- March 8, 2021
- injuredsenior
- Senior Injuries
Early-onset Alzheimer’s is a unique form of dementia that strikes people younger than age 65. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that about 6 million people in this country suffer from some form of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Only 5% of Alzheimer’s patients will develop symptoms before age 65. Sadly, at least 300,000 people in this country have early-onset Alzheimer’s today.
Caring For Someone With Early-Onset Alzheimer’s
If someone you love has early-onset Alzheimer’s, it’s going to be a difficult task to care for them. One piece of advice that caregivers should always follow is to never argue with someone who has dementia. Don’t argue with the patient, and go along with everything they say. Why? Well, what you say might be out of their head in ten seconds anyway. For instance, if the Alzheimer’s patient wants to go out at one in the morning, don’t argue with them. Instead, go along with it and make sure they stay safe. Most likely, the idea will be gone in a matter of minutes.
Another piece of advice for living with someone going through early-onset Alzheimer’s is to be in great shape or hire someone in excellent shape. Generally, early-onset patients are in perfect shape physically. A person with early-onset Alzheimer’s can be a mile down the road before the caregiver gets to the door to see what’s going on. When they start to go and run away from you, they’re gone. It’s going to take a lot to keep up with them. If you’re not fit, find a fit enough caregiver to keep up with your loved one.
Finding Caregiver Support On Facebook
Join a caregiver group on Facebook to exchange information with other people who are in your shoes. Being a caregiver can be lonely and isolating, especially when working with someone who has Alzheimer’s. Luckily, Facebook groups have proven to be a trusted resource for caregivers all over the world. On your favorite Facebook group, you can vent, ask questions, and help others with all their caregiving concerns.
Dementia Caregivers Support Group boasts over 15,500 members. They hope to stimulate conversation and ensure all members have a safe space for their thoughts and feelings. Another Facebook group that we recommend checking out for caregiver resources is Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers Support. This group has over 53,6000 members, and they only have one singular purpose: to be a supportive haven where dementia caregivers can share their struggles without fear of judgment or reprisal.
The Importance Of Finding Help
The spouse always thinks that they can take care of their loved one without help. The partner will believe that they don’t need to bring in specially trained people. However, the caregiver also has to take care of themselves – this is something that doesn’t get talked about enough. For instance, if you quit your job and dedicate 24/7 to taking care of your loved one, you will get burnt out in no time. Unfortunately, this can often lead to poor health conditions and even heart attacks. That’s why it will be critical to find outside help. If not full-time, then at least part-time. In-home care includes a wide range of services provided in the home rather than in a hospital or care facility. That way, your loved one with dementia will be able to stay in the house and continue their routines.
There are many different types of in-home care services. Companion services are people who offer supervision, visiting, and activities. The person can cater to your loved one’s personal preferences and needs in the home. It will bring a huge relief to the caregiver to take care of their own personal needs like self-care and other family obligations. Another form of in-home care services is personal care. Someone specializing in personal care will help bathe, dress, feed, and exercise your loved one. A specially trained dementia home care expert will help with these aspects of life at home. Plus, they have the training to handle erratic moods and behavior associated with various forms of dementia.
Overall, caring for someone with early-onset Alzheimer’s is going to be a challenging and arduous journey. Luckily, there are loads of ways to find support virtually through Facebook. As a caregiver, you need to take care of yourself. One way to do that is by hiring someone to help with supervision and other needs. For other tips and resources, follow The National Injured Senior Law Center on Facebook.