Many people with Alzheimer's continue to live successfully on their own during the early stage of the disease. Making simple adjustments, taking safety precautions and having the support of others can make things easier.
In general, once a patient enters the moderate phase of dementia (the phase in which they require some help with their basic activities of daily living like dressing, bathing and grooming), it is unsafe to leave them alone for even short periods of time.
Don't Ignore Them
If you're not sure how to interact with someone with obvious signs of dementia, it's OK to feel awkward. What doesn't help is shutting down and not making an effort to interact. The same applies if you suddenly start cutting back on visits because you're feeling uncomfortable.
Everyone experiences dementia differently and the rate at which symptoms become worse varies from person to person. But with the right support when you need it, many people live independently for several years.
Increasing forgetfulness may cause the person to forget even daily chores. The patient will not pay attention to his/her hygiene, often remains dirty, and is unable to complete routine activities. This adds to the burden on the family and the carer. If this happens, then it is time to hire a professional 24-hour carer.
The average life expectancy figures for the most common types of dementia are as follows: Alzheimer's disease – around eight to 10 years. Life expectancy is less if the person is diagnosed in their 80s or 90s. A few people with Alzheimer's live for longer, sometimes for 15 or even 20 years.
Ultimately it's better to visit three times per week for 20 minutes than once a week for an hour. Do not go on outings until your loved one is totally adjusted to their living situation, and then only if you think it would be helpful and not confusing. Come with a friend or someone else who knows the person.
It is quite common for a person with dementia, especially in the later stages, to spend a lot of their time sleeping – both during the day and night. This can sometimes be distressing for the person's family and friends, as they may worry that something is wrong.
Being a caregiver can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming. Caring for a person with Alzheimer's or a related dementia takes time and effort. It can feel lonely and frustrating. You might even feel angry, which could be a sign you are trying to take on too much.
I'm going to discuss five of the most basic ones here: 1) Don't tell them they are wrong about something, 2) Don't argue with them, 3) Don't ask if they remember something, 4) Don't remind them that their spouse, parent or other loved one is dead, and 5) Don't bring up topics that may upset them.
Administration: The examiner reads a list of 5 words at a rate of one per second, giving the following instructions: “This is a memory test. I am going to read a list of words that you will have to remember now and later on. Listen carefully. When I am through, tell me as many words as you can remember.
Most dementia patients prefer to stay in their own home as long as possible. This is usually feasible in the early stages of the disease when the individual only requires basic care, such as food preparation, assistance with personal care and cleaning, and other household tasks.
Conservator: A person appointed by the court to make decisions on behalf of the person living with dementia; referred to as the guardian in some states. Custody: Legal responsibility for a person.
A person with dementia may want to 'go home' because of feelings of anxiety, insecurity, depression or fear.
In stage 6 of dementia, a person may start forgetting the names of close loved ones and have little memory of recent events.
2 Researchers in this study tracked the deaths of the participants and found that almost half (46%) of those with dementia died at home, while 19% were at a nursing home and 35% were hospitalized when they died.
One of the most common causes of death for people with dementia is pneumonia caused by an infection. A person in the later stages of dementia may have symptoms that suggest that they are close to death, but can sometimes live with these symptoms for many months.
For example, a sudden deterioration or change may be a sign that an infection has led to delirium. Or it may suggest that someone has had a stroke. A stroke is particularly common in some kinds of vascular dementia and may cause the condition to get worse in a series of 'steps'.
Provide a reminder to use the bathroom just before his or her usual time. Try setting a regular schedule for toilet use. For example, help the person to the bathroom first thing in the morning, every two hours during the day, immediately after meals and just before bedtime.
Have a routine and take the person to the bathroom on a regular schedule, e.g. every two hours. You may have to respond quickly if someone indicates they need to use the bathroom. Some people have a regular schedule, especially for bowel movements.