BrightStar Caregivers Help Alzheimer’s Patients Stay in Their Homes
Posted by Laura Nelson on August 1, 2010
By Megan Schaaf, BrightStar Healthcare
Megan Schaaf, BrightStar Healthcare
According to the Alzheimer’s Association (2010), there are currently “5.1 million people age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s. It’s estimated that in 2030, more than 7.7 million in this age group will have the disease (a 50% increase).” With such a large number of people facing this debilitating illness, it is no surprise that BrightStar cares for a number of clients with this disease.
BrightStar Healthcare is a wise choice for people with Alzheimer’s because caregivers’ flexible hours allow for an increase in care as the disease progresses. Additionally, because consistency and routine are highly beneficial to people with memory loss, allowing them to stay at home in an environment where they are already comfortable is very important. BrightStar caregivers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, many of which include memory care and upon hire caregivers are encouraged to participate in Alzheimer’s training.
The ten most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s are:
• Memory loss that disrupts daily life
• Challenges in planning or solving problems
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks
• Confusion with time or place
• Trouble understanding visual images
• New problems with words when speaking or writing
• Misplacing things (on a regular basis)
• Losing the ability to retrace steps
• Decreased or poor judgment, withdrawal from work or social activities
• Changes in mood or personality.
If these signs sound familiar, it is important to contact a health care provider for further assessment. Additionally, the Alzheimer’s Association also has a hotline you can call 24/7 at (800) 272-3900. The hotline can provide assistance in understanding an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, treatment options, as well as referrals to local resources.
BrightStar is a national partner of the Alzheimer’s Association and as such we care deeply about working to find a cure for Alzheimer’s. In order to work towards this goal, the Wheaton BrightStar office is participating in the annual Memory Walk in Naperville on September 26th 2010. If you are interested in joining our team or making a donation, please contact Megan Schaaf at BrightStar.
To learn more about caregivers and their availability, call Megan Schaaf at BrightStar of Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, and DuPage County, (630) 260-5300.
Tags:Health & Fitness
