Dementia by Any Other Name
Years of providing home care for my grandfather taught me quite a bit about dementia. One of the most important things I learned was how little most of us actually know. I found it a lot easier to say he had Alzheimer's than go into a long explanation.
Most people are familiar with Alzheimer's, or at least think they are. It is the most common form of dementia. Caused by physical changes in the brain, it affects somewhere between 60% and 80% of dementia patients. In the early stages, difficulty remembering names and events are typical. Later stages may involve inability to feed or dress without help, personality changes, and loss of speech, memory, and other mental functions. Home care is common in the early stages, but many patients in late stage Alzheimer's are too difficult for family members.
Pick's disease, vascular dementia, and other forms are less common than Alzheimer's but often follow a similar trajectory. Some are the result of physical or chemical changes that come with aging. Others, such as Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, may be caused by infectious disease. My grandfather's dementia was actually a delayed result of brain damage he had suffered due to a war injury.
Some forms of dementia move quickly, and in a few short months or even weeks your loved one may be completely changed. Others slowly erode the personality and mind, and can take decades. The length of time that the disease lasts is an important factor when considering home care.
Finances are another influence, although no one likes to think about it. If you are facing just a few months of dementia home care, it might be affordable to place Grandma in an upscale facility or hire all of the skilled home care help that you desire. When you are looking at years or even decades, the expense can be prohibitive. Unfortunately, many families find themselves making decisions based on what they can afford instead of what they think is best.
There are many different kinds of dementia. The causes and symptoms vary, and some types are certainly more suited to home care than others. Speak with your loved one's doctor and research their condition. You might even wish to find a support group of others who are caring for someone with the same disease. These steps can help you to make an informed decision about whether an assisted living facility, nursing home, or home care is best for your family.
If you would like to read more articles on home care, visit www.OurCareCommunity.com - a free resource built on the ideas of virtual community and social networking. Readers can share their ideas and experiences, find the latest information on senior care issues, and connect with other members to get answers and advice.
Contributing Editor: Julie Sanocki, CNA
Julie is a graduate of the Certified Nursing Assistant program and has over 10 years experience in elder care. Having been a family member arranging eldercare as well as a professional providing it, she understands the needs and concerns of all involved.

For more information please visit: OurCareCommunity and http://www.ourcarecommunity.com/Html/CareResourceCenter/Articles/dementia-care/SubCatArt/29/16/alzheimers-care

To add a comment please login by clicking here