Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disorder that usually progresses through a few different stages. During late-stage Alzheimer’s, seniors are severely impaired, but that doesn’t mean they can’t live comfortable lives. With some professional assistance and the proper caregiving plan, you can make sure your aging loved one remains safe and secure as the disease progresses.
Identifying the Stages of Alzheimer’s
While different organizations have come up with a variety of classification systems for Alzheimer’s, most neurologists view the disease as having three different stages. During the initial stage of Alzheimer’s, seniors have mild cognitive impairment. You might notice your loved one constantly forgets certain words or has a difficult time following complex conversations. As the disease advances to the moderate stage, the memory loss is much more noticeable. Your loved one will probably forget important dates or the names of family members and friends. Some seniors also experience distinct behavioral changes during the moderate stage.
Understanding Late-Stage Alzheimer’s
Also known as severe Alzheimer’s, late-stage Alzheimer’s occurs when seniors lose most of their cognitive skills. Seniors can progress to the final stage of Alzheimer’s in just a few years, but many are able to delay the symptoms of this disease through therapy and healthy lifestyle choices. Studies show that the average life expectancy for late-stage Alzheimer’s is around 10 years, but quite a bit can be done during that time to keep your loved one comfortable. While there currently isn’t a way to reverse late-stage Alzheimer’s, doctors have come up with some excellent tools for helping those who have this disorder.
Families can gain peace of mind when they enlist the help of a professional caregiver with specialized training in Alzheimer’s care, which includes unique methods designed to boost cognitive health. The elderly home care seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Home Care Assistance, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time.
Getting Assistance for Your Loved One
Even if you’re willing to devote time and energy to caring for your loved one, you’re still going to need professional assistance. Seniors with late-stage Alzheimer’s require around-the-clock care, and it may be difficult for them to carry out most everyday activities. Working with an experienced professional caregiver can reduce your stress levels and allow you to focus on spending quality time with your loved one.
Families whose loved ones are unable to live at home safely often take on the task of caregiving themselves, but seniors with Alzheimer’s may need a level of care that families simply aren’t able to provide. Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Richmond Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Caregiving in the Late Stage
If you’ve decided to care for your loved one during late-stage Alzheimer’s, you’ll need to come up with a long-term plan. As a caregiver, your primary goal is to boost your loved one’s quality of life while preserving his or her dignity. Create a safe and soothing environment that keeps your loved one calm and puts him or her in a good mood. Your loved one might also benefit from a wide variety of enjoyable activities, including listening to music, playing with a pet, and looking through old photos. All of these activities can greatly enhance quality of life and overall wellness.
Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors to manage without assistance, and it can be just as challenging for families who don’t have experience in providing Alzheimer’s care. Richmond Home Care Assistance provides Alzheimer’s care seniors and their families can depend on. Our proprietary Cognitive Therapeutics Method was designed to help seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions live happier and healthier lives. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today at (804) 207-4746 to learn about our high-quality in-home Alzheimer’s care services.