Is someone you love getting older and starting to show dementia stages? Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory loss are some of the most difficult issues that face elderly populations today and sees many families struggling to cope emotionally and financially. However, you and your loved one don’t have to deal with these issues alone. Alzheimer care homes are facilities designed from the ground up to provide elderly and disabled populations with a caring community and regular medical resources, allowing them to lead a comfortable and independent day-to-day life.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
A form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is in the top 10 leading causes of death in elderly populations. Unlike the other causes, however, Alzheimer’s is the only one that cannot be prevented, slowed down or cured by modern medicine. This has given rise to more community centers and assisted living facilities in an attempt to help those with dementia still lead a consistent and comfortable lifestyle.
Who Is Affected By Alzheimer’s?
Generally brought on by age, many Americans become affected by dementia stages and have it significantly impact their quality of life. The population most affected by Alzheimer’s are the elderly, though additional statistics have also found two-thirds of American Alzheimer’s patients to be women. Studies have shown one in three seniors passing away with Alzheimer’s or another similar form of dementia — overall, Alzheimer’s disease has been found to be the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
What Are Symptoms Of Alzheimer’s?
Only a doctor can truly diagnose early detection of dementia, allowing dementia stages to be fully understood and addressed to the best of their ability. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, memory loss, confusion, disorientation, difficulty doing basic tasks, difficulty recognizing people, irritability, disorganized speech and mood swings. A study by Genworth Financial showed more than half of all respondents reporting their greatest fear regarding a long-term illness was not the symptoms themselves, but being a burden on their family — this fear was five times greater than even death from said condition. Fortunately, assisted care facilities are primary resources for addressing dementia and helping those affected flourish in spite of the obstacles.
What Are Assisted Living Facilities?
Assisted living facilities are community centers staffed by seasoned medical professionals, nurses and aides. They generally provide or coordinate 24-hour supervision, three meals per day and a general variety of services to encourage a high quality of life and independence for the elderly and disabled residents who live there. These services include, but are not limited to, social services, transportation arrangements, laundry, housekeeping and personal care. Studies have shown nearly 75% of assisted living residents being female, with another 26% or so being male.
Can Someone With Dementia Lead A Healthy Life?
While Alzheimer’s cannot be cured or prevented, those affected by the condition can still lead a happy and healthy lifestyle. According to the 2009 Independent Living Report by the ProMature Group, research showed that living at a retirement community encourages individuals to make new friends and try new things — many assisted living facilities regularly coordinate activities to encourage mental and emotional wellness, like yoga, book clubs, golf and painting. Around four in 10 assisted living residents received assistance with three or more activities of daily living and, overall, the majority find the combination of independence and support to be ideal when living with dementia. Dementia stages may be incurable, but they won’t get in the way of a happy and fulfilling life.