From forgetfulness to sudden mood changes, here is a peek at the early symptoms and what to do next. Throughout the world, there's something of a stigma surrounding dementia. That certainly isn't helpful, since the syndrome is very common. An estimated 47 million people globally are living with some form of dementia, per the World Health Organization, which number will likely grow to 75 million by 2030. Dementia may effect the mind in very different manners, and consequently, some people today ignore the early symptoms. Generally, dementia is progressive, so it gets worse over time, but early detection can greatly improve a persons quality of life. Here are some early warning signs, and some common misconceptions.

Memory loss is a frequent symptom, but distinct types of memory loss can mean various things. Memory loss is closely connected with dementia, so it's the symptom that most people consider when considering the diseases that lead to dementia--Alzheimer's, for instance. But, doctors now know that memory loss does not necessarily occur in the exact same way. With Alzheimer's type dementia, some of the first signs are short-term memory loss. That's what's responsible for asking the same question repeatedly within a few minutes, or hours, as your long-term memory may still be very sharp and intact into the more moderate to more complex stages (of Alzheimer's disease) . In contrast, other dementias will prevent the brain from remembering memories; the experiences are still in storage, but the individual won't have the ability to call them up. That is an integral factor that physicians consider when differentiating Alzheimer's from other dementias. Vascular dementia is your second-most common form of dementia after Alzheimer's. The difference is that with vascular-type dementia, memories continue to be encoded in the memory center of the brain. "With Alzheimer's type dementia, plaques develop and the neural fibers start to tangle, so they are not able to encode new information.

Mood changes can be extreme--and in some cases, frightening. Sudden mood changes may also indicate dementias, but they happen differently from person to person. Frequently, aspects of a person’s character will become exaggerated; a person who is normally very sweet will turn out to be excessively sweet, or a bossy person will become downright authoritarian. Other times, people with dementia will realize they are having trouble remembering or concentrating, so they will become quiet and depressed. Studies have shown that for some individuals in the earlier stages of Alzheimer's disease, there may be a kind of paranoia that develops, and eventually some agitation that goes with it. Alzheimer's sufferers often believe that folks are concealing or hiding things from them. Sometime these changes may be manageable through diet, exercise, and medication.

Confusion: Some individuals report an inability to follow directions. Since the brain degenerates or neural pathways become damaged, patients may have trouble concentrating on particular tasks. They may become confused easily and have difficulty getting from one place to another without constant advice. Individuals and their families, frequently ignore these symptoms in the beginning. In other cases, the symptoms become evident when an individual gets confused readily while trying to complete household activities. As the disease progresses many individuals may also have trouble identifying friends and family members.

Language changes can also occur. A person may have difficulty producing language or understanding others. This is known as aphasia, also it is especially common in stroke patients and Alzheimer's patients. In Alzheimer's patients, for example, aphasia frequently happens with no change in the individual's mind--they're just as intelligent and conscious as ever, but they have difficulty remembering words or listening to their own loved ones.

Medical tests can show particular kinds of dementia. Many dementia symptoms can result from other health problems such as blood clots, tumors, substance abuse issues, and thyroid problems that may also lead to the symptoms. When physicians try to diagnose their patients, they'll look at all accessible outward symptoms to make a determination. They may order imaging studies to look for brain damage, cerebrospinal fluid evaluations to find certain proteins associated with ailments like Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, early detection is so important, unfortunately many patients avoid their doctors because they are afraid of a diagnosis. That's a mistake, since things Dementia is not an inevitable part of aging, in spite of popular belief. So, seek medical advice from a physician don’t disregard the symptoms as long-term harm can come from not treating treatable illnesses.

Care Options range from care at home to assisted living communities and memory care facilities to group homes. So how do you choose the right alternative for yourself or your loved one? The answer to that question is a little more complicated since each person’s symptoms and desires will vary. For example, behaviors such as needing to frequently needing to walk or pace, likes or dislike socialization, wandering behaviors, outbursts, safety in an apartment setting versus a room or studio. This is where seeking help from a Senior placement agency like A Caring Hand for Mom (and Dad) which is staffed by licensed healthcare professionals with extensive experience working with seniors can be very helpful and make the difference between the right decision or the wrong one.

Assisted Living Care Vs. Nursing Home Care

What kind of care do I need?

Arizona assisted living, provides housing for those who cannot live alone, and who do not need the higher level of skilled medical care given in nursing homes. These facilities provide assistance with activities of daily living “ADL’s”, (assistance with bathing, eating, medication assistance and dressing) to services that used to only be provided in skilled nursing facilities such as the use of assistive devices such as Hoyer lifts, feeding tubes and wound care.   This is not to say that all Assisted living communities provide these services but some do.

This higher level of care can be found in many Group homes which are also licensed assisted living homes. These homes generally provide a higher level of supervision and care, because of their size and ability to provide closer supervision and manage these services with the assistance of outside services like home health services for wound care management and outpatient P.T., O.T., Speech therapy.

Seniors still enjoy a good degree of independence especially in assisted living communities -- many live in private apartments or studios -- with options for socializing with other residents and 24-hour help nearby. Larger assisted living community’s general offer more options for socialization with larger scale recreational activities and entertainment that comes to the community as well as restaurant style dining. Group homes provide a more homelike atmosphere with home cooked meals and small scale recreational activities. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines assisted living facilities as facilities that provide help with bathing, dressing, and medication.

Some assisted living communities also provide Memory Care for those with advanced stages of dementia in a special wing (dedicated Memory Care Unit), or are a stand-alone Memory Care communities. Not all facilities offer this option and not all residents with Memory care needs require a special unit or community for their care.  Many residents especially in the earlier stages of their disease progression can be safely managed in a more open assisted living setting. 

It's important to note that assisted living facilities are private pay establishments, which are not covered by programs such as Medicare or third party insurances, though they may be covered by some long-term care insurance policies and ALTC’s (Arizona’s Medicaid program requiring Long term care who meet medical and financial eligibility).  Assisted Living costs range from $2000-$6,000 for most assisted living residences but can run $5,000-$8000 for memory care in Arizona.  Most Assisted Living communities charge a base rent plus levels of care and medication administration fees,  whereas Group homes are generally charge a flat fee which includes care except for incontinence supplies.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes, also called "skilled nursing facilities," are licensed facilities for those who require long-term care or short-term rehabilitation services. They are for those individuals who require a higher level of “24 hr. a day Skilled Care” not provided by assisted living. A nursing home is a place for people who don't need to be in a hospital but can't be cared for at home or in a assisted living community or group home because of their need for 24 hour skilled care. Most nursing homes have nursing aides and skilled nurses on hand 24 hours a day.

Some nursing homes are set up like a hospital. The staff provides medical care, as well as physical, speech and occupational therapy if it falls under Medicare guidelines for coverage. There is usually a nurses' station on each floor and residents may share rooms, meals are served in a central dining hall (unless a resident is too ill to leave the room). This type of care is covered by both Medicare and Medicaid, though private payment options are also available and allow for more choices, such as private rooms.  Private rates are usually based upon the current Medicare rates for the rooms currently running around $220-280 a day for semi private and private rooms plus ancillary charges.

Some nursing homes have special care units for people with serious memory problems such as Alzheimer's disease. Some will let couples live together, Nursing homes are not only for the elderly, but for anyone who requires 24-hour care.

A common concern of some skilled nursing facilities is that some seniors find them depressing because many of the residents have numerous medical problems, and that these facilities do not provide the best care due to higher staff turnover, inadequate staffing patterns, requiring extra attention and monitoring from family members.

Help to determine the best setting can be obtained from an experienced healthcare professional such as your family physician or other medical providers as well as the licensed healthcare professionals at A Caring Hand for Mom who with their extensive experience can guide you.  We look at factors such as care needs, wandering potential, safety in an apartment setting, group home or Memory care unit, and overall functioning capability.  We can help you find the best options available for your loved one and will always give you honest unbiased answers. Call us today at 800-881-7706 and visit our website at www.acaringhandformom.com.

Evaluating the Best Senior Care Options

If you have an elderly loved one that you are taking care of by either visiting them daily or they live with you, it can be overpowering at times. This is especially true if you have a full time job or have a family at home to take care of as well. There are other choices you have in making sure your elderly loved one is taken care of and not feel guilty about it. When evaluating senior care options you want only the best for your loved one. Depending on what type of careyour loved one need’s as well as their financial resources there are many variables which can affect which facility to look into. The types of senior care in Glendale AZ range from independent living, assisted living communities, group homes, memory care, and skilled nursing care.

Importance of a Checklist

The importance of a checklist will weigh heavily when it comes to making the final decision on senior care for your loved one. The checklist will have important factors for you to take into consideration when checking on the different types of senior care facilities. You not only want a quality, clean and professional staff at the facility you choose, but you also want the facility to feel comfortable, safe and friendly towards your loved one. It is highly important that your loved one feels at home and likes the environment they are in.

Depend upon a company that is staffed by licensed healthcare professionals to assist you in finding options for your loved ones care. Rely on Professional Recommendations

You can rely on professional’s recommendations because they are experienced and licensed healthcare staff. They provide you with free help and will assist you in making well-informed healthcare decisions, which will save you time and keep you from feeling stressed out as you prepare to find your loved one a senior care facility. If you prefer to do the search on your own you can use our directory on our website or for quicker assistance you can email or call us.  We can usually save you money because of our relationships with the communities and homes in your area as well as the fact that we are aware of which communities are offering specials and when it comes to group homes we can help you find the care you are looking for at the price you can afford. The senior care choices include assisted living communities, memory care, , group homes independent living and Skilled nursing.  With our assistance no matter which senior care facility your loved one needs you will be able to find the right one at an affordable cost.  Call us today at 800-881-7706 for immediate assistance.