After your senior loved one has received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, it’s important to communicate with his or her physician to make sure everyone involved understands what to expect as the disease progresses. As your family adjusts to the news, these questions will help you and your loved one better understand the disease and prepare for the future.
How Did You Arrive at the Diagnosis?
A physician may diagnose Alzheimer’s based on several different types of criteria. Brain imaging, a physical exam, cognitive tests, and your loved one’s medical history are a few factors that will be taken into account. Understanding the answer to this question can help everyone accept the diagnosis and better understand how to proceed with treatment.
How Does Alzheimer’s Progress?
There are three main stages of Alzheimer’s, and early diagnosis plays a role in the progression of the disease. Knowing which stage your loved one is in can provide information regarding the symptoms he or she may experience and what may lie ahead.
What Happens in the Next Stage?
Planning for the future is essential after a loved one receives an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The physician can help you and other family members understand what skills your loved one will be able to retain and the areas in which he or she will need help. This can help with long-term planning and budgeting for Alzheimer’s care.
What Treatments Are Available?
Alzheimer’s symptoms may be slowed by either medication or lifestyle changes. If the doctor prescribes a medication, it’s important to understand the detailed dosage instructions and whether it may cause side effects.
What Type of Care Will My Loved One Need?
There are many forms of care available for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease, including home care services provided by professional caregivers who specialize in Alzheimer’s care. Find out what the physician recommends for your loved one’s current abilities if you need help, and ask for home care provider recommendations.
For reliable Alzheimer’s Care, Milwaukee families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. We are a leading provider of professional memory care designed to help seniors maintain a higher quality of life. In addition to Alzheimer’s care, we also provide comprehensive dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care. From revolutionary care programs to compassionate and dedicated caregivers, we can meet all of your Alzheimer’s care needs.
Can Alzheimer’s Affect Overall Health?
The impact of Alzheimer’s on a person’s physical wellbeing can vary depending on other health conditions that may be present. Additionally, seniors with Alzheimer’s often have difficulty eating, keeping up with medical appointments, and handling personal hygiene as the disease progresses. Making sure your loved one has assistance with these basic needs can go a long way toward avoiding additional health problems.
A professional caregiver with training and expertise in assisting seniors living with cognitive impairment can be a wonderful source of support for your loved one with Alzheimer’s. If your senior loved one needs professional in-home care, Assisting Hands Home Care Milwaukee is here to help. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.
Where Can Caregivers Find Support?
Alzheimer’s disease is often uncharted territory for seniors and their families. Many physicians are happy to provide referrals to support groups in their communities that can educate family caregivers on strategies for helping with their loved ones’ care as well as addressing the stress that comes with taking on a new caregiving role.
The responsibilities of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can sometimes feel overwhelming, but help is available. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Milwaukee senior care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care Milwaukee is here to help. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call today.
