The symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia develop in stages, all of which are difficult for caregivers and patients to navigate. As patients’ behaviors change and their disease progresses, caregiving requires a great deal of flexibility and compassion. However, the support of a professional Alzheimer’s and dementia care provider can help make their lives more comfortable and easier.
Coastal Home Care’s team in Somerset County, MD, has comprehensive knowledge on caring for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Our caregivers are familiar with the best strategies and practices to help aging adults live safely and productively. Below, we discuss the stages and how we can help.
What are the stages of Alzheimer’s and Dementia?
Early (Mild)
During the mild stage of memory loss, individuals may be able to function independently. They can drive, work, and socialize as they normally would – but they may also forget words or lose items.
While symptoms may not be glaring during this stage, close friends and relatives may notice these memory lapses. They should speak with the individual’s doctor, who can provide a proper diagnosis.
Middle (Moderate)
Also known as the moderate stage of Alzheimer’s, it is known for being the longest stage that tends to last for many years. Throughout this stage, the individual experiencing severe memory loss symptoms may require extensive care.
Symptoms of dementia become distinct, and the individual may get frustrated or irritable due to the increased memory lapses and nerve cell brain damage. This may include confusing words and refusing to do certain activities like bathing.
Late (Severe)
Dementia symptoms in the final stage are more severe. Individuals have immense difficulty responding to their environment, sustaining a conversation, and even controlling their movement.
While this doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t speak or move, their communication skills are much more limited as it becomes challenging for them to express their pain. Personality changes take place during this stage as well and necessitate round-the-clock care.
How Our Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Team Can Help
Coastal Home Care caregivers are trained with tending to adults suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. They offer professionalism, respect, and empathy to each individual, and they acknowledge that each situation is unique. Our Alzheimer’s and dementia disease support is personalized to each individual’s needs and provides the following:
- Day-to-day routine management
- Assistance with bathing, showering, and grooming
- Grocery shopping
- Medication management
- Appointment transportation
- Comfort and coping strategies
- Frequent communication
- Flexibility & respect
- Establishing a safe environment
Professional & Compassionate Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care in Somerset County, MD
At Coastal Home Care, our team is specially trained to provide comprehensive Alzheimer’s and dementia care. We understand that each situation is different, and we are flexible to each patient’s needs. No matter what stage they are at, our team is available to care for them whether they require emotional and/or physical support.
Call an Alzheimer’s and Dementia care provider at (410) 572-5606 today to see how we can help.