Home Healthcare and Alzheimer’s

Home Healthcare is a service that has gone through many changes over the last 10 to 20 years.  Obviously the aging of the USA population is a big factor.  People are living longer and since this is so, there are many more elderly that require assistance to stay in the homes that they have lived in for many years.  Who can blame them?  Change is very difficult when one is younger and stronger, but much more difficult to handle as we have become accustomed to a certain way of living for decades.

One  big change that has occurred, especially over the past 10 years has been the tsunami of Alzheimer's disease within the aging population, although it can happen to people even in their late 40’s to early 50’s.  Even so, according to the Alzheimer’s Association the following is interesting to understand:

According to U.S. Census data, the size of the older population (65 and older) will double over the next 25 years, growing to 70 million by 2030 when the youngest of the post-World War II baby boomers will be more than 65 years old. Because age is a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s, the United States could realize a 70 percent increase in the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease, with an estimated 7.7 million people affected.  

It is apparent from the words above that unless a cure is found and soon, there is going to be much more incidents for Alzheimer’s disease to touch many more families in the coming years.  What to do about the aging grandparent or your Father who seems to be forgetting more and more important details of daily living.  Home Healthcare is often needed to help the patient during the different stages of this disease.

So you may understand about this very difficult to care for disease we will list some important details of the stages of Alzheimer’s here:

Mild Alzheimer:  In mild AD, the first stage, people often have some memory loss and small changes in their personality. They may forget recent events or the names of familiar people or things. They may no longer be able to solve math problems or balance a checkbook. People with mild AD also slowly lose the ability to plan and organize.

Moderate Alzheimer:  This is the middle stage of AD. Memory loss and confusion become more obvious. People have more trouble organizing, planning, and following instructions. They may need help getting dressed and may start having problems with incontinence. This means they can't control their bladder and/or bowels. People with moderate-stage AD may have trouble recognizing family members and friends. They may not know where they are or what day or year it is. They also may lack judgment and begin to wander, so people with moderate AD should not be left alone.

Severe Alzheimer:  This is the last stage of Alzheimer's and ends in the death of the person. In this stage, people often need help with all their daily needs. They may not be able to walk or sit up without help. They may not be able to talk and often cannot recognize family members. They may have trouble swallowing and refuse to eat.

As you can see, this disease becomes progressive and requires much loving care to deal with the patient and their illness.  Many times the family caregiver can become quite overwhelmed neglecting their own health to care for their loved one.  This is where Hometown Home Healthcare can be of the greatest assistance to the home caregiver as this disease progresses.  Medicaid may be the way to pay for the care of the patient. The stress for the family can be relieved by our skilled nursing care and home healthcare aides.

Alzheimer’s is a very difficult disease to manage, but you do not have to do this alone.  Families that have a loved one facing this difficult journey are encouraged to contact professionals to help you make this last journey much more pleasant.  This will be for the patient as well as the family.  Call us today at 765-667-9821 or e-mail us at [email protected].

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