Elderly Care Fairhope AL – The Loved One with Alzheimer’s

March 19, 2014 by ·

Alzheimer’s disease is a disorder that affects a person’s brain.  It is currently the leading cause of dementia.  The characteristics of this disease include:Elderly Care Fairhope AL

  • Loss of memory
  • Judgment is impaired
  • Loss of skills in language and communication
  • Changes in personality
  • Emotional and physical effects

The family of the affected loved one also feels the burden of this disease:

  • Enormous tolls – emotionally and physically
  • Psychological distress
  • Burden of responsibility of care

How can families cope with this devastating illness?  Here are some hints for surviving and thriving as much as possible:

  1. Become as educated about the progression of the disease as possible.  This will arm you with strength when the going is rough at times.
  2. Know that you can’t do it all alone, and don’t feel bad when you need to ask for help.
  3. Lean on your family members as much as possible; become a strong support system for each other.
  4. Look into the benefits of using elder care services. This will help you to have a break and get the time for yourself that’s so necessary.
  5. Your family member’s doctor can give you support and provide ideas for where to find help, how needs can be met, what community resources are available, and how to manage behaviors that come with Alzheimer’s disease.

How to keep family members unified and strengthened:

  • Work together as much as possible for the benefit of the family and the loved one.
  • Use available community resources and support groups to the fullest.
  • Take turns when the going gets tough.
  • Rely heavily on your elder care providers, or consider assisted living facilities who specialize in this disease.  They are trained professionals who have experience with this devastating disease.
  • Keep everyone up to date on what your elderly loved one’s current situation is.  This doesn’t have to include the younger children; however all adult siblings should know what the status is so you can help each other and garner strength from one another.

Family members who share caregiving duties or are involved first-hand with the Alzheimer’s family member can experience high levels of stress.  It’s hard to provide good care when you are worn out yourself.  The best thing you can do is get the break you need.

There are generally five stages that family members experience when someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.  They are denial, over-involvement, anger, guilt and acceptance.  They don’t necessarily happen in that order.  Alzheimer’s affects everyone. The more people who share the weight of responsibility, the lighter it is for everyone. Consider getting some counselling for family members who aren’t coping with the situation very well.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living  in Fairhope AL,  at 251-317-3017.  

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About Cindy Johnson

Ashbury Manor’s Administrator since 2008, Cindy Johnson is a long-time expert in the assisted living field. Prior to her arrival at Ashbury Manor, Cindy managed acquisitions and crisis management for existing and new larger senior care project developments for eleven years. As regional manager for an Oregon-based assisted living management company, Cindy was directly responsible for operations for five 50-65 bed assisted living facilities. As manager during the transition to new ownership, Cindy reorganized internal operations and conducted leadership training for Executive Directors. As a result of her management and expertise, one of the company’s facilities (in Ocala, Florida) received a deficiency-free survey, resulting in the lifting of a moratorium on operation.

A nurse for 36 years, senior care has always been Cindy’s passion. Desiring to work more closely with residents, Cindy became a Category II Administrator in 2005. As Ashbury Manor’s Administrator, Cindy understands the complexities associated with dementia and cognitive impairment and she has fallen in love with seniors with dementia or cognitive impairment and their families.

Cindy is Treasurer of the local “Senior Coalition” chapter. She enjoys mentoring new candidates who want to become administrators.

As a 16-bed facility, with Cindy's training and experience, our residents and their families can be sure Ashbury Manor’s carefully selected staff provides the expertise of a larger facility while maintaining the individualized personal care of a small special needs home.
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