Caught in the Middle: Local Home Health Expert Shares Five Early Warning Signs that an Aging Parent May Have Alzheimer’s - Atascocita
Caught in the Middle: Local Home Health Expert Shares Five Early Warning Signs that an Aging Parent May Have Alzheimer’s - Atascocita
Published: Aug 25, 2015, 11:00am
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They are often referred to as members of the “Sandwich Generation;”
those in their forties and fifties who are still raising their own
children, but who suddenly find themselves caring for an aging parent.
“People are living longer, and the Sandwich Generation is caught in the
middle,” said Janet Alonzo, Director of Business Development at
Continuity Care Home Health Agency. “They are taking on the role of
super caregivers, and they’re shouldering a lot more than their age
group ever had to in the past.”
Alonzo points out that these
caretakers are often finding themselves in unchartered territory.
“They’re also looking for answers in order to make sure their parents
are getting proper care. We’re there for them when their parents need
skilled in-home nursing care and rehabilitation as the result of an
injury, stroke or other condition,” said Alonzo. “Sometimes one of our
visits can start a conversation about the signs and symptoms of
Alzheimer’s that might otherwise remain undiagnosed in its earliest
stages.”
Alonzo said those suffering from high blood pressure,
high cholesterol, diabetes or obesity are at higher risk for Alzheimer’s
and other forms of dementia, and that genetics can also play a role.
She said there are five key warning signs that should prompt further
medical examination and diagnosis:
Memory loss that disrupts
daily living. The inability to recall recently learned information is
one of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s. Other signs include asking
the same question repeatedly or forgetting about important dates and
events on a regular basis.
Can’t Find the Words. A growing
struggle to express one’s own self verbally or in writing is another
common symptom. Conversations may be repetitious or come to a complete
stop.
Difficulty with Small, Familiar Tasks. Activities such as
driving a car to a once familiar location, making a pot of coffee or
balancing a checking account may become insurmountable tasks.
Losing
Track of Time or Place. Those with Alzheimer’s may suffer confusion as
to the current season or the passage of time. They may lose track of
where they are and how they got there.
Poor Judgment and
Decision-making. Those suffering from the onset of Alzheimer’s may begin
to make unusual or unwise financial decisions, such as falling prey to
unscrupulous telemarketers or spending erratically.
Alonzo
stressed that thorough physical and neurological testing is required in
order to rule out other causes before a conclusive diagnosis is made.
She said getting an early, accurate diagnosis can give “Sandwich”
caregivers the information they need to make important decisions while
their parents are still able to take part. “We can educate family
members on the beginning stages of dementia. An early diagnosis can make
all the difference in planning future care.”
Continuity Care
Home Health Agency, LLC is a family owned and operated, fully licensed
agency that is Medicare certified and JCAHO accredited, serving the
Kingwood, Humble, Spring, The Woodlands and Houston area populations
with compassion, dignity and respect. For more information on the agency
or its services, please visit www.CCareHomeHealth.com or call
281-348-2328.
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