If you have a loved one with a recent Alzheimer’s diagnosis, understandably, you will see the benefits of looking after them in the familiar setting of their own home. Where your loved one receives Alzheimer’s care is a big decision to make, and it is important to understand and utilise compassionate and effective care strategies.
It is also worth noting that symptoms that seem manageable to start with can become more demanding as time goes on. Needing external help for the care of your loved one from a care home or a live-in carer is completely understandable and does not mean you’ve given up on them.
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and accounts for 60% of all dementia diagnoses. It is caused by a buildup of proteins in the brain which affects how brain signals are transmitted. There are 7 stages of Alzheimer’s with progressive symptoms. Each stage requires a different level of care, some of which can be provided in the home by loved ones, however, as time goes on you may require expert support.
Stage One of Alzheimer’s
Stage one of Alzheimer’s means that there is no cognitive impairment and brain function is normal.
Care Requirements During Stage Two Alzheimer’s
Stage two Alzheimer’s is often not diagnosed and is just a very mild cognitive impairment. At this stage the patient will be able to function normally, carrying out day-to-day activities and even being able to drive themselves around. At this stage, the main symptom will be mild memory issues which can often just be interpreted as general ageing.
It is relatively easy for someone to live independently with stage two Alzheimer’s. However, diagnosed loved ones need to pay attention to notice if the disease starts progressing. There is no set amount of time that stage two Alzheimer’s lasts, it can be from a year to even multiple decades.
Independent Living for Stage Three Alzheimer’s
In stage three Alzhiemers memory issues become more pronounced. At this stage, mostly independent living is still possible, though external assistance may be required. If your loved one needs to drive places it is important to assess the safety of this and it is often better for them to make the change to public transport, or have assistance from family and friends where transport is needed.
Stage Four Alzheimer’s Care Needs
When someone reaches stage four of Alzheimer’s the symptoms are more than just memory loss. At this stage, there are other cognitive symptoms such as confusion, issues with sleep, and an increased likelihood of wandering off and getting lost. Though the patient will often be able to remember main details such as who they are, their family, and where they grew up, more day-to-day things will become more difficult.
At this stage, it is good to have somebody around to assist with certain day-to-day needs. Remembering to shower, or eat can become difficult. This level of care can be provided by family and friends, however, if care falls on the shoulders of one person it is a good idea to find a care home offering respite care, should the main carer need time to rest, or deal with matters in their own life.
If there are geographical or time limitations that hinder the care that can be provided between family and friends then you may need to find a full-time care home to carry this out. At Little Croft Care Home our team has a lot of experience in Alzheimer’s care. We also assess the needs of our residents on a case-by-case basis which means that even in a care home your loved one will be able to maintain a high level of independence. A care home can just provide peace of mind to know that there will always be someone there if they need it.
Stage Five Alzheimer’s
By stage five the Alzheimer’s patient’s independence will be more severely decreased. If they don’t already have it, more regular care will need to be put into place. A care home that specialises in dementia care can be a good place to turn at this point as living alone can become more and more risky.
Stage five Alzheimer’s presents challenges of a more emotional variety, such as hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions, which can be dangerous if the person suffering from Alzheimer’s is left alone too much.
At this stage, your loved one may struggle to remember people who are important to them, and more menial tasks such as getting dressed can become more difficult.
Stage Six Alzheimer’s Care Requirements
At stage six the symptoms of Alzheimer’s are considered to be severe and round-the-clock care will be a necessity. Communication will become more difficult and there may be noticeable personality changes and increased frustration due to lack of autonomy.
There are medicines and behavioural strategies that can help at this stage but it is important to understand that it is not personal and your loved one isn’t aware of what they are doing.
Stage Seven of Alzheimer’s
At stage seven someone suffering from Alzheimer’s symptoms will continue to deteriorate. They might be bedridden and susceptible to various health complications due to their limited mobility.
This stage represents a significant decline in overall functioning and quality of life.
Compassionate care and support must be provided round the clock in this stage of Alzheimer’s disease, in some cases palliative care or hospice care and be the best route at this stage.
In Conclusion
When a loved one is dealing with Alzheimer’s it is important to provide the best level of care for them at every stage. Whether that is at home or at a residential care home, it is important that your loved one remains comfortable and understood. Alzheimer’s progression is a challenging journey, and seeking professional care might be necessary. Regardless of the stage, embracing patience, empathy, and a supportive environment remains essential to honour their dignity and comfort throughout this process. For help or guidance, you can contact our team of experienced and empathetic carers here.