Alzheimer's Care

Alzheimer's is a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the brain, results in impaired memory, thinking and behavior. To date it can only be absolutely diagnosed after death by autopsy.

It is only one of several forms of dementia. A diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease for a living family member means a definitive diagnosis for other causes of dementia have been ruled out. Other causes may be stress, depression, nutrition deficiencies, stroke, Parkinson's disease, drug side effects, or even AIDS.

Alzheimer's facilities specialize in care of patients with dementia. Other senior living environments (Congregate, Assisted Living, Board and Care) may be appropriate for residents in early, or even mid, stages of the disease. But unless they have a specialized dementia unit, transfer to another facility will be required as the disease progresses.

What should you do if loss of memory or confusion is evident, and dementia or Alzheimer's is suspected in you, or in a family member?

Contact the local Alzheimer Association Chapter for guidance and help with diagnosis. The Chapter should be listed in your area phone book, or is available by calling 1.800.272.3900, the National Alzheimer's Association, 919 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-1676. The National Association can be found on the internet at www.alz.org.

The Alzheimer's Association can help with:

• Method for selection of a physician and other professionals involved in diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer/dementia.
• Ideas for environmental adaptations that can assist patients to function better in non-institutional environments.
• The families' need to inquire about long term care options early in the disease process.
• Ideas for types of respite care options for caregivers.
• Information regarding caregiver support groups in your area.
• Information regarding research programs that might be available in your area.
• Information regarding different types of Alzheimer patient support groups.
• Those who talk openly about having the disease and take a proactive approach, for as long as they are able.
• Those which concentrate on brain stimulus and hand/eye coordination activities, and offer social interaction.
• Information regarding private research groups in your area that may be working with Alzheimer's.

Progressive manifestations of the disease:

• Loss of short term memory
• Wandering
• Episodes of agitation
• Depression
• Disorientation and confusion
• Incontinence
• Loss of weight
• Sleeplessness
• Forgetfulness regarding functions of daily living

If you choose a home care option:

• Can you make the environment secure and safe?
• Can you hire services to come into your home?
• Nurses?
• Home health aides?
• Homemakers?
• Companions?
• Is there a senior adult day care facility available?
• Are there opportunities for social interaction, mental stimulation and recreation for the Alzheimer patient?
• Can the caregiver get respite care?

In considering placement options the environment should:

• Be designed for dementia and Alzheimer patients.
• Encourage way finding through patterns, colors and cues.
• Provide for safe wandering indoors and outdoors.
• Provide furniture groupings encouraging human interaction.
• Provide overall even lighting.
• Include areas of privacy for residents.
• Include identified and accessible safe bathrooms.
• Private areas for families to interact.
• Offer opportunities for nurturing and comfort.

Components of a special care unit to consider when selecting a facility:

Is the facility dedicated to dementia and Alzheimer's care?

• If not, do they have a separate wing?
• Do they offer specialized Alzheimer/dementia care?
• Is the facility location convenient for you, the caregiver?
• Is the environment calm and pleasurable?
• Is there secure outside space used by the residents?
• Is private space personalized and respected?
• Does the mission statement include benefits for your family member?
• What licenses does the facility have?
• State licenses?
• Medicare certification?
• Medicaid certification?
• Private accreditation?
• Are other residents' functional capabilities similar to your family member's?
• Is patient assessment done by an interdisciplinary staff to determine individual needs?
• Will re-assessment be done at regular intervals?
• Do you feel you can establish a caregiver partnership with facility staff?
• Are residents' rights addressed?
• Is respect shown for resident's dignity in physical, psychosocial, spiritual and emotional areas?
• Does medical care and supervision seem sufficient?
• Are behaviors accommodated without the use of restraints?
• Are fees and charges competitive with nearby comparable facilities?
• Will staff honor advance directives such as durable powers of attorney?
• Are nutrition and eating needs of residents accommodated?
• Is there a full daily schedule of therapeutic activities?
• Are residents active and engaged in activities?
• Will diminished abilities and disease progression result in transfer or discharge from the facility?
• Is late-stage care and illness addressed, maximizing functional abilities?
• Are research opportunities explained?

Additional information is available from the National Alzheimer's Association at 800-621-0370.