Dementia is a progressive disease, and as such, the care plan for an individual with dementia will look very different from the early stage to the late stages. This progression also affects planning for the future in different ways, says Erica Labb, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford.
“There are three general stages of dementia: early, middle and late,” says Erica. “Many individuals are diagnosed with dementia when they are in the middle stages of the disease, which is when it’s very obvious that something is wrong with Mom or Dad. This requires a certain level of care and planning. On the other hand, some individuals are diagnosed while they are still in the early stages, which requires a different approach to caring and planning for the future.”
No matter what stage of dementia your loved one is in, says Erica, it’s important to educate yourself on what specific types of care is needed, and what you and your loved ones can do to plan for the future.
“Although you can’t stop the progression of dementia, you can plan for the future in order to give your loved one and yourself the best possible quality of life and peace of mind,” says Erica. “That is a true gift, and one that allows you and your loved one to focus on the present and enjoy every moment remaining.”
Early Stage of Dementia
In the early stages of a dementia like Alzheimer’s, the senior and their loved one may not recognize that anything is wrong, per se. Oftentimes the symptoms are subtle and can be attributed to other causes: forgetting familiar words or names, not remembering how to get to a familiar location, having difficulty locating everyday objects. Eventually, if these symptoms persist and are noticed, the individual may be checked by a physician and given a diagnosis of dementia after specific tests.
Although the diagnosis of dementia is very hard to hear, particularly when the individual is still active, healthy and capable of remembering and retaining things, it’s actually a boon to receive the diagnosis as early as possible. Many of the drugs and treatments currently available are the most effective when dementia is in the early stages. Because the individual is still in control of their mental facilities, they are able to take a primary, active role in setting up plans for their future, which can ease the transition when decisions have to be made down the road.
Caring for someone in the early stages of dementia is not an extensive task. Your loved one may still be able to drive, work, attend social functions and do the things he or she would normally do. You might need to help him or her out occasionally during the day, helping find misplaced items, taking over tasks like balancing the checkbook or paying bills and the like.
Planning for the future during the early stage means taking a look at what’s to come down the road and putting the pieces in place to make transitions as smooth as possible. During this time, it’s important to stay on top of health and wellness and focus energy on people and activities that are meaningful to them. It’s also the best time to put legal, financial and end-of-life plans in place, since your loved one will be able to fully participate in decision-making and you can ensure their wishes are followed when they can no longer make the decision for themselves. This is also a time to determine at what point the senior should make the move to a memory care community.
Middle Stage of Dementia
The middle stage of dementia is generally the longest. This is when symptoms of dementia become more pronounced and the individual with the disease requires regular care – he or she will become unable to live on their own. As the disease progresses, the person will have severe memory issues, difficulty expressing their thoughts and be unable to perform routine tasks without assistance.
Caring for someone in the middle stages of dementia will require a lot of energy and effort. While he or she will still be able to participate in daily activities (although they will need assistance), they will need help with some aspects of daily living, like bathing or getting dressed. He or she will need to have a live-in caregiver in order for them to live safely. Oftentimes this is a family member, although some individuals will choose to hire home care assistants. This is also the phase when many individuals move into a memory care community because their care needs are becoming increasingly great.
Planning for the future during the middle stages means determining how best your loved one can be cared for. Because of the increased needs of your loved one, moving them to a memory care community is usually the best decision for them – and for you. Eventually, your loved one will require around-the-clock specialized care. If you haven’t already done so, be sure that all legal and financial documents are up-todate as well.
Late Stage of Dementia
When an individual has moved to the late stage of dementia, he or she eventually loses the ability to respond to their environment, communicate verbally and even control movement. They will be unable to recognize their loved ones and require around-the-clock care in order to ensure their well-being. Eventually, the individual will pass away due to the complications of dementia.
Caring during this stage is extensive and best provided by a professional care team. It can include licensed nurses, hospice nurses, therapists and social workers. This is a very emotionally charged time for the family, but it is important to remember that your loved one is still there and still can hear your voice and feel your touch. Even if he or she doesn’t respond, they can feel the love you have for them.
Planning during this stage means making sure your loved one’s passing is peaceful and tranquil. You will also want to plan for care for you and your family after your senior loved one with dementia has passed on. Hospice providers and memory care providers understand this final phase of the dementia journey and have programs and resources for family members to help them grieve and find their new path.
Comprehensive Memory Care
Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford delivers highly specialized memory care assisted living for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our resident-centered approach focuses on providing dignity, purpose and moments of joy in daily life for those in all stages of the disease. We offer a wellness-focused lifestyle that centers around a resident’s current skills and abilities, not those that have been lost to dementia.
Life-Enriching Programs
Our team members take an active role in getting to know each resident on a personal level to deliver programming that is meaningful to them. We account for the preferences, interests, needs and abilities of our residents to connect with them and encourage their involvement in daily life and boost self-esteem.
Warm, Residential Atmosphere
Featuring a stunning residential design, every inch of our community has been designed to benefit those with memory loss. Attributes such as soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel comfortable, safe and at home.
Contact us today to learn more.