Alzheimer’s Disease researchers say they are no closer to finding a cure than they were 10 years ago.
Research suggests that diet and exercise and keeping the mind active may not have a profound effect in preventing Alzheimer’s Disease and factors such a genetics and aging may.
The first of the BABY BOOMERS are now SENIORS, increasing the likeliness in the numbers of seniors who will become Alzheimer’s patients to exceed anyone’s expectations.
With the population living to extraordinary ages, aging in place and disease being a normal part of the aging process, seniors are more likely to experience the need to relocate near their family and chose to live in an Assisted Living , Retirement or Board and Care facility even without the effects of Alzheimer’s, Dementia or cognitive impairment. The findings suggest that living in an assisted living or Retirement or Board and Care facility will allow the senior to enjoy companionship of other seniors with built in activities, all meals prepared and transportation to scheduled outings and doctors appointments as well as housekeeping and utilities included, it is more cost effective to live in a Retirement Community that is licensed for Assisted Living gives families as well as seniors piece of mind. Commonly when a senior lives alone and their eye sight begins to fail, they are housebound and rely on others to take them to the simplest errands such as the grocery store, Doctors appointment and suffer from isolation.
The most common question a family will ask is about the costs of living in a facility.
Home vs. Facility. Make a check list of costs at home, utilities, food, housekeeping, transportation, insurance, gardening/pool upkeep. Compare the monthly income of social security, pensions, investments vs. a monthly fee for living in a facility that is all inclusive in one rate.
Each facility will have a different price structure based on the location of the room, the care needed, private room vs. shared room and city of which you wish to live in. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION will have an effect on the costs.
All of these factors are taken into consideration if Elderlink is providing a free list of senior care facilities all referrals are customized for each senior, no two list will be the same as each person is an individual.
Can a senior live at home with the care and attention they need versus the benefits of living in a facility such as an Assisted Living, Board and Care or Skilled Nursing depends on the personal situation. No two seniors have the same circumstance.
What are the signs to look for in making that decision?
Nutrition: Is the senior losing weight? Is there spoiled food in the refrigerator? If you take the senior out for a meal, do they appear very hungry? Do they order what you order because the menu seems to challenging and decision making is difficult.
Hygiene: Does the senior appear to be well groomed? Clothing look clean and free of stain? Is there any body odor?
Cognitive Impairment: Does the senior repeat the same story as though it is the first time they are telling it? Do they question when you are going to see them and not remember your last visit? Does the senior appear to be a confused or disoriented? Does the senior not remember simple tasks, places or events? How safe are they at home? Does the senior call frequently and not remember the last call? Are there car accidents or dents in the car that are not explained? Does the senior appear agitated and disoriented and confused family about family members? Has the senior wandered off and been brought by the police?
If you can answer yes to more than 3 questions, then it may be time to seek professional assistance.
A. Make an appointment with a physician who specializes in brain disorders such as a Neurologist.
B. Consider moving into a long term facility.
C. Make the home as safe as possible or have help at home.
D. If there is memory loss, obtain a safe return bracelet should the senior become lost and disoriented.