If you have an elder loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, or some other form of dementia, you probably already know how difficult managing these conditions can be. There are two extremely important facts that you need to always keep in mind while caring for your loved one. The first is that Alzheimer’s presents different symptoms in every person, so that no two Alzheimer’s patients will have exactly the same experience. The other fact is that your loved one’s life is not over. Many patients are able to live largely normal lives with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, with the proper care and medical management. Your loved one’ physician will be a very important part of his or her life.
Many Alzheimer’s patients will need to be placed in nursing homes, however many will be able to remain at home with an in-home caregiver. Like other elders who require outside care, it is important that you educate yourself on what you may be able to expect as your loved one works through his or her medical issues. The more you know about the condition, the more you can help your family member adjust to his or her twilight years, and the less stressful you may find the transition yourself. Also with education comes awareness of the warning signs of abuse and neglect. As the people who cared for you in your childhood reach the age where they need care themselves, you may need to be their advocate if you suspect mistreatment.
There are many resources available to the families of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. One of the most important resources may be an experienced elder abuse attorney. An attorney who has worked with elder care can direct you to the resources you need, and help you navigate the legal system should any suspicions of mistreatment be confirmed. Colorado elder abuse attorney Rhett Meyer has worked with the elderly and nursing homes for many years, and can point you to the resources you need from finding caregivers or nursing home placement, to recognizing signs of abuse, to reporting and following up on those suspicions. For more information and a free consultation, contact Rhett at (303)444-1618.
