{"id":40,"date":"2020-11-02T01:37:57","date_gmt":"2020-11-02T01:37:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/riseupforcaregivers.org\/?p=40"},"modified":"2020-12-31T01:38:18","modified_gmt":"2020-12-31T01:38:18","slug":"alzheimers-care-when-its-time-and-how-to-prepare","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/riseupforcaregivers.org\/?p=40","title":{"rendered":"Alzheimer\u2019s Care: When it\u2019s Time and How to Prepare"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019ve noticed your parent or grandparent suddenly seems unaware of his surroundings, has given up on personal hygiene, or appears unfamiliar with close relatives, Alzheimer\u2019s disease may be the culprit. This terminal condition progresses over time and almost always results in the sufferer requiring direct care. Read on for more information about Alzheimer\u2019s including early warning signs<\/a> and ways to prepare your home for its newest resident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alzheimer\u2019s stats and facts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alzheimer\u2019s disease affects approximately 46 million people worldwide; 5 million of these are Americans. It is estimated, according to USAgainstAlzheimers.org, that one in nine<\/a> senior citizens suffers some form of dementia. It costs approximately $215,000 over the course of the disease\u2019s lifespan, which averages eight to 10 years after diagnosis, to provide care for someone with the disease. Women are diagnosed with Alzheimer\u2019s disease twice as often as men. There is currently no cure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs of advancing decline<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the very early stages, Alzheimer\u2019s disease may simply present as forgetfulness. The Johns Hopkins Health Library<\/a> lists impaired memory, restlessness, confusion, and impaired communication as other common indicators of Alzheimer\u2019s disease. As the condition advances, the sufferer may seem perpetually aggravated and present with emotional apathy. Other warning signs include sudden and drastic changes in mood, personality or behavior, and inability to perform familiar tasks. Most people with Alzheimer\u2019s will require around-the-clock supervision when they can no longer live both safely and<\/em> independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to prepare your home<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your loved one\u2019s abilities will be unique to them; not all sufferers share the same symptoms. But there are a few simple home modifications that will benefit seniors regardless of which stage of the disease they\u2019re in. It\u2019s not difficult to make these accommodations. Start with the home\u2019s exterior by installing a ramp, which will eliminate the possibility of stumbling while trying to navigate stairs. Your loved one\u2019s bedroom and primary living quarters should be centrally located on the first floor of the home. This area, including the bedroom and bathroom, should be illuminated day and night, which will make it safer for your loved one to see where he is going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional home safety tips for Alzheimer\u2019s caregiving include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n