Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia have physical and psychological effects that can make it difficult for seniors to maintain their independence. If you have a loved one with one of these diseases, it's important to understand the changes that can occur and how to help your loved one.
Having dementia puts older adults at risk of several types of crises, including wandering, increased aggression, hallucinations and depression.
This guide from Caring.com covers the most common crisis situations and offers tips for preventing them. It also explains what to do if one of these crises occurs and provides some resources to help you navigate the complexities of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
One of the changes that occurs in people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is a reduced ability to recognize familiar surroundings. This can cause them to become confused about where they are and wander away in search of a more familiar environment.
You may have noticed that your loved one becomes agitated or exhibits increased aggression after an Alzheimer’s disease or dementia diagnosis. People with dementia might develop this behavioral syndrome for a variety of reasons such as increased stress, altered sleep habits or loss of independence.
Even if your loved one isn’t agitated or aggressive, they may have hallucinations, delusions or paranoia as a result of their Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. A
hallucination is a false perception of an object or event.
Delusions are similar to hallucinations but while a hallucination is related to the senses, a delusion is a sincere belief in something that isn’t real.
Paranoia involves intense feelings and thoughts that are usually related to conspiracies, threats or persecution.
The signs and behaviors mentioned above can all come together to make someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia prone to abusive behavior. This can include verbal abuse, such as shouting or insulting a caregiver, or physical abuse, such as hitting or kicking. Abusive behavior can have physical or emotional causes so look for the reason why.
Experiencing emotional changes due to depression are of particular concern in the early and middle stages of the disease. Depression in people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease might look different from others and it might be hard for them to articulate how they are feeling, so it requires extra vigilance from the caregiver.
The signs of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can be difficult to manage, especially if you’re new to caregiving. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help you and your family members understand the changes your loved one is going through and respond to them appropriately.
Please refer to
www.caring.com/caregivers/crisis-guide-for-alzheimers-dementia-caregivers for a more extensive list...
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The Alzheimer’s Association Helpline 800-272-3900
The Alzheimer’s Association helpline offers around-the-clock, 365 days per year support for the caregivers of people with dementia. When you contact the Alzheimer’s Association helpline, you’re connected with a master’s-level care consultant who can offer crisis assistance and provide information to help you make decisions regarding your loved one’s care.
The helpline is ideal for family caregivers who have no formal training in nursing or other caregiving professions. Although the helpline is staffed by master’s-level care consultants, each consultant provides information in terms that are easy for laypeople to understand. The helpline is especially useful if you need information and assistance making decisions related to your loved one’s medical care, financial affairs or legal affairs.
Alzheimer's Association of America 866-232-8484
The Alzheimer's Association of America has member organizations that can provide information to caregivers.
National Adult Day Services Association 877-745-1440
If you work during the day, you may be able to take your loved one to an adult day center, ensuring they're safe when you can't be with them. The NADSA can help you find a local center.
Caregiver Action Network 202-454-3970
Access tips and tools aimed at family caregivers.
Dementia Friendly America 202-872-0888
DFA offers tools to help caregivers advocate for their loved ones in local communities.
Family Caregiver Alliance 800-445-8106
FCA offers a
variety of resources to help caregivers get the support they need to avoid burnout.
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