Senior Housing

Getting to Know the Best Doctors for Memory Care

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The world is aging and so are its people. But while aging is all but a part of life, the effect the illness has on memory that afflicts millions of aging individuals is anything but normal.

 

According to the World Health Organization, at least 50 million people around the world are suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease takes up about 70% of that number. WHO further clarifies: “Although dementia mainly affects older people, it is not a normal part of aging.”

 

Dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases have baffled experts for many years. But while the cure for these progressive conditions is still underway, memory care assisted living has helped patients function independently while dealing with memory loss and the other effects of these conditions. But for people who are just starting to experience the symptoms of dementia, here are the best doctors to go to for memory care:

 

A primary care physician

 

In most cases, the first person you’d like to see is your primary care physician, and this is no different from dementia. Once you start to notice any changes in cognition, it’s very important to seek consultation from your primary care physician right away so he can guide you through the rest of the treatment process.

 

A neurologist

 

Once you visit your PCP, several tests will be performed to make sure that what you’re experiencing are signs and symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s. At the end of these tests will be results that could lead to a diagnosis.

 

But in a lot of instances, a primary care physician would refer you to a neurologist or cognitive specialist for further testing and proper diagnosis, especially when test results are not that clear cut.

 

A psychologist

 

More than the physical symptoms, it is the psychological and emotional symptoms that will put more weight into your diagnosis. This is when it counts to have a social worker or psychologist to help you with counseling and support as you settle in to this new normal in your life.

 

If you need to move to memory care assisted living, the adjustment may seem difficult. But with the help of these professionals, you will be able to cope with the changes while keeping a positive mindset.

A physical therapist and nutritionist

 

A healthy lifestyle is one of the most important factors in memory care assisted living. Studies have shown that lifestyle changes could contribute to slowing the progression of the disease, so this is when having a nutritionist and physical therapist becomes beneficial.

 

These professionals will be able to help you make the right changes in your habits while making sure that you are safe.

 

At the end of the day, being diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s and moving to a memory care assisted living facility is no easy journey. But with the right team by your side, you can guarantee the best outcomes from your disease.

 

After all, it’s about making the most out of your life and not letting dementia or any other health condition stop you from enjoying what life has to offer.

 

Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper

Senior Housing

A Different Perspective: What It’s Like to Work in Facilities for Alzheimer’s

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Alzheimer’s disease is slowly and surely taking away the memories and eventually, the lives of millions of people around the world. In America alone, more than 5 million people are already living with progressive disease and that number is set to reach 14 million by 2050. But while there has been a lot of discussion about the disease and its patients, little has been said about the people who work in an Alzheimer’s facility.

 

From a nurse’s perspective, caring for a patient with Alzheimer’s disease is more than just a 9 to 5 job. In fact, money comes second because working in facilities for Alzheimer’s means that you need to be truly committed to caring for your patients and giving them the best quality of life while they deal with this debilitating and progressive disease.

 

What does a day in the job look like?

 

The job of a nurse caring for an Alzheimer’s patient is unique in the sense that it’s not just about making sure medications are taken on time and vital signs are monitored.

 

It is your goal to make sure that your patient has a safe and caring environment where they can live a good life even as their disease progresses. You assist your patients with their needs and make sure healthcare requirements are met while still giving them as much independence as possible.

 

What are the biggest challenges of the job?

 

Facilities for Alzheimer’s are unique and challenging at the same time. Patients with Alzheimer’s deal with changes in their daily life skills and behaviors, and you also need to consider their age, which makes everything a challenging process.

 

But with the right techniques and skills, you can always provide person-centered care that allows the patient to live a normal life despite battling with Alzheimer’s disease.

 

What are the biggest benefits of the job?

 

As tiring as being a nurse in an Alzheimer’s care facility is, nothing is more rewarding than knowing that your patient is happy. A lot of nurses feel so much joy seeing a patient who hasn’t smiled or talked to anyone open up to them and feel that connection with them.

 

While taking care of the elderly demands more patience, hard work, and perseverance, they are also some of the most caring people you’ll know and they always make sure to let you know that your efforts are highly appreciated.

 

The takeaway

 

Nurses who work in facilities for Alzheimer’s are not just your regular professionals. Caring for a special group of individuals who are dealing with such a huge and debilitating disease is not an easy task. In fact, only a few committed professionals can last the job.

 

But more than the specialized training and set of skills, it’s the passion for the job that will keep nurses motivated to make sure that their patients get the best quality of life as they go through the unique journey with Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper