On June 20th of this year, we will experience the longest day of Earth’s current trip around the sun. Known as the summer solstice, this is the day of the year in which we will all be able to bask in the sunlight for longer than any other.
Alzheimer’s organizations and support networks everywhere celebrate this longest day of our year for the added brightness that we work to provide for our patients every day. As we at Affinity Care Hospice honor the longest day, we honor those who are fighting this disease, just as we recognize the need to help them through this time with the dignity that they deserve.
What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and cognition, and reduces the function of fine and gross motor skills.
Alzheimer’s can be a fearful process for many. Our team at Affinity Care Hospice puts great care and understanding to patients by providing quality, compassionate care, so that you may rest easy knowing your loved one is supported through this journey.
Alzheimer’s is often dubbed “the long goodbye,” and the disease progression includes symptoms such as:
- Difficulty naming or recognizing very familiar loved ones
- Inability to independently dress, groom, perform chores, or maintain proper hygiene
- Reduced mobility
- Disrupted sleep or changing sleeping patterns
- Bladder and bowel control incontinence
- Personality and behavioral changes, including paranoia and delusions
How Can We Best Support and Honor Loved Ones Suffering from Alzheimer’s?
Families and friends may sometimes put off turning to outside resources like care organizations when a loved one is diagnosed with or begins showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s. This is often well-intentioned and meant to keep those suffering from the disease surrounded by loved ones for as long as possible. With Alzheimer’s, however, it is best to turn to professionals without delay to ensure the best quality of life.
Time is of the essence when a loved one begins to suffer the symptoms of Alzhiemer’s, and bringing professionals on board as quickly as possible is beneficial because:
- The introduction of added care early on helps familiarize the patient with a routine
- Routine is essential to quality of life
- Care can help recognize small changes sooner, which helps with adaptability
- Care can help lead the emotional, spiritual, and physical support through the transition time for these patients
What Types of Care Organizations Can Help My Loved One Suffering from Alzheimer’s?
When loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s need a professional yet caring touch, there are several different types of care organizations that can provide that needed support.
Private Duty or Home Health
Often known as in-home care, private duty aids are present in the home. These aides provide personal and dedicated care to assist your loved ones with tasks that may have become (or are becoming) difficult or impossible to manage on their own. These can be everyday essential tasks such as bathing, dressing, or eating, and they can help in visiting family members or helping to keep the home in good order.
Palliative Care
While private duty or home health aides are there to assist with tasks as they become difficult for your loved ones, palliative care experts have specialized training to aid both Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers.
Alzheimer’s is called “the long goodbye” because your loved one is still present, but often can no longer interact or communicate with you in the same way. Palliative care experts can offer specific recommendations based on disease progression, a prognosis for what to expect, and help the caregivers best know how to support their loved ones.
Hospice
Hospice care focuses on caring, not curing, and is often provided in the patient’s home. Emotional and spiritual support is expressly tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes, and support is provided for the patient’s loved ones as well. At the center of hospice and palliative care is the belief that each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity, and that our families will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so.
As we draw closer to this year’s longest day, please join our team at Affinity Care Hospice and Alzheimer’s support groups everywhere in celebrating the brightness that we can and do add to our patients’ lives every day.
Affinity Care Hospice is a nationally recognized provider of compassionate hospice and palliative care, served by teams of local caring professionals whose mission is to provide comfort to seriously ill patients and their families.
