If you have an aging loved one that is showing signs of Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia, then you will need to come up with an elder care treatment plan very quickly. If you suspect that Alzheimer’s may be setting in, the first thing you want to do is confirm this condition with a medical professional.

Before taking that step, here are some signs to look for that may indicate your aging family member has Alzheimer’s disease:
• Frequent memory loss disrupting daily activities
• Inability to handle what used to be simple problems and challenges
• Being confused about what time it is or where they are
• Difficulties forming words when writing or talking
• Losing things and not being able to remember where they put them
• Lack of good judgment
• Mood and personality changes
• Withdrawing from social activities or work

If your aging loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to talk with a doctor right away to make a diagnosis. If the doctor confirms that your family member has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, it is time to develop a senior care plan.

When a family first discovers an aging parent or loved one that has Alzheimer’s, it is understandable to react with shock and sadness. Life with this person will never be the same again. You will need to deal with some new realities-like the fact that there will be times when your loved one will not remember certain things about the past, or even who you are.

Although there is no way to restore life to what it once was, there are ways to deal with this situation that will make things as normal as possible under the circumstances. When it comes time that your valued family member can no longer look after their own affairs because of Alzheimer’s, you will need someone else to look after them and make sure they are well cared for.

Your options are either to do it yourself, send them to a nursing home, or use an in home senior care service. Looking after your family member yourself may be quite difficult. If you are working and raising a family of your own, you may just not have the time. You also may not have a medical or nursing background, which will also make things harder. Sending them to a nursing home is very expensive and will likely result in a much lower quality of life for your aging parent.

In most cases, the best senior care option for an Alzheimer’s patient is in home care provided by a caring medical professional that has the experience and skills to look after your loved one, make sure they are taking their prescribed daily medications, and monitor their activities. Some of these in home senior care providers even have customized programs for Alzheimer’s patients designed to stimulate their memories and minimize the negative effects of the disease.

With an experienced in home care professional looking after your aging loved one who is suffering from Alzheimer’s, you will be able to breathe easier knowing you are giving your valued family member the best care possible. And although things will never be exactly like they were before, at least you know that you are doing everything possible to restore their fading memory and give them a better quality of life.

Author's Bio: 

At Senior Helpers of NJ, we provide the best in-home care New Jersey has to offer. It is our greatest pleasure to give our clients the assistance they need to safely live at home where they belong. We ensure that our clients receive affordable, dependable care that helps them live dignified, independent lives.