According to the Fisher Center Foundation for Alzheimer's Research, about one in 10 Americans over the age of 65 and nearly half of all Americans over 85 have Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive form of dementia that ultimately results in loss of mental abilities and complete dependence on a caregiver. The average duration of the disease, from the onset of symptoms to the death of the patient, is eight years. While some Alzheimer's patients are cared for at home by a family member or professional caregiver, other options include board-and-care homes, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Although family members may feel that they are abandoning a loved one if they move her to a nursing home, there are several advantages to nursing homes over at-home care and other residential care options.
Home Caregiver Relief
Alzheimer's disease causes changes in mood and personality that can be difficult for at-home caregivers to manage. Patients tend to become agitated, have hallucinations, stay up all night and wander outside, making life stressful for a spouse or other loved one to provide care. In the later stages of the disease, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, patients may require tube feedings, skin care treatment and complete assistance with all daily activities, including feeding, toileting, bathing, dressing and turning. If the caregiver's mental or physical health is affected, a move to a nursing home may be indicated.
Around-the-Clock Care
Long-term care is appropriate for the individual who can no longer take care of himself and will continue to require a high level of care for the remainder of his lifetime. Nursing homes provide the highest level of supervision and medical services for residents compared to other types of facilities, according to the Family Caregivers Alliance. Staff members are trained to care for patients with Alzheimer's disease and are available around the clock.
Special Features
According to the AARP, newer facilities have special features for Alzheimer's patients. Noise-reduction features and better lighting help to decrease the effects of sun-downing -- an increase in restlessness, agitation, disorientation and other behaviors that become worse at the end of the day. Outdoor courtyards with shrubs and other natural barriers allow wandering without obvious restriction, and alarm systems monitor exits from the facility. Memory cues such as color-coding in the hallways help patients to navigate, and memory boxes with pictures and mementos help them to find their rooms.
Appropriate Activities
Arts and crafts, looking through scrapbooks and photo albums, exercise programs, singing, dancing, listening to music and other appropriate activities help to keep residents active and appropriately engaged. Nursing homes often hire occupational therapists or other professionals to design and lead activities for residents suffering from dementia.
References
- AARP: A Guide to Alzheimer's Disease
- Family Caregiver Alliance: Dementia, Caregiving and Controlling Frustration
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Dementia: Info and Advice for Caregivers
- Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation: Nursing Homes
- Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation: Alzheimer's Treatment Facts
