Alzheimer’s is a serious disease that eats away at a person’s mind until they become a shell of the person they once were. It is very painful to watch a loved one slip away due to the disease. Because there is no cure and treatments can only delay symptoms at best, it is imperative that doctors and other care givers in Indiana learn how to properly care for a patient.
The Alzheimer’s Association explains that the needs of the patient change as he or she progresses through the stages of the disease. You need to talk with the person’s doctor and make sure you both understand the care needs during each stage.
In the early stages, the person may just seem forgetful. He or she may be at risk for household accidents, such as starting a fire because of leaving a burner on or a candle burning. During this stage, the best care is ensuring personal safety. You may hire in-home care or do routine checks and make changes to reduce risks.
In the middle stage, the symptoms become more obvious. The person may start to forget how to do simple tasks and become upset more easily. He or she may get lost and be unable to go anywhere alone. This is a good time to hire full-time help or consider putting the person in a care facility.
In the later stages, the person is pretty much unable to care for him or herself. They will need constant care and someone to help them to avoid injuries and dangerous situations. At this point, the person will need live-in help or to be moved to a care facility.
This information is for education and is not legal advice.