A report by Alzheimer’s Association reported that people who have Dementia or Alzheimer’s conclude that almost 16 million caregivers provided over 18 billion hours of assistance to people with these two health conditions in 2016. That amounted to over $230 billion worth of time. Implications of these figures are that it may be expensive to serve as a caregiver to an ailing family member. The cost implications and the challenges associated with care giving may make it imperative that you consider assisted living as a more practical and cost-effective option. Nevertheless, one should consider this option with a solid conviction that it is the best you can offer an ailing family member. How can you arrive at the best decision? What factors should you consider before you settle for assisted living? Although the victims of these ailments display different reactions to the ailment, the signs below will help you decide whether to go for assisted living or not.
Aggression:
Dementia patients are naturally aggressive. Their aggression may be sexual, physical, or any other forms of aggression. Such attitude may endanger the life of a caregiver and may cause the caregivers to become resentful. According to Rita Vasquez, a MFTI clinician, “I tell people when they’re getting to that state; it’s time to start considering placement.” Perhaps you should heed this warning if you realize that someone you assist to as a caregiver exhibits this attitude.- Deteriorating health condition:
In spite of proper treatment and attention, if your aged family member is not responding to treatment and his or her condition keep declining, it is a telltale sign that the family member needs more attention and help. If you have the time and can provide the increased help, you should go ahead with it. Otherwise, it may be advisable that you consider another option, consider assisting. That may be what the care recipient needs to overcome his or her health challenges. - Increased stress:
When discussing the psychological impact of care giving on the caregiver, The New York Times mentioned increased stress among caregivers as one of the major signs that a caregiver will experience. The implication is that you may experience increased stress that may affect you both physically and psychologically. The increased anxiety and stress may be your body’s response to anger, sleep deprivation, and resentment that has become a part of your life recently due to the excessive demand of care giving. If you have such an experience, you may consider reducing some of your responsibilities that increase your exposure to stressful conditions. One way to do that effectively is to look into assisted living. - Driving challenges:
Does the person still drive? If he or she still does, you may consider sitting behind him or her while this person is behind the wheel. That will give you an insight into his or her driving skills. Can the care recipient drive independently of other? How are his or her reflexes? Check the car too. Are there dents or nicks on it? If you see marks on the car, that may be signs of careless driving that are triggered by reduced reflexes and poor sight. These signs may call for choosing assisted living as a better alternative to living alone. - Unhealthy eating habit:
Pay attention to the patient’s eating habits also. Regardless of the impression that all is well, you may see some signs that may encourage going for assisted living. What is the condition of the cupboard? Are there expired or stale foods there? You may also see sour milk, canned foods that are way past the expiration dates, or other signs that the individual no longer has a healthy eating habit. Don’t forget to check the refrigerator also. What do you see inside? Abandoned food? Empty fridge? The existence of either of the two is an indication that the person may need assistance with food preparation. - Incidents, medical emergencies, and Close Calls:
If the dementia patient has growing incidents and medical emergencies records such as injuries, a fall, or other close calls, be on the alert. Other signs include inactivity, porous bones, stiffness in major joints, or other related health conditions; it is time you evaluate the condition of your loved one and find a solution to such incidents. Who knows, the next injury or fall may have more serious consequences than all the previous ones and may lead to sudden death or increased medical expenses. Either way, it may be advisable that you consider moving the person out and consider assisted living for a change. - Complaints of loneliness:
When a care recipient begins to complain of loneliness, the complaint shouldn’t be handled with levity. It is an SOS call that something drastic must be done to address the issue. Rather than keep waiting and expecting the situation to improve over time, a drastic measure such as subscribing to assisted living may help salvage the situation. - Depression:
Frequent bouts of depression may have serious consequences on the health of someone who has dementia or Alzheimer’s. Depression may be the result of loneliness and other factors. Depression may also trigger some other serious health problem such as sleeplessness, unnecessary and inordinate anxiety, mood swings, weight loss, and may also trigger suicidal thoughts. When such a person moves to an assisted living community, the causes of loneliness will be addressed through their social support system and other effective programs that will eliminate the problem. - Mobility issues:
Mobility issues must be acknowledged and dealt with. The inability of a loved one to move freely is a sign that the care recipient is gradually losing her freedom to live independently of others. When household chores become impossible or reduced to the barest minimum as a result of aging, Alzheimer, or dementia, you should review the independent living of the family member. A critical evaluation of his or her condition may reveal a serious health challenge that may result from the mobility issues that may prevent if you quickly change his or her residence.
Although this is a serious decision that may have a powerful impact on the loved one, an unbiased evaluation of the loved one’s condition may help you make the right decision.
Recent Comments