Giving In-Home Care To Those With Alzheimer’s Disease
description
Transcript of Giving In-Home Care To Those With Alzheimer’s Disease
Giving In-Home Care To Those With
Alzheimer’s Disease
Jan Johnston, Ph.D.Gerontology State Specialist
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
Oklahoma State University July 2009
Part 1: Alzheimer’s Disease
Background Information
Alzheimer’s & Dementia
What’s the Difference?
What is Alzheimer’s Disease
• Alzheimer’s is a brain disease
• It slowly destroys brain cells
• It affects many aspects of a
person’s life and well-being
More About Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
• Often called a “family disease”
• Not a normal process of aging
• A major public health problem
Three Stages of AD• Early Stage: 2-4 years (average or
longer)
• Middle Stage: 2-10 years (average or longer)
• Late Stage: 1-3 years (average or longer)
How/Why Does AD Develop?
• No one knows the exact causes … Yet
• Medical scientists are hard at work to determine how to prevent the disease
The Numbers of AD
• 5.2 million Americans
• Every 70 seconds
• 9.9 Million Unpaid Caregivers
• $148 Billion Annual Costs
Incidence of AD in OK
• Estimated 70,000 Oklahomans in 2009
• Increased by 220% in the last 10 years
• By 2025, the number is expected to increase unless we discover how to prevent the disease from starting
The Rural OK Caregiver
• 68 of 77 OK counties are rural
• Access to care can be more difficult
• Obstacles: Distance to and lack of local support for AD services & providers
Part 2: Alzheimer’s Disease
and In-Home Safety
Home Safety
Look at home and yard with new eyes
• Safe environments reduce accidents
• Safe environments promote comfort
and security
Home Safety Tips
• Less is Better: Clear all clutter
• Don’t move favorite things
• Increase the light in rooms
• Remove or secure all throw rugs
More Home Safety Tips
• Use childproof latches on cabinets
• Keep all dangerous items out of reach
• Be alert to kitchen safety issues
Part 3:
How to Be An Effective Caregiver
Who is Giving Care?
• Who is the #1 person who provides care to those with Alzheimer's?
• Who is the #2 person who provides care to those with Alzheimer’s?
• What are the some of the challenges each might face with the additional responsibilities of providing care?
Who is Giving Care? #1: Spouses: Older; Often with own health issues #2: Daughters: “Sandwich” Generation
Others Include:
Sons:
Son/Daughter In-Laws:
Siblings: Earlier conflicts can flare
Grandchildren:
Prepare to CareGet Educated
•Recognize warning signs
•Know the myths
•Become aware of risk factors
Prepare to CareTaking Care of Self
• Join a support group or start one
• Build a Support Network
• Maintain regular checkups
• Use Respite Services
• Engage in hobbies
Caregiver Reminders
• Without support, there is increased caregiver risk
• Accept help from others
• Develop a daily plan
Caregiver Challenges
• Life can be Unpredictable
• The role of the caregiver will change
• Must deal with loss along with other demands
Symptoms of Caregiver Stress
• Denial
• Anger
• Depression
• Increasing Health Problems
Reaching Out:
• Extended Community Helpers
• Home Health Services
• Residential Care
Oklahoma Alzheimer’s Resource
Alzheimer’s Association: OK chapter1-800-272-3900 (24/7)
www.alz.org/alzokar
Oklahoma Caregiving Resources
• OK Respite Resource Network (ORRN)
1-800-426-2747
http://oasis.ouhsc.edu/
• Respite Voucher Program
1-888-771-4550 (Application)
Oklahoma Caregiving Resources
Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
11 Planning & Service Areas in OK Senior Info-Line: 1-800-211-2116 OK Dept of Human Services
National Alzheimer’s Resources
Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral (ADEAR) Center
1-800-438-4380
www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/
ReferencesAlzheimer’s Association. 2009. 2009 Alzheimer’s facts and figures. Retrieved May 2, 2009 from http://www.alz.org/alzokar/
Alzheimer’s Association. Coach Broyles’ playbook for Alzheimer’s caregivers: A practical tips guide.
Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral Center. National Institute on Aging (undated) Fact Sheet. Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral Center. National Institute on Aging (undated) Home safety: For people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral Center. National Institute on Aging (undated) Alzheimer’s disease: Unraveling the mystery
Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral Center. National Institute on Aging (undated) Caregiver guide: Tips for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease.