As someone who is fiercely independent, I never imagined myself living in an assisted living facility. For that reason, when I was diagnosed with a serious condition, my doctor recommended home health care. It was a little bit intimidating for me at first, but before I knew it, I was living at home, receiving the care I needed from the comfort of my own bed, and getting stronger each and every day. I had such a powerfully positive experience with home health care that I started this very blog. Read more about how home health care could help you or your family members.
If your parent has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, this is hard on them, as well as the rest of the family. Right now, your parent may be fine to live on their own, but over time their symptoms will get bad enough where you will need outside help. This is even true if you decide to move your parent in with you. IT can be a big job taking care of someone with this disease, and you will need a break for yourself. Below are some signs that you should watch out for, so you know when it is time for help. There is also information about some options you have of getting the help you need.
Learn Alzheimer's Signs
In the beginning stages of Alzheimer's, many people do not realize there is something wrong with their parent. They may forget a word or may forget where they left something. All of this can be the result of aging. Over time, however, it becomes apparent when someone starts losing their way home, forgetting what day it is, forgetting their own address, etc. At this point they can likely still live alone, but car keys should be taken away from them.
Once your parent leaves the beginning stages and moves into the middle stages of Alzheimer's, it is very apparent that something is wrong. It is this stage where your parent will need to move in with you or move into a care facility. Some symptoms they will have during this time include being unable to recall their telephone number, address, and other personal information. Your parent may need help in choosing the right type of clothing to wear. For example, they may choose a summer outfit when it is winter. They may feel confused as to what day it is and where they are. Your parent may start having delusions or become very suspicious of people and things.
The middle stage of Alzheimer's generally lasts for a few years and for some people even longer. This does depend on the individual person.
Get Help
Once your parent moves in with you things may be okay in the beginning. You will quickly find that it is stressful and demanding.
To help, there are many options for you. Since you want your parent to stay home you should consider home health care and home care.
Home health care is a skilled nurse coming to your home to help your parent manage their prescriptions, check their vitals, and attend to any wounds, such as if your parent falls and hurts themselves. The home health care nurse can also help you by teaching you ways to care for your parent and answering any questions you may have.
Even though you cannot leave your home while the home health care nurse visits, this does give you about an hour or longer to yourself. They may come a few days a week or once a week.
Home care is when someone comes to your home on certain days of the week to help your parent. They will remind them to take their medications, help them with getting dressed or bathing, and run errands, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy.
While the home care worker is at your home you can leave and do what you want. You can set up a schedule for them to be at your home on certain days of the week for a certain amount of time.
Talk with your parent's doctor if you need help with any of this,