Empowering you with knowledge and support to navigate the complexities of Alzheimer’s and dementia care in Orange County.
Navigating the World of Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Introduction:
We want to welcome you to our Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Blog, where we strive to provide you with valuable information for individuals and families navigating the challenges of this disease in Orange County, California. Throughout this, we will broaden your understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, while focusing on the symptoms, and early warning signs to help you and your loved ones.
Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia:
- Stage 1 & 2: Evidence of pathological biomarkers within tests, but no symptoms present.
- Stage 3: Mild cognitive symptoms appear with few daily activities.
- Stage 4: Cognitive symptoms interact with some daily activities.
- Stage 5: Daily activities become more difficult and behavioral changes occur. Some care assistance may be required.
- Stage 6: Physical health is impacted, and care assistance becomes necessary.
Advice for those caring for loved ones with this disease:
- Maintain a healthy and structured environment. Individuals with AD are at higher risk of getting hurt or going somewhere they do not need to go.
- Strive to stay on schedule. For example, set wake & sleep times, shower days, and mealtimes. Individuals with this disease are prone to following schedules and these schedules will help you as you navigate through this process.
- Ensure safety: Create an environment by removing tripping hazards, installing rails, and utilize door/ window alarms if the individual has a history of wandering away.
- Encourage independence: Allow your loved one to do as much as they can even if the end result is not perfect. Offer help when needed but promote autonomy and independence as much as possible.
- Stay organized: With any medical diagnosis, there is bound to be paperwork, medication, and schedules to follow.
- Be flexible & proactive: Be prepared for unexpected challenges and try new strategies. Understand that it is important to ask for help when you find it necessary. Caring for a loved one with AD is no small task, and understanding that help is always there.
Professional Resources
Within Orange County, there are many different support resources available to make you and your loved ones life easier, on a daily basis. One of the top-rated resources available within Orange County is Alzheimer’s Orange County. They offer programs, resources, events, classes, workshops, support groups, outreach, and early-stage services. If non-medical home care is needed, there are also A-1 Home Care Agency. A-1 Home Care Agency specializes in caregiving, at home care, and choosing the perfect caregiver for each individual, at home. The home care assistance services they provide are senior care, respite care, in-home care services, round-the-clock care, after surgery care, memory care, hospice care and more for elderly, senior, disabled and terminally ill patients. If you or a loved one is interested in finding a care provider, call (562) 929-8400 or (949) 650-3800.
