Top 4 Ways Assisted Living Benefits Alzheimer Patients

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The Alzheimer's Association lists Alzheimer's as the most common form of dementia and goes on to note that symptoms appear slowly, but then become more severe as time goes on. While you may wish to care for your loved one at home during the early stages of the disease, it may be more beneficial to the patient in the latter stages of the illness to get a room in an assisted living facility. 

Memory Care Unit

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities now have special memory care units, which are better equipped to meet the Alzheimer's patient's needs. Not only will they incorporate games and activities into your parent's schedule that are meant to help stimulate the brain and increase memory, but they also provide care and support for any behavioral issues that your loved one may be demonstrating. They will also work on daily life skills and some form of exercise. 

Relief For Family Members

When an Alzheimer's patient is living at home with loved ones, they require round-the-clock care. This can become extremely tiring for the caregiver, who most likely is also juggling other responsibilities, such as work and raising children. An assisted living facility provides relief for the family members. Family members are welcome to visit anytime and can enjoy simply spending time with the one they love so dearly, rather than having to worry about bathing, dressing, and giving the Alzheimer's patient medications every so many hours. 

Nutrition Care

Assisted living facilities are equipped to conform to a diet that will be the most beneficial for your parent or grandparent. At home, you may not be sure which foods are best, and you may have trouble cooking one meal for your loved one and a different meal for the rest of your family. Take advantage of the fact that an assisted living home will not only cook a nutritional meal for your parent based on his or her needs, but they will also keep track as to how much is being eaten and whether the patient has had enough fluids to stay hydrated. 

Pain Management

As your loved one begins to lose the ability to communicate, you may have trouble telling when he or she is in pain. This can lead to further behavior problems. A trained professional within an assisted living facility will be able to spot this, and take immediate action. 

Always tour assisted living homes with your loved one to find a good match. Selecting one that allows you to bring in your own furniture, for example, is a great way to make a more comfortable transition. You'll also want to request additional information on exactly what the facility offers to its Alzheimer's patients. For more information, check with facilities like the Alta Ridge Communities.

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23 May 2016