Helping Alzheimer’s patients and their families adjust and cope at home

An Old Foe

Aside from being able to rock silver locks like a champ, there are those age-related diseases that wander at bay, lurking in the distance.

Awareness Is Key

Studies reveal that 8% of Americans fear stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. However, the number is 3x greater for individuals whom fear Cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Facts

Last year, there was an estimated 5.7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease. 5.5 million of those age 65 and older.

Knowledge

It’s a hit and miss with Alzheimer’s. Just because a member of your family had it, doesn’t mean you’ll have it too. Factors such as lifestyle, environment, and genetics play a major role in this brain impairing disease.

Alzheimer’s takes a toll on immediate family members and friends in addition to the individual sufferer themselves.

On the onset, a person with the disease would forget recently learned information, important dates, and would ask the same question repeatedly, unable to recall the answer. They may even lose track of the passage of time and seasons. At home, they may forget where they left things, put them in unusual places, and have trouble retracing their steps; eventually wondering why they ended up where they are in the first place.

They might even end up hurting other people, wander away, or show signs of depression, and have a general demeanor confusion.

There will be a lot of changes not only with their personality but also with their behavior. It is at this time that those closest to the directly impacted begin weighing options for care. In most cases, the best individual(s) to take care of them are those who know them best, that can be you, other relatives, or a dear friend…but most importantly someone that they are already familiar with.

It may be hard for you to keep up and understand them; especially when it’s your first time dealing with the disease.

However, with the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), Alzheimer’s patients can remain living in a familiar environment, and be cared for by someone they know a trust. With the Consumer Directed program, a relative or friend can learn how to take care of their loved one while being compensated for their assistance.

A company like Special Touch Home Care

Assists in enrolling consumers, those who may be responsible for making care-related decisions on the consumer’s behalf, and their caregiver(s) into this innovative alternative to traditional home health aide service. Upon enrolling, caregivers may assist with personal care tasks in addition to other activities that are geared towards promoting, maintaining, and lessening the effects of the disease.

To determine eligibility, or to apply, you can visit the following link for additional information and to schedule a conversation with a Care Representative: https://www.cdpas.com/what-is-cdpap/

While waiting for your application to be processed, you can help manage Alzheimer’s by making it safer at home.

The most common safety products that you can install are smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, stove safety knobs or automatic shut off knobs. Think of it like Alzheimer-proofing your home.

Easy access to information would also be helpful to those with Alzheimer’s during emergencies. It is important to have emergency numbers near all phones in the home, as well as on speed dial. You should also keep prescription medicines, cleaning products, alcohol, and other toxic substances away and in a safe place.

Also, consider the layout of your home. Make sure that there is enough space for someone to go around without breaking vases, stepping on pets or tripping over wires.

There are also several Alzheimer’s support groups where everyone is welcome to share milestones and heartbreaks without judgment. Search your local area to find a support group near you.

No matter what, you being there with the person you love is the best option for their care, and CDPAP can help you with that! To learn more about the program, you can call us or request a call by filling out the form below.