Senior Care Is Expensive, Especially For Alzheimer’s Patients

Senior citizens, especially those with conditions that affect their mental faculties, require specialized care from qualified individuals which is often very expensive. Estimates place the number of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease alone at over 5.5 million people in the United States. However, only one in four of these individuals are actually diagnosed. The disease can leave those who suffer from it unable to perform basic tasks, prone to making bad decisions, or cause them to experience memory loss.

Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia that is estimated to account for 60-80% of all dementia cases. Dementia is distinguished by forgetfulness, especially when it concerns newly learned information. Old age may cause people to forget the details of appointments and schedules, but remember them later. Dementia, especially when caused by Alzheimer’s, however, can cause sufferers to forget details even if they are repeated over and over again. Another sign of the disease is difficulty completing everyday tasks, such as remembering directions to a familiar location or keeping track of one’s finances.

Often, family members and friends take up the role of caregiver to people with Alzheimer’s. This results in 35% of caregivers reporting that their health has worsened due to the physical and emotional strain of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. As a result, there is a notable demand for services that are qualified to field the responsibility of caring for Alzheimer’s patients. Those interested may learn more about the kind of care required by dementia patients by looking up information online or consulting with senior care professionals.

Memory care homes are facilities made specifically to take care of people with dementia. The homes provide a safe, familiar environment for residents to feel comfortable, and ease the burden placed on the patient’s friends and family. The facilities are supervised 24 hours a day every day of the week, with structured routines that help residents maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, in addition to minimizing the risk of wandering around and hurting themselves. Memory homes, like assisted living communities, offer services and amenities to help residents with the activities of daily living.

Memory homes have staff on hand to help residents with eating, bathing, getting dressed, using the toilet, taking their medication, and other tasks that they might need to perform daily. The homes also offer balanced meals, social programs and activities, fitness programs, physical therapy, housekeeping, and laundry.

The Senior Care Center believes that each older person must be seen as an individual, and they should be treated as a person with their own preferences and the right to express their opinions. With elderly people often being unable to care for themselves properly, it is difficult, if not impossible, to cater to all the unique needs of each individual. However, it is the duty of caregivers to strive to do so by listening to them and establishing rapport with each of their charges. More information on care facilities can be found at Senior Care Center1’s website.

Caregivers are encouraged to preserve the dignity of the elderly when working with them. “Life does not become any easier as a person ages,” said the support community. “Many older people experience pain, boredom, loneliness, and sadness. Dignity is easily compromised at this age, particularly if the person requires many personal care needs. For example, the inability to wash yourself and incontinence can be humiliating; therefore, caregivers should treat the elderly with respect and help them maintain some sense of dignity.” The privacy of an elderly person, as caregivers often become regular confidantes, is of paramount importance. It is the caregiver’s place to remain objective and helpful, as well as being dependable and reliable. “The most supportive caregivers in the best senior centers know that an older person can be quite grumpy or forgetful at times,” said Senior Care Center1. Elderly people, especially those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, are prone to forgetfulness or expressing antiquated views. It is the role of caregivers to remain calm and show compassion, regardless of how impatient or childish the elderly can be.

Those looking for more information on Senior Care Center1 may look up their Press Advantage page. The care centre offers reliable, safe facilities for loved ones that suffer from dementia, especially Alzheimer’s.