You love your family more than anything. When a loved one starts showing the onset of a debilitating disease, your first instinct is to find them the best treatment possible.

Alzheimer’s is a difficult disease that saps away an individual’s independence. It affects memory, motor control and mood stability. It can even be deadly. When someone you care about is faced with this increasingly common illness, a care plan for dementia is the best course of action. Assisted care facilities are able to accommodate each individual’s unique journey by providing around-the-clock healthcare, daily tasks and invigorating activities. Additionally, a comfortable community will make sure neither you nor your loved one is alone on this journey.

Prepare your care plan for dementia by learning more about this illness, and your options, below.

America’s Growing Elderly Population

Discussing the ins and outs of a care plan for dementia is becoming an increasingly common conversation. That’s because the United States is seeing a significant population shift. Over the next three to four decades nearly 20% of the country will be over the age of 65. The average age of retirement has also dipped from 65 to 63. Alzheimer’s and related forms of dementia will only become more common from here, meaning it’s important to stay updated on assisted care living facilities and what they have to offer.

The Signs Of Alzheimer’s Disease

Spotting the warning signs of dementia as early as possible will make it easier for your family member to transition from home to an assisted living facility. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, after heart disease and stroke, and remains the top 10 cause of death that cannot be slowed, prevented or cured. Common signs of Alzheimer’s include mood swings, constant restlessness, regularly becoming lost, motor control issues and slurred speech. The only way to know for sure is to meet with a medical professional and receive a proper diagnosis.

Modern Alzheimer’s Statistics

Doctors are doing their best to understand Alzheimer’s better, from its inception to its symptoms, to eventually pave the way for a cure. Until then the best options available to you are assisted living facilities that are designed specifically around the disease. Today around two-thirds of American Alzheimer’s patients are women. One out of three seniors will pass away with Alzheimer’s disease or a similar form of dementia. Another study found nearly 75% of assisted living residents being women. Facts aren’t always comforting, unfortunately, and there are a lot of fears when creating a care plan for dementia.

Common Fears Regarding Assisted Living

There are a lot of concerns about the benefits of assisted living. Thankfully, many of these misconceptions are rooted in a lack of information. A study provided by Genworth Financial saw more than half of respondents reporting their greatest fear regarding a long-term care or illness was becoming a burden on their family. In fact, this was an even greater fear than dying. Another common concern is being shut off from the rest of the world, with a common mainstream stereotype of assisted living homes being a lethargic, dull place. A care plan for dementia isn’t a punishment, but a resourceful way of managing a debilitating illness.

The Benefits Of Assisted And Independent Living Facilities

The assisted care facility is your best resource to manage a debilitating illness. They provide 24-hour supervision, healthy meals and a wide range of services to help your loved one transition from one area of their life to the next. These include, but are not limited to, arrangements for transportation, laundry service, maintenance, social services and medication management. The best assisted living facilities today are also far from dull, providing a supportive community and daily activities designed to encourage the highest quality of life possible. A 2009 Independent Living Report conducted by the ProMatura Group found most respondents admitting their care plan for dementia to be better than expected.

It’s a difficult conversation to have, but one that becomes easier with a little knowledge. Talk with your loved one today about designing a care plan for dementia.