Despite the 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and the 15 million unpaid caregivers that support them, as a nation we have allowed this disease to get the upper hand. Finding a cure is the priority, loosing this battle would be a disgrace.
As a certified dementia practitioner for Infinity Home Care, I see firsthand the stigma and negative experiences that affect family and professional relationships as well as the lack of understanding of the scope of the disease. There are still so many misconceptions about Alzheimer’s. The biases surrounding Alzheimer’s keep people from seeking or sharing their diagnosis which only tends to increase isolation and depression.
As a Medicare provider, the Infinity team has a front row seat in assisting caregivers with the resources they need to get an accurate diagnosis and support while achieving optimum health. Getting an early diagnosis allows PWAD (People with Alzheimer’s disease) to participate in their own care process, including treatment options, clinical trials, long term needs and financial & legal issues. Early diagnosis could keep people in their homes longer and reduce the cost of health care dollars for this disease.
After someone gets a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or related disease then what? Many families are on their own to find health care professionals to guide them. They speak of poor communication experiences with their health care providers, feeling lost and having to aggressively advocate for the PWAD on their own. As a profession, we need to do better. Training and education in the medical office, hospitals, ALF’s (assisted living facilities), SNF’s (skilled nursing facilities), respite and day care programs, and of course, the home should be a priority. We need to give PWAD a fighting chance. When we know better, we do better.
Treatments for Alzheimer’s disease? A woman from Red Bank, N.J. recently said to me “What treatments? This is the forgotten disease.”
The fact that there are currently no drugs or interventions available that prevent, stop or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease is mind boggling. Some prescriptions lessen symptoms, but none alter the underlying course of the disease. Every PWAD is unique, therefore, medications work differently on everyone. There is no magic bullet. Treatments to address changes in behavior such as aggression, sleep disturbances, wandering, depression and agitation are stressful for caregivers, causing early placement.
Having been a caregiver myself I try to remember what a challenge it was for me, raising a family and managing my Mom. It was so stressful dealing with someone that was confused when I myself was confused about how to help her. You struggle, you scream, you cry, you laugh, and some days you are more successful than others. Our paid and unpaid caregivers are the unsung heros in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Please reach out to those who are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s and offer to run errands, bake a casserole, stay with the PWAD so they can attend a support group. Please make this a priority and not a disgrace.
For more information on the various services offered by Infinity please call the office nearest you.
PORT CHARLOTTE 941.629.1600
FORT MYERS 239.242.0541
www.infinityhc.com