Elder Care in Ashburn VA
Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, which means that it changes and worsens over time. As a caregiver it is important that you understand the different stages so that you can better prepare yourself to give the highest quality care possible as your loved one moves through this journey.
The first stage of Alzheimer’s is often referred to as “early” or “mild” stage Alzheimer’s disease. This is the point at which most people receive their diagnosis and begin their care and management. For some people, the diagnosis comes so early that there are no real changes in their functioning or easily identifiable symptoms to tell them or their care team that they are suffering this disease. For other people, there are mild symptoms and changes in their behavior that could indicate the beginning of cognitive impairment.
Some of the signs and symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease can include:
• Difficulty coming up with the right words or putting together sentences during normal conversation
• Seeming to have trouble coming up with the right name when they are speaking to, referring to, or greeting someone
• Difficulty remembering the names of people who they have recently been introduced to
• Challenges completing basic and familiar tasks in their social or home setting
• Loss of reading comprehension that makes it difficult for them to remember what they have just read
• Frequently losing objects such as setting their keys somewhere and then not remembering where they put them
• Misplacing valuable objects that they would usually treasure
• Difficulty planning events or experiences that they would usually not have difficulty planning
• Challenges with organization
• Making poor or strange decisions that might just seem like a “slip of the mind”, such as putting the milk away in the pantry with the cereal
• Having trouble following directions and possibly getting lost even going to places where they have been before
The early stage of Alzheimer’s is the time for you as a caregiver to start thinking about the future of your parent’s care. Meet with their doctor to start discussing their prognosis, the possibilities for the progression, and how you can help them to maintain the highest quality of life as they age in place throughout their journey with this disease.
If your aging loved one has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, now may be the ideal time for you to consider starting elder care for them. An elderly home care services provider can be with your aging loved one on a schedule that is appropriate for them, offering care that is tailored to their individual needs, challenges, limitations, and symptoms. This encourages them to stay safe and healthy while also protecting their independence as much as possible and supporting a higher quality of life. The services of an elder care provider are not just about making sure that your senior’s physical needs are met, however. They can also offer companionship, reliable transportation, and plan activities to help boost your loved one’s mental and emotional health, and stimulate their cognitive health as well. Even in the early stages of the disease, these services can be valuable for helping your parent continue to function in the best way and prepare for the future of their progression.
Source
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_stages_of_alzheimers.asp
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Ashburn, VA please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands today. (703) 982-0050.
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