Geriatric Care Management: Dementia, Memory Loss & Alzheimer's Care

Q&A:

Dementia, Memory Loss, Alzheimer’s Care

Overview

Caring for someone with a progressive illness that causes memory loss is often scary, frustrating and challenging. It is painful for family and friends to watch as loved ones change. Eldercare Services specializes in family counseling, providing companions, and long-term care for those facing these issues. Our Care Managers act as guides, assisting the family with each transition and empowering them with the tools necessary along the dementia journey.

More than 13% of adults over 65, and nearly 50% of those over 85, have Alzheimer's disease or related disorders. Alzheimer’s affects not only short-term memory, but all areas of brain function. As it advances, brain tissue deteriorates. However, not all memory loss is Alzheimer's disease. There are other types of progressive dementia. Some other conditions causing memory loss may be reversible. The three most common treatable conditions are depression, infection and nutritional deficiency (including dehydration). Situational depression or hormonal changes can also cause memory loss.

How Eldercare Services Can Help

The first step is an evaluation of mental status, performed by a Professional Geriatric Care Manager. Also, an early comprehensive medical evaluation may be needed to rule out reversible causes or to manage true dementias for any individual experiencing short-term memory loss.

Other prevalent dementias are: Lewy Body, multi-infarct, vascular and frontotemporal. Each type of progressive dementia has hallmarks and behaviors separate from the others. Each requires expert medical oversight as well as assistance from specialists skilled in behavioral interventions such as a Professional Geriatric Care Manager. For example, how you approach someone with a frontal lobe dementia might be quite different from someone who has an Alzheimer’s dementia.

A Care Manager serves as the family’s guide as the individual moves through the stages of dementia, helping the family with behavioral and communication techniques, as well as providing options of care, emotional support and resources. The Care Manager will also team with the direct care providers in making life as peaceful and anxiety free as possible.

Those with a progressive dementia often have difficulty accepting the losses they experience. Families are typically unprepared for the resultant behaviors, so we offer a series of classes designed to empower adult children of aging parents and spousal caregivers with the tools they will need. All Eldercare Services’ classes are taught by Professional Geriatric Care Managers with many years experience in Alzheimer’s and related dementia care.

To obtain a copy of our “Do’s & Don’ts in Communicating with Someone with a Dementia” or to register and attend one of our classes call our office at (866) 760-1808.