Around the world, another 10 million people are diagnosed with dementia each year. When your parent is one of the millions diagnosed with one of the types of dementia, what do you do first? What will the future look like?
What Are the Common Types of Dementia?
There are many types of dementia, but these are the most common progressive forms.
- Alzheimer’s Disease: This can be genetic or triggered by damage to the healthy neurons within the brain.
- Frontotemporal Dementia: Caused by the deterioration of nerves and nerve pathways in the temporal and frontal lobes of the brain.
- Lewy Body Dementia: Caused by clumps of protein known as Lewy bodies.
- Mixed Dementia: Occurs when someone experiences more than one type of dementia at the same time.
- Vascular Dementia: Caused by damage to blood vessels within the brain.
What Care Is Your Dad Going to Need?
When your dad has dementia, he’s going to need someone to offer cues to ensure he gets through his daily routines. His abilities will change with the progression of the disease, so you need to be sure that you readdress his care plan often to ensure he’s getting the care he most needs through each stage.
He’ll need reminders to take his medications, eat meals, drink water, and use the toilet on time. Your dad may need help with grooming and hygiene, too. He’s not going to understand the weather or know what season it is. He needs someone to choose his outfit and help him get dressed.
Mobility issues will arise with many of the dementias, so he’s going to need caregivers to support him when he stands up from his bed or his favorite chair. He might need help getting on his feet or gaining his balance before he takes a step.
Your dad has to have someone available to cook his meals and possibly feed him if he struggles with fine motor skills. Your dad will need a caregiver to wash his dishes, tidy his kitchen, and put clean dishes away.
There may come a point where your dad constantly tries to get outside, but he can’t remember how to get home. Learning how to redirect him is essential. He’ll need supervision and company when he goes for walks or to work in his garden.
He cannot go shopping alone, and he’s likely going to need help paying at the register as he will have no understanding of the difference between a $5 and $20 bill or how to use a debit or credit card.
No matter which dementia your dad has been diagnosed with, it’s time to develop a care plan that matches his needs. Don’t overlook his need for transportation, personal care, companion care, meals, and housekeeping. Talk to an agency about home care assistance services.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s care in Fort Lee, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Applause Home Care today. Call (201) 326-8051
Applause Home Care provides independent, non-franchised quality Home Care for elders and families in and around Fort Lee, Hackensack, Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Paramus, Glen Rock, Pompton Plains, Franklin Lakes, Westwood, Montvale, and Fair Lawn, New Jersey.
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