Alzheimer’s disease is a fatal brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, as many as 5.1 million Americans may be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.  As you can imagine, this diagnosis can be frightening and devastating to an individual and their loved ones, but there are some steps you can take to make it through.

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, agencies like Visiting Angels of the Upper Connecticut River Valley have Alzheimer’s Caregivers, who have been carefully trained on treatments and therapies that can slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve the quality of life for those with the disease.

If you suspect your loved one is showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s, it is extremely important to be proactive by getting them evaluated by a physician and screened for Alzheimer’s. It is important to remember that Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of the aging process, and it should not be mistaken for basic forgetfulness. Every person may experience one or more signs in different degrees, but with Alzheimer’s disease, symptoms gradually increase and become more persistent.

If a diagnosis is made, Visiting Angels of the Upper Connecticut River Valley is ready to lend a helping hand to get you a meeting with one of our Alzheimer’s caregivers and a care plan in place as soon as possible.

Alzheimer's Caregivers are an Important Resource

After a diagnosis, the more proactive you are in getting your loved one an Alzheimer’s Caregiver, the more you can manage the disease. Here are a few basic steps to help someone who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s:

1. Educate yourself about the disease. The more you know, the more you can be prepared. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and the Alzheimer’s Association are two great resources.
2. Take care of financial, legal and long-term care planning issues. Discuss wishes related to future care and end-of-life issues.
3. Employ cognitive stimulation. Listening to music, word puzzles and memory games can help and can provide a positive experience for the patient and caregivers.
4. Arrange for an Alzheimer’s Caregiver. Even if you are willing and able to be a primary caregiver for an Alzheimer’s patient, you will need help, if only to take a short break. Plus, it helps to introduce a professional caregiver while a person is still in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, because once the disease progresses it can be more difficult and upsetting to change routines. When looking to hire home care help, try to find a person who has Dementia Care Professionals of America training or experience with dementia care clients. Visiting Angels of the Upper Connecticut River Valley, for example, provides this training to its Alzheimer’s caregivers.
5. Build a support system. Being a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s can be stressful and overwhelming. Find people to talk to, reach out for help, and always make time to maintain your own physical and mental health. Many local hospitals and departments of aging offer free support groups, along with sites like the National Family Caregivers Association and Caring.com.

If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, know that you are not alone. For more information or to learn more about our Alzheimer’s caregivers, call Visiting Angels of the Upper Connecticut River Valley at 603-504-6080.