How to Care for Someone with Alzheimer's

You hoped it would never happen to someone you care about, but the reality is that it's extremely common.

1 in 3 seniors are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

Now that your loved one has been diagnosed with Alheimer’s, you must face the challenge of learning how to care for a loved one who suffers from it.

We’re here to help.

Recognizing the stages of Alzheimer’s and being familiar with the symptoms is the first step in knowing how to properly care someone who is dealing with this life-changing disease.

Mild Alzheimer’s

In the early of Alzheimer’s, the first thing you’ll notice is some minor memory loss and small changes in personality.  Forgetting a recent event, familiar names, or difficulty with solving simple math equations: these are all warning signs that are important to recognize

Moderate Alzheimer’s

Now, episodes of memory loss and confusion are becoming more pronounced and frequent.  At this stage, Alzheimer’s sufferers begin needing help with daily activities, like getting dressed, and can have trouble controlling their bodily functions. 

Don’t be alarmed if your loved one is having difficulty recognizing you or other close family members.  This is not abnormal for Alzheimer’s patients.

Personality changes will start to get more drastic and cause irritability, due to the difficulty they are having while processing information and recalling memories.

Severe Alzheimer’s

When Alzheimer’s has reached its final stages, the sufferer will need help with every aspect of their life.  They may need help performing regular movements, like walking or sitting down.  They may become very quiet, or be unable to talk entirely.  They will often refuse to eat, due to them having difficulty swallowing.

It is at this point that your loved one will need the assistance of a professional caregiver.  It’s recommended that patients receive in home care as early as possible in the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, as being in a familiar setting can slow the progress Alzheimer’s.

To learn more about how to care for a family member or friend suffering from Alzheimer’s, contact the expert caregivers at Balanced Home Care, located in Southeast Michigan.