Since the progression of Alzheimer’s disease is generally slow, patients living with the disease may be able to remain self-sufficient for a number of years after being diagnosed. Yet, the length of time patients may remain able to care for themselves varies dramatically from patient to patient. Eventually, almost every patient diagnosed with the disease will need some form of care or assistance.

Types of Care Giving

Patients with the disease who are still able to perform daily activities such as dressing and bathing by themselves may need only to maintain regular doctor’s visits at first to monitor the progression of the disease. They may wish to begin a course of medication such as Aricept to further relieve emerging symptoms of memory loss and to improve intellectual functioning.

Much of the time, though, people living with Alzheimer’s will need a more consistent form of care. When that time comes, patients should discuss their options with their doctors and family. There are a few different types of long-term care options available to patients depending on the severity of their condition. Patients who wish to remain at home may look into in-home services, in which a health services provider administers medications and other services from the patient’s home and leaves each day. Other patients may wish to hire a live-in caregiver.

For patients who can still interact with others, doing so is important for social skills and emotional well being. There are adult day care services in which patients with the disease can spend the day interacting with other adults with similar conditions. The next step up is basic assisted living, in which patients can also interact with others by living in a community of people with similar illnesses or disabilities. Finally, there are nursing homes, which are typically the best and easiest solution for patients with the disease who need around-the-clock care. This works best for patients who need constant monitoring or who may have become a danger to themselves or other people. Nursing homes offer qualified staff who can administer medications, book doctors’ appointments, and take care of patients who are no longer able to do so themselves.