September: World Alzheimer's Month

September is World Alzheimer's Month - bringing awareness to Alzheimer's and Dementia and how these cognitive diseases can affect us and our loved ones. Throughout the month, this campaign will take place globally through various awareness events and fundraisers - with World Alzheimer's Day landing on September 21st.

What is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of dementia and typically affects seniors, with the majority of people being over 65 years old. Although, younger individuals can be affected as the disease has three stages - early, middle, and late.

Alzheimer's is a progressive disease that impacts memory and cognitive skills as brain cells deteriorate over time. In turn, individuals will begin to lose the ability to complete simple tasks on their own.

What are the Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease?

The symptoms of Alzheimer's can present in different ways, but some early signs consist of memory problems, trouble thinking, and difficulty with reasoning. As the disease progresses, other symptoms may show up such as:

• Increased confusion

• Personality changes

• Anxiety and/or irritability

• Difficulty with usual tasks

• Wandering

Eventually, an individual experiencing late-stage Alzheimer's may lose complete independence and ability to communicate, resulting in needing help with all daily activities.

How Can I Support a Loved One With Alzheimer's?

Navigating life with a loved one experiencing Alzheimer's disease can be overwhelming - but you are not alone. Recognizing the early signs is important for planning ahead and understanding your role in your loved one's care.

An important thing to keep in mind is that Alzheimer's does not define your loved one. They are still the same person they were before the disease - now requiring a different level of support. Here are some ways you can be there for an individual with Alzheimer's:

• Have patience. Allow your loved one to maintain independence as long as they can, but they are going to require assistance with certain tasks.

• Be empathetic. Understand that what your loved one is experiencing is scary for them too, and they didn't choose for it to happen.

• Communicate with family. Make sure you also have a support system for yourself and keep family members informed.

• Seek respite care. If you are serving as the primary caregiver, take breaks and have someone take over so you can look after yourself.

Understanding Alzheimer's disease and your role in your loved one's care can ease stress and worry when navigating changes.

When Should I Seek Home Care for My Loved One?

Seeking home care for your loved one can be a difficult but necessary decision. However, it is important to explore options in the early stages, so you can be prepared. It is recommended to seek home care when you are experiencing burnout, safety becomes an issue, or when the care needed becomes beyond your scope.

You have options when it comes to home care from ongoing to live-in care. You may require an ongoing caregiver for a few hours weekly, or you may need a trained caregiver to provide 24 hour care to your loved one.

How Can Earth Angels Help?

At Earth Angels, we can provide ongoing and live-in Alzheimer's care. Our caregivers undergo a specialized training process to provide professional and compassionate care to individuals experiencing cognitive decline. One of our Client Care Managers will meet with you to discuss your loved one's needs and abilities to match your loved one with the best caregiver. Schedule an in-home assessment on our website or give us a call at (902) 405-4400.