One of the most debilitating conditions facing older Americans today is Alzheimer’s. Unable to be slowed or cured, this illness affects millions of elderly individuals and has a lasting impact for years on end. When families are unable to financially or emotionally provide for someone struggling with Alzheimer’s, assisted living facilities and retirement homes can help significantly with medical care, daily activities and community support. While there are a lot of common misconceptions spread about assisted living facilities, the reality of the matter is that community homes are supportive environments perfect for helping chronically ill individuals thrive.
What Is Alzheimer’s?
A form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease primarily strikes elderly individuals and causes many issues in their day-to-day life. Studies have shown Alzheimer’s to be the sixth leading cause of death in the United States as we know it, with one in three seniors passing away due to this illness or a similar form of dementia. Almost two-thirds of American Alzheimer’s patients are women and, as such, sees the most significant population rounding out assisted living facilities.
What Are Symptoms?
There are many symptoms that show the onset of dementia stages, though only a medical professional can properly diagnose the source. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, short-term memory problems, recognition issues, mood swings, trouble speaking, slurred speech, dizziness, reduced motor function and loneliness. Over 75% of assisted living residents are female, with around 25% or so being male.
What Are Assisted Living Facilities?
Some families are unable to provide their loved ones with the care they need when Alzheimer’s starts showing its telltale debilitating symptoms. As such, assisted living facilities are designed to offer individuals suffering from dementia a community where they can receive both the medical care and emotional support they need to thrive. Activities for Alzheimer residents are often one of the biggest concerns of families who need help providing for a loved one who has come down with the illness. According to the 2009 Independent Living Report by the ProMature Group, research has found that becoming part of an independent living retirement community makes an individual more likely to make new friends and try new things.
What Do Assisted Living Facilities Offer?
Activities for Alzheimer residents are necessary to provide individuals with a high quality of life. Dementia long term care facilities offer a plethora of activities and resources for all stages of the illness, offering the ideal balance of independence and environmental support. Assisted living residences will either provide or coordinate 24-hour supervision on top of three meals per day and ongoing services to promote a high quality of life and independence — this includes, but is not limited to, personal care, transportation arrangement, social services, laundry, housekeeping, therapy and day-to-day management.
How Can Individuals Lead A High Quality Of Life?
Assisted living facilities are ideal resources for the ongoing struggle of Alzheimer’s disease. Activities for Alzheimer residents are proven to encourage emotional and mental wellness, ranging from yoga to painting, and can give individuals a community to turn to during the hardest times. Almost four in 10 assisted living residents received assistance with three or more activities of daily living. Another study showed more than three-fourths of assisted living residents having at least two of the 10 most common chronic illnesses, with dementia remaining the most prevalent. If you have a family member struggling with the onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia, an assisted living facility may be the best option for their emotional and physical health.
