Alzheimer’s is a brain condition that primarily affects those over 55 years of age, although it can happen sooner. It’s a genetic condition that is still widely misunderstood by the general population and can happen to anyone. In many cases, Alzheimer’s can lead to in-home or out-of-home respite care.
If you’re looking for care for someone in your life who has Alzheimer’s, there is hope. Although the condition is progressive and has no cure, many treatments can slow down the symptoms and provide healing to the family and the person going through the illness.
Let’s take a look at some treatment possibilities for Alzheimer’s.
Medication Management
Some medications have been approved to slow the progress of Alzheimer’s. Although there is no official cure for the disease, medication can give you or your family member with Alzheimer’s hope in a scary time. It can also soothe anxiety and angry feelings that may arise.
To find a medication that works for you, you should meet with a medication management doctor. This can be a psychiatrist or a physical medicine doctor. Make sure to communicate your concerns, ask about side effects, and be aware of how it might affect your life or the person with Alzheimer’s.
In-Home Caregiving
In-home caregiving is possible for those who don’t want to send their loved one away to a facility to be far from family. You can hire a caregiver from caregiving facilities in your town. Many can come to visit the home daily and provide support for the person with Alzheimer’s in:
- Medication
- Bathing
- Using the bathroom
- Sleeping
- Eating and drinking
- Advice
Caregivers are trained to be highly compassionate and kind. They will often have nursing experience and can take vitals and make sure their patients are healthy physically.
Caregiving Centers
For those with Alzheimer’s that need a little higher level of assistance that their family or outpatient caregiving team can’t provide, a caregiving center or hospital can help. They will get 24/7 monitoring, 3 meals a day, full-time support, a medical team, a mental health team, and somewhere to live.
Although these centers can be expensive, some insurance plans cover specific ones. You can also talk about monthly payment plans and financial aid. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. There are always options available to help you.
A caregiving center is an excellent option for patients who are struggling with:
- Self-care
- Wandering off
- Violent behavior
- Increasing physical health issues
- A lack of family support
Call a center in your area to get information and schedule a visit.
Therapy
At the beginning of the disease, Alzheimer’s can be manageable by the person who has it. Seeing a therapist and discussing the feelings you’re going through is a great way to deal with the anxiety that may arise from getting your diagnosis. Family therapy can be helpful for families who are struggling with seeing their loved ones go through a difficult time. Plans can be made together for later life care when the disease progresses.
You can even attend therapy online, through video chat or phone calls, if you’re worried about leaving home due to health concerns. Therapists are trained to help with the mental health side of things, and many therapists understand and can emphasize chronic conditions and the fear and trauma that can come with them.