Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia, a term used to describe a group of brain disorders that cause memory loss and a decline in mental function, over time. In fact, Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting about 4.5 million men and women in the United States.
The occurrence of Alzheimer's disease increases with age, and is very rare among people younger than 60. It affects up to 50 percent of people older than 85, and the risk increases with age. For example, for every 5-year age group beyond 65, the percentage of people with Alzheimer's disease doubles.

The Assured and Associates Difference

Alzheimer's disease has often been referred to as a "family disease," because while one person may be affected, Alzheimer's disease touches the lives of family, friends, and the community. At Assured and Associates we are aware that the care required for a person with Alzheimer's disease can demand new levels of time, attention, and energy. Learning that a person has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease can be overwhelming at first, but many spouses, children, and grandchildren find themselves providing daily care within the home, sometimes for many years.
Our firm, Assured and Associates takes pride in caring for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. We are aware that many families would prefer to have their loved ones at home but they do not have the time to give them the care and the attention that they need. The homecare offered by Assured and Associates Nurses (R.N.’s L.P.N.’s and C.N.A’s is of the highest quality. Our C.N.A’s are trained by Clinicians who specialized in the care of Alzheimer’s patients and they go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure that your loved one is cared for.

Adapting to New Changes
With Alzheimer's disease diagnosis is gradual, then increasingly change. Our caregivers at Assured and Associates are understanding, flexible, patient and are trained to adapt to new schedules and take on new roles. Our Caregivers eases some of the frustration for the family members by evaluating each unique situation and responding accordingly.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer's Disease
As Alzheimer's disease progresses, simple tasks like communicating, dressing, eating, bathing, and accomplishing general activities can become difficult to manage.
As a beacon of light in the Homecare industry, the nurses that are employed with Assured and Associates are trained to help bring purpose and meaning to the life of a person with Alzheimer's disease by trying to encourage those special interests and hobbies that can still be pursued.
Our Nurses:

Try to build on current skills instead of introducing something new.

Don't expect too much.

Help the person get started, and break down the activity into several smaller tasks.

Be on the lookout for signs of frustration or agitation. Gently distract the person's attention to something else.

Try to establish a daily routine that incorporates activities the person enjoys.

One of the most difficult decisions family members encounter is whether to place the Alzheimer's patient into a long-term care facility. Sometimes, because of strains on time and energy in the home long-term care may be the best option for some families. At Assured and Associates, we work with the Assisted Living facilities and we use our services to enhance the lives of the patients that we care for.

Assisted living facilities — These facilities can serve as living quarters prior to placement in a nursing home. Facilities often offer a combination of housing and meals, as well as personalized assistance with daily activities and some health care services. Assured and Associates can also offer care in these facilities. Some facilities allow 24hrs per day while others allow 12 hrs per day. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your loved one, we can help.

Source: www.namenda.com
Further readings: Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s-Joanne Koening Coste
Beating Alzheimer’s-Tom Warren
Progress in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease -