Alzheimer's care options are best discussed during the early stages of the disease. Waiting until a medical injury or sudden deterioration occurs forces a family to make hasty decisions that may be later regretted, suggests The Mayo Clinic. Learn the different types of care available for Alzheimer's victims before a crisis happens. Consider location, services offered and affordability when learning about care options. Ensure options are specifically geared towards Alzheimer's care and not identified as general senior housing.
Family and Friends -- Informal Home Care
Many caregivers require additional assistance from family members, friends and even neighbors. Create a schedule so all helpers maintain the same routines for activities, toileting and how to handle specific behaviors related to Alzheimer's disease. The main caregiver often feels overwhelmed with responsibility. Assisting with light household chores such as laundry, grocery shopping or vacuuming is often appreciated. Encourage the main caregiver to continue outside social activities to discourage isolation and relieve stress.
Home Health
Home health services visit an Alzheimer's patient's home to assist with activities of daily living such as grooming, toileting and bathing. Home health professionals range from staff providing non-medical assistance to certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses. The level of help is based on the stage of Alzheimer's present and medical condition. Medication administration including injections and oxygen therapy is provided by some home health agencies. Additionally, physical and wound care therapy may be available.
Respite Care and Adult Day Programs
A variety of respite or adult day programs are available. Respite care is available at many assisted living communities. It is recommended the respite stay stretch over several days; a weekend or short stay may lead to additional confusion for the Alzheimer's patient. Still, some programs offer overnight or emergency care services. Adult day programs offer care during regular nine to five hours. Meals, activities and even showers are offered to participants. Waiting lists are generally lengthy. It is important to educate yourself, visit programs and apply for an opening well in advance of needing care. Due to the limited amount of programs and spaces in some communities, waiting lists span over a year's length.
Assisted Living Community
Assisted living communities provide a more home-like and non-medical environment than a long term nursing home. Some assisted living communities specialize only in memory care, while others may have specific memory care wings. These special units have secured entry and exit ways due to the high level risk of wandering associated with Alzheimer's. Visual cues to assist Alzheimer's residents are visible throughout many communities indicating location of restrooms, dining areas and living rooms. Many residents provide their own furniture and room décor to encourage a home environment. Staff is present to assist with activities of daily living. Specialized dementia and Alzheimer's training is often provided to staff. Meals and snacks are provided throughout the day to discourage weight loss---a common condition associated with Alzheimer's. Assisted living residents are often in the early to middle stages of Alzheimer's disease. Look for assisted living communities that provide activities on a daily basis, specifically designed for Alzheimer's patients. Assisted living communities focus on quality of life whereby residents continue to enjoy hobbies, outings and events despite their diagnosis. It is important to understand what the criteria is for acceptance to an assisted living community, and when a resident will be required to move to a long term care facility.
Long Term Care Facility
Long term care provides around-the-clock care seven days a week. End stage Alzheimer's patients require long term care during the late stages of the disease. Most patients are unable to communicate, bed bound and totally dependent on others for personal care, according to helpguide.com. Often residents require total care for all activities of daily living. Skilled nursing staff is available, including licensed practical nurses and registered nurses. Medical care such as dental and doctor visits are often performed at the facility. Some nursing homes have special wings or areas specifically for Alzheimer's patients.
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