Alzheimer’s disease can be a progressive form of dementia, a group of symptoms that affect cognitive function. These symptoms include memory loss, cognitive impairment, thinking skills, reasoning abilities, logical reasoning and other mental abilities. Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia. While some conditions can be reversed, Alzheimer’s disease is the most serious. The condition can worsen over time and permanently damage the brain. A qualified Oakland County assisted living community is capable of helping patients manage their symptoms. This solution also gives them some independence.
Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
The major signs of Alzheimer’s disease include:
- Memory Loss: This is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. It is common to forget the details of certain events, but people with Alzheimer’s disease have it worse. As the patient’s memory declines, it becomes more difficult to recall new information.
- Inability to concentrate: People with this illness are more likely to be distracted from performing tasks. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, it becomes more difficult to distinguish between tasks from the past, present, or future.
- Difficulty finding belongings: Alzheimer’s disease can affect the patient’s ability to remember where their belongings are kept. Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease start looking for their belongings in strange places. Sometimes, the senior may accuse their loved one of theft when they lose their belongings.
- Trouble doing routine tasks: People with this illness are forced to rely on their family and friends to complete tasks that they used to enjoy.
- Trouble speaking: Alzheimer’s disease can impair speechmaking. Patients often have trouble remembering the correct words to use when speaking or writing. These patients may suddenly stop in the middle sentences or conversations due to confusion and impairment.
- There are frequent mood swings and personality shifts in Alzheimer’s patients. They might be paranoid, suspicious, or depressed. They can also become easily upset if they step out of their comfort zones.
- A decline in personal care: Alzheimer’s patients tend to be unhygienic, and they stop caring about personal care. They no longer bathe as often, they stop brushing their teeth, and they wear the same clothes for many days.
- Math problems: Patients with early dementia have difficulty working with numbers and solving simple math problems. Patients with Alzheimer’s have difficulty solving simple addition and subtraction problems, as well as balancing their checkbooks and other math problems.
Caregiving and professional caregivers may be necessary for those with Alzheimer’s. This is where assisted-living comes in. Assistive living is a type of housing that provides care for seniors with varying levels of personal and medical care. Oakland County assisted living communities offer compassionate care to Alzheimer’s residents. They provide support and encouragement for their independence.
Reasons an Alzheimer’s Patient Should be Placed in an Assisted Living Facility in Troy
It can be difficult to decide when to place your loved one in a home care facility. While each patient has a different set of features, family members can make an informed decision by recognizing some key factors early enough to help them make the right choice. These are some of the factors:
1. Problems with Medication
The patient’s medication is usually handled by family members. Although this may seem straightforward, it is possible for family members to forget to give medication to the patient or be unable to do so. Oakland County assisted living workers have extensive knowledge about the proper drugs to administer and are available 24 hours a day to check on the patient.
2. Mobility Problems
Moving around is a common complaint for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. It can be difficult for loved ones to move the patient when they have to do essential tasks like dressing, bathing, toileting, or dressing. This problem can be solved by placing the senior in a home.
3. Wandering
Patients with dementia may leave their home without being notified by their loved ones. The tall fences and secure buildings in assisted living facilities keep wandering residents safe. Residents are permitted to move around in the Oakland County assisted living community, but they are closely monitored.
Oakland County Assisted Living Communities: The Benefits for Alzheimer’s Patients
Patients with Alzheimer’s and those suffering from other types of memory disorders can reap the many benefits of assisted living. Below are some of the benefits.
1. Better Quality of Life
Patients with Alzheimer’s suffer a dramatic decline in quality of their lives. They can maintain their independence by living in assisted living facilities. These facilities provide support for daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and grooming. Families must feel secure and able to trust the facility with an Alzheimer’s patient.
2. A Balance of Safety & Freedom
Many assisted living facilities aim to make patients feel independent. They are designed to provide a balance between safety and freedom for residents.
3. Serene Environment
Most Alzheimer’s patients are anxious about meeting new people. This is something that many care homes take into consideration when choosing the best location for their facility. Assisted living facilities, especially for Alzheimer’s sufferers, are often built in areas that aren’t surrounded by too many people. This reduces anxiety and fear that many Alzheimer’s patients experience.
4. All-Around Medical Services
Assisted living facilities provide 24-hour medical care so that residents are able to be seen whenever they require it. This means around-the-clock care for those who may require assistance at any moment.
5. Personalized Care
Personal care is provided for Alzheimer’s patients living in assisted living homes. Each patient is assessed and an appropriate plan is developed to ensure the best possible care.
Is Assisted Living Right for Your Loved One?
Both the patient and their loved ones can suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. There are no cures for Alzheimer’s disease at this time. However, cognitive and behavioral symptoms can often be managed. An assisted living facility in Troy can help patients and their families manage the symptoms to greatly improve everyone’s quality of life.
