As our loved ones begin to age, they unfortunately succumb to more diseases, ailments, and disorders. Luckily, some can be easily managed with medication or simple surgery. But when is it time to move the elderly into nursing homes or senior assisted living houses? While a doctor may be better suited to answer this question, you can expect that the following diseases will most likely require outside help.
Understand Dementia Dementia involves the loss of memory over time, and it may seem so gradual that dementia isn't even considered as the problem. Perhaps you've heard your aging parent mention that they are starting to forget things. Or, they may seem confused about common, everyday activities. Maybe they are getting frustrated about things that never bothered them before. There are many types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Unfortunately, memory loss is a beginning problem for Alzheimer sufferers. They also lose their sense of judgment, their ability to function unimpaired and, eventually, their ability to do even the simplest tasks for themselves. It is a slow and painfully debilitating disease for the sufferer, as well as the person providing elderly care for them. A comfortable, calm, and peaceful setting can do wonders when providing elderly care for loved ones with dementia. The goal is to keep their environment as trauma-free as possible, concentrating on their comfort and needs.
Look at Life From Their Perspective Forgetting common things and losing familiar memories can bring out fear and anger in a person. Sometimes, this is manifested in a difficult or ungrateful attitude toward caregivers. They may become argumentative when you question them about their day. As a caregiver, you need to understand and review with them where they have been, what they were doing, or what they can remember. However, coming from the perspective of your aging parent suffering from this memory loss, it is like being treated like a child in the midst of feeling like an invalid. They are already struggling with their lack of mental alertness, and now they must also deal with their own child checking up on them. This role reversal can be somewhat embarrassing for them, and understanding their perspective can make a difference in how conversations are approached.
Caregiver Caregivers are the preferred and easiest option for elder people, most of the time. It will allow them to stay in their own homes without too much disruption in their lives. They still feel more independent and can be in a familiar environment. Caregivers, however, don't come cheap. If the elderly, family members or children can afford this kind of help, you will find it is much easier to convince them to accept this rather than trying to get them to move into a facility for the elderly.
Another neurological disease that will definitely require elderly care services is ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The disease affects both the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal chord. Motor neurons are what allow you to move your muscles and limbs, but as the disease progresses, the person will lose motor function. Eventually, the person will become paralyzed and therefore won't be able to do anything for himself. Most people with the disease only live for about 3 to 5 years after diagnosis.
Cancer is the leading cause of death in America today and can affect people of all ages. However, as you begin to age, your risk of developing cancer does increase. There are over 100 types of cancer and they can range in severity. Treatment methods include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Depending on the cancer and how far along it has progressed, one might benefit from home aides or assisted living. Sometimes this can be a temporary solution after an intense surgery.
Dementia is a progressive illness. It can be scary for both the sufferer and the person watching them experience it. Use these tips to help cope while providing elderly care for your loved one, and to maintain their dignity.
Understand Dementia Dementia involves the loss of memory over time, and it may seem so gradual that dementia isn't even considered as the problem. Perhaps you've heard your aging parent mention that they are starting to forget things. Or, they may seem confused about common, everyday activities. Maybe they are getting frustrated about things that never bothered them before. There are many types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Unfortunately, memory loss is a beginning problem for Alzheimer sufferers. They also lose their sense of judgment, their ability to function unimpaired and, eventually, their ability to do even the simplest tasks for themselves. It is a slow and painfully debilitating disease for the sufferer, as well as the person providing elderly care for them. A comfortable, calm, and peaceful setting can do wonders when providing elderly care for loved ones with dementia. The goal is to keep their environment as trauma-free as possible, concentrating on their comfort and needs.
Look at Life From Their Perspective Forgetting common things and losing familiar memories can bring out fear and anger in a person. Sometimes, this is manifested in a difficult or ungrateful attitude toward caregivers. They may become argumentative when you question them about their day. As a caregiver, you need to understand and review with them where they have been, what they were doing, or what they can remember. However, coming from the perspective of your aging parent suffering from this memory loss, it is like being treated like a child in the midst of feeling like an invalid. They are already struggling with their lack of mental alertness, and now they must also deal with their own child checking up on them. This role reversal can be somewhat embarrassing for them, and understanding their perspective can make a difference in how conversations are approached.
Caregiver Caregivers are the preferred and easiest option for elder people, most of the time. It will allow them to stay in their own homes without too much disruption in their lives. They still feel more independent and can be in a familiar environment. Caregivers, however, don't come cheap. If the elderly, family members or children can afford this kind of help, you will find it is much easier to convince them to accept this rather than trying to get them to move into a facility for the elderly.
Another neurological disease that will definitely require elderly care services is ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The disease affects both the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal chord. Motor neurons are what allow you to move your muscles and limbs, but as the disease progresses, the person will lose motor function. Eventually, the person will become paralyzed and therefore won't be able to do anything for himself. Most people with the disease only live for about 3 to 5 years after diagnosis.
Cancer is the leading cause of death in America today and can affect people of all ages. However, as you begin to age, your risk of developing cancer does increase. There are over 100 types of cancer and they can range in severity. Treatment methods include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Depending on the cancer and how far along it has progressed, one might benefit from home aides or assisted living. Sometimes this can be a temporary solution after an intense surgery.
Dementia is a progressive illness. It can be scary for both the sufferer and the person watching them experience it. Use these tips to help cope while providing elderly care for your loved one, and to maintain their dignity.
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