Is Dad’s Memory Loss due to Aging, or Dementia?

October 15, 2014 by ·

When Is It an Ideal Time to Consider Assisted Living for the Alzheimer’s Patient near Fairhope, AL?

“One Family Discussing the topic of Assisted Living near Fairhope, AL”

For Carl, the diagnosis of having Alzheimer’s was not only shocking; it led to a long bout of depression. He had never imagined in all his life that he would ever be diagnosed as having this form of dementia. Even though there were a few signs and symptoms early on, he had delayed going to the doctor because he figured the memory loss he was experiencing was related to his aging and basic senility and nothing more. He never thought that he would require any type of memory care assisted living or other elderly care options.Assisted Living Fairhope AL

His family did the best that they could to provide support for him as the disease progressed. Yet no matter what they did, it seemed that things continued to decline as time went on. One of his adult children brought up the topic of Alzheimer’s assisted living communities. She had done plenty of research after his diagnosis and found that the vast majority of assisted-living communities did have staff members who could support Alzheimer’s patients.

They had hired a home care aide to work with Carl, but that caregiver didn’t have a tremendous amount of experience with Alzheimer’s and seem to become overwhelmed too easily. Carl’s family talked about having a couple of other caregivers working with him on a regular basis, but the topic kept coming back to assisted living.

Ultimately, there is no real “ideal” time to consider assisted living for the Alzheimer’s patient, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be considered. In truth, whenever you have a supportive community, it is going to benefit the patient.

Also, the sooner that the individual with Alzheimer’s moves into an assisted living community, it is going to be better for them in the long run. That is because as their memory loss progresses, it is going to be more and more difficult for them to focus on their surroundings and be comfortable, especially when they don’t recognize the people around them.

If you have a loved one like Carl who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s recently, understand that their life expectancy may be anywhere between 6 to 10 years. It may be longer or shorter, depending on when they are diagnosed with relation to the disease’s progression through about their body.

The sooner that the patient begins proper care, whether they are going to move into an assisted living facility or somewhere else, the better it will be for them in the long run.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living near 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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