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Why fear symptoms of dementia? It has been projected that
of the 35 million adults 65 years of age and older in the
United States, there will be at least 140,000 older adults
diagnosed with some form of cognitive impairment. For many,
it is a hard realization that the parent that once cared for
us, now has been diagnosed with "dementia". Dementia
is used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses,
in which brain cells shrink or disappear. It is a progressive
decline in the ability to remember, to think, and to learn
and make judgments
.
As the disease affects different areas of the brain, different
functions and abilities are lost. Each individual is uniquely
affected and at widely varying rates of progression. As a
result, there must be an individualized approach to the care
of each individual exhibiting symptoms of dementia.
There is no cure for dementia at this time and it is currently
not possible to restore brain cells affected by the disease.
However, there are treatments to help caregivers and the aging
adult cope with the challenges they face. A patient with symptoms
of dementia can still experience love, joy and sadness. Effective
and individualized care combined with emotional support can
improve the quality and richness of a patient's life.
Many aging adults and family members want to age in their
home or remain in familiar surroundings as long as possible.
The benefits of remaining in familiar surroundings has been
shown to allow the aging adult to have a better quality of
life and reduce or avoid admission to an institutional setting
The first step to this process is planning ahead. Involve
your parents in as many aspects of the planning as possible.
Work together to get organized. Address issues, such as durable
power of attorney for health and finances. It is also important
to put an Advanced Directive in place now. Five Wishes is
a form of an Advanced Directive that is easy to use and comprehensive
approach to addressing end of life issues. Identify where
the important legal and financial documents are kept and who
are their professional advisers. Review medical/health insurance,
long term care policies. Be prepared should a crisis occur.
If your parent is uncommunicative, consult a legal or financial
professional on your own to learn your options.
Addressing symptoms of dementia in your home
Assess the home environment and make the necessary changes
to the home as the senile dementia disease progresses. Safety
is the ultimate concern. You may have to curtail activities
that pose a safety risk, such as cooking, driving, operating
machinery.
Educate yourself about resources in the community; talk to
professionals early on to learn what options, such as in-home
support, adult day care, home visiting physicians, and behavioral
specialists that are available in your area. Bring in a professional,
such as a care manager or elder care consultant to assist
you in maneuvering the health care delivery system and coordinating
care.
If you are making the decision to maintain your aging loved
one with symptoms of dementia at home, there are classes that
educate on how to approach the aging adult when they exhibit
such behaviors such as agitation, hoarding, disrobing. They
will also teach you how to respond to those behaviors or even
prevent such behaviors. Psycho education, includes teaching
coping strategies and problem-solving skills to families,
friends, and/or caregivers to help them deal more effectively
with dementia in the elderly.
Be proactive and take the time to receive individualized,
specific education and training. Knowing how to understand
and manage disruptive and depressive behaviors before they
occur can decrease the stress level of the caregiver.
Find a support group, whether at work, through a local hospital,
or on the Internet. Even listening can be enlightening and
comforting.
Use the Internet to educate yourself about a particular condition
or disease, and network with professionals and other caregivers
on-line. Investigate online skill training. With outside support
and understanding, the situation can be greatly improved,
and can allow for a better quality of life for everyone involved.
There are some significant steps needed to ease the stress
on caregivers as well. One large part is to make sure that
all siblings and family members are getting involved. They
may not realize how much work is actually required and must
be reminded that their help is needed. If other siblings live
far away, they can still participate in other ways, such as
financially or providing support through phone calls. It is
crucial for the caregiver not to feel alone or as if there
is not anyone to fall back on. It is important for the caregiver
to take care of themselves, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Utilizing community services, such as adult day care, family
counseling or individual counseling, and home care services
can empower the caregiver to maintain a positive attitude,
lead a healthier life and maintain social contacts to avoid
isolation and decrease stress.
Diane Carbo RN- As a geriatric care manager, that has cared
for her father and mother in law in their homes, she learned
first hand how overwhelming, stressful, and time consuming
caring for a loved one can be. Staying in their homes was
very important to them. As a result, Diane started http://www.aginghomehealthcare.com
to assist others age in familiar surroundings and avoid the
emotional and frustrating task of maneuvering the medical
delivery system
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diane_Carbo
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