparent has been abandoned.

Many families of those afflicted have found great comfort and peace in home care services. The loved one can either remain in the comfort and peace of their own, or a caretaker's home without the worry of allowing them to remain on their own, or guilt at leaving them in a facility.

Home care services are often a godsend for busy and concerned family members of an Alzheimer's patient. Nurses are available often around the clock to provide medication, personal care, and supervision for intermediate and advanced patients. The home care services make it possible to love and be there for a parent or grandparent and continue a normal and productive life. - 31803

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