Caring For A Loved One With Late Stage Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer's Association has some excellent suggestions for caring for a loved one or client with late stage Alzheimers or a related dementia.

Here is some additional information courtesy of Brian Willie
click here for legal issues and Alzheimers

The late stages of Alzheimer's can last anywhere from several weeks
to several years. This period, which can be incredibly hard on
both the patient and their caregiver, usually requires
around-the-clock supervision and assistance. It's important to
focus on preserving the quality of life and dignity of a person
with Alzheimer's, even if he or she is unable to communicate with
others and tell them what they need.

People with late-stage Alzheimer's often become bedridden or
chair-bound. This inability to move can cause skin breakdown,
pressure sores and joint freezing. To relieve the body pressure
and improve skin moisture, change your loved ones position at least
every two hours. Make sure they're comfortable and use pillows and
soft blankets to support them. To make sure his or her joints to
freeze, move the arms and legs two or three times a day and ask
their doctor about different exercises that may be useful in
keeping their bodies as active as possible.

It is often difficult for people with late-stage Alzheimer's to
eat, mainly because they've forgotten how to chew and swallow and
could end up choking. Choose soft foods that can be swallowed
easily and make liquids a little thicker, by adding cornstarch or
unflavored gelatin, so they're easier to drink. If your loved one
only eats certain foods and is not getting necessary nutrition, add
supplements to his or her beverages. Allow plenty of time for
eating and make sure they remain in an upright position for at
least 30 minutes after mealtimes to ensure proper digestion.

To prevent infections, keep your loved ones teeth and mouth clean
and tend to cuts and scrapes immediately. Since they're already
sick, people with late-stage Alzheimer's can get infections or
viruses incredibly easily and are often too weak to find it off.
Make sure they get their flu shots every year and take all
necessary medications on a daily basis.

Since your loved one may be unable to communicate pains or illness
they're feeling, learn to recognize their signs so you can keep
them as comfortable as possible. Look for physical signs of pain,
such as pale or flushed skin tones, dry gums, mouth sores or
swelling in any part of the body. Keep track of any gestures that
your loved one may make to indicate discomfort and watch for
changes in behavior. Though it may be difficult to communicate
with your loved one, it's important to remain diligent in your care
so they maintain a high quality of comfort.

Here are some more informative links

Alzheimer's Association

Dementia Care Central

Here is a link to hospice

More information on hospice care or referrals for those with Alzheimer's disease or dementia in an upcoming post.

Certainly it is something to consider if your loved one or client has late stage Alzheimers or another dementia

Early diagnosis lets patients look Alzheimer's square in the face

The story of Florence and others with an early diagnosis of Alzheimers

Obviously an intelligent woman realizing that facing Alzheimers head on is the right thing to do. So many with Alzheimers try to hide the problem until it is too late.

Esrly diagnosis of Alzheimers means early treatment which can mean a higher quality of life longer

Lets see part of Florence's story
by Angela Stewart/The Star-Ledger
Sunday July 06, 2008, 8:08 AM
Florence Oppenheimer mentioned to her doctor during a routine checkup that she was having difficulty remembering things.

"I was very annoyed," said the 72-year-old Lakewood resident. "I would pick up something and read it and have no memory of what I read."

Her doctor didn't hold back. He said it sounded like she might be in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Once Oppenheimer got over the initial shock, she decided there was little time to waste feeling sorry for herself. She immediately contacted a neurologist, who began tests. And she reached out to Alzheimer's organizations, gathering information and resources.

"I thought they could help and they did," she said. "They sent me a whole bunch of literature and recommended things I should do, like getting a power of attorney."

Two years later, Oppenheimer continues to live a fulfilling life even though she suffers from a degenerative brain disease
click here to read the whole story

Thank you Florence ans Angela for sharing your story

Top Medicaid Myths

Medicaid was considered a complicated program when President Lyndon B. Johnson first signed it into law at the Truman Library inIndependence, Missouri, and it has grown even more complex duringeach of the thirty years since.

Although it is a national program, it is administered by each state. The rules and regulations are constantly changing and canvary widely from state to state. So, it's no wonder there are many myths and inaccuracies surrounding the program.

This month, we are taking a look at the common misconceptions we hear frequently about Medicaid.

"My mother heard about someone who..."

All too often, we meet people who have heard horror stories about Medicaid from well-meaning friends or family members. These stories are often filled with inaccuracies and half-truths that frighten people into spending every last dime on nursing home carefor themselves or a loved one before turning to Medicaid for help.

Similar stories have also prompted people to assume that what worked for a friend will work for them as well. So, they may give their house or all of their assets to a child in hopes that impoverishing themselves will immediately qualify them for benefits. Unfortunately, they soon find out that these transfers mean they are unable to receive benefits for several months or even years after the money is gone.

That's why it is important to contact an attorney who concentrates his or her practice in elder law. With a clear picture of your specific situation, an elder law attorney can explain those laws that should allow an individual or married couple to preserve their house and enough of their assets to live comfortably for the rest of their lives.

"My father is already in the nursing home so there's nothing we can do now."

It's true that a family can wait longer than they should to contact an elder law attorney but it's rarely ever too late to establish a good plan. A good rule of thumb is that the earlier a plan is put in place, the more assets can be preserved.

So, when is the right time to call an elder law attorney? You should pick up the phone right now if you or a loved one does not have a Power of Attorney in place for financial and health care decisions. It's important these documents are put in place before a gradual or sudden decline in mental competency occurs. It's also important to make sure the financial Power of Attorney contains the right language so Medicaid planning is possible.

You should also call right now if you think that nursing home care will be needed by a loved one. This may be due to a diagnosis of a terminal or debilitating illness, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or ALS. It may also be that your loved one is being discharged from the hospital and told he or she will be unable tocare for themselves at home. All of these situations should be reviewed by an elder law attorney to determine what type of planning can be done.

"The Medicaid office can just give me the paperwork."

Those who work in the Medicaid office cannot offer you legal advice. You may not learn about laws that may allow you to receive Medicaid and still keep part or all of your spouse's income as wellas your own. Nor can they represent you or give you advice on the laws that, depending on your specific situation, may allow you tokeep all of your assets without spending down a single penny. Medicaid has rules and regulations in place to ensure families don't lose everything to nursing home costs. An elder law attorney can explain how those laws may benefit you and your family.

Brian Willie is an Elder Law Attorney in California and Texas, and is a frequent author and speaker on the topic. He is the founder of the Alzheimer's Legal Resource Center. For more information visit: http://www.alrconline.com

Thank you to all caring for those with Alzheimers and related dementias this July 4th and beyond

Author and Alzheimers healthcare professional, Susan Berg wants to take this opportunity to thank you for all you do everyday to enrich the lives of an Alzheimers person.

Berg has shared some ideas that may make your Independence Day more enjoyable.

Click here to discover what they are.

Here are a couple of them that are easy, fun, and failure free

8. Have a picnic perhaps using the ideas from your plans. If the person with dementia does not want to go outside, no problem, have the picnic inside.

7. Go to the beach or the park. Go at off times to avoid the crowd. You can always go on different day. Again if you fear a negative reaction to going to the beach, bring the beach to your home. Get some sand, sea shells and other beach paraphernalia

6 Have a small get together at home. Hire or have someone to assist the Alzheimers person

Also feel free to comment on your 4th of July activities with Alzheimers folks

Thanks again

People With Dementia Should Avoid Certain Drugs

By Jeanine Kendle
The elderly with dementia generally tolerate drugs more poorly than healthy older individuals. Increased sensitivity to certain side effects, difficulty following drug regimens and decreased ability to recognize and report adverse events are common reasons.
The elderly with dementia also are susceptible to develop drug- induced cognitive impairment (loss of the ability to reason) than other healthy adults.
Medications with strong anticholinergic side effects, such as antihistamines that cause drowsiness, are well known for causing acute cognitive impairment in individuals with dementia. Anticholinergic-like effects, such as urinary retention and dry mouth, also have been identified in drugs not typically associated with major AC side effects such as narcotics (powerful pain relievers) and benzodiazepines (generally used as tranquilizers or for sleep).
These drugs also are important causes of acute confusional episodes. The factors that may determine whether a patient will develop cognitive impairment when exposed to ACs include:
1. the number of AC drugs and the doses of the drugs used;
2. baseline cognitive function (determines susceptibility);
3. the individual's response to medications (sensitivity and metabolic processing as determined by their liver and kidney function status).
click here to see all the drugs to avoid

Exonhit says EHT 0202 could be 'major therapeutic breakthrough' in Alzheimer's and other dementias

PARIS (Thomson Financial) - ExonHit Therapeutics' EHT 0202 compound could be a 'major therapeutic breakthrough' in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, the company said.
In a preview of a presentation to be given at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease in Chicago from July 26 to 31, ExonHit said it is developing two proprietary programmes in Alzheimer's disease.
EHT 0202, currently in phase II of clinical trials, is based on a mechanism to redirect the processing of APP (Amyloid Precursor Protein), which is pivotal in the evolution of Alzheimer's disease, the company said.
The second programme, EHT 206, is in pre-clinical stage and focuses on the development of chemical entities aiming at inhibiting the formation of senile plaques, largely composed of aggregated beta amyloid peptides, the company said.
These plaques play a major role in the loss of cognitive functions in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease, it said.

for more about this click here

More info click here

Home Safety for People with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias

When caring for an individual suffering from Alzheimer's or a related dementia, it's
important to make sure they're in a safe and supportive environment
where their needs are met and the chance of injury is low.
Creating a home that meets the dementia person's needs will not only make their
lives easier, but yours as well.

People with Alzheimer's or a related dementia often engage in wandering behavior so limit their access to the outdoors and dangerous areas inside the home.
Cover doors and locks with cloth or paint to disguise them and
install deadbolts high or low on exterior doors to make it
difficult for your loved one to wander outside. Remove locks in
bathrooms and bedrooms to ensure that he or she does not lock
themselves inside where you have no access to them. To protect
your loved one from dangerous appliances and household cleaners,
install child-proof locks and door knob covers.

As Alzheimer's progresses, vision changes and patients may not be
able to distinguish colors or be able to understand what they are
seeing. To ensure the maximum amount of visibility for your loved
one, diffuse glare and bright lights by removing any mirrors or
furniture with glass tops from the home. Put shades or blinds on
the windows and add extra lighting to entryways, stairways,
bathrooms and hallways. At night, place nightlights throughout the
home to ensure they can see if they need to get up and use the
bathroom.

Daily activities that were once familiar may become more difficult
for your loved one to do safely. Keep an eye on the temperature of
his or her food and drink because they may not be able to
distinguish the difference themselves. Install walk-in showers and
grab bars in the bathroom to allow them to move around safely and
independently. If you have rugs resting on wooden, linoleum or
tiled floors, make sure they're kept in place with adhesive to
prevent falls.

Because a person with Alzheimer's or another dementia, may not always be able to tell
the difference between fresh and rotten food, clean out your
refrigerator on a regular basis so they don't eat something that
will make them sick. Remove the knobs from your kitchen stove
burners to prevent fires and eliminate all electrical appliances
from your bathroom to reduce the risk of electrical shock. Though
these precautions may seem unnecessary and extreme, keep in mind
that an individual with Alzheimer's can forget why certain things
shouldn't be done and what is considered dangerous.

For more information click here
or click here