Giving In-Home Care To Those With Alzheimer

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Giving In-Home Care To Those With
Alzheimers Disease
Jan Johnston, Ph.D. Gerontology State
Specialist Oklahoma Cooperative Extension
Service Oklahoma State University July 2009
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Part 1 Alzheimers Disease

• Background Information

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Alzheimers Dementia

• Whats the Difference?

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What is Alzheimers Disease

• Alzheimers is a brain disease
• It slowly destroys brain cells
• It affects many aspects of a persons life and
  well-being

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• More About Alzheimers Disease (AD)
• Often called a family disease
• Not a normal process of aging
• A major public health problem

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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)

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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

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The Numbers of AD

• 5.2 million Americans
• Every 70 seconds
• 9.9 Million Unpaid Caregivers
• 148 Billion Annual Costs

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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

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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

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Part 2 Alzheimers Disease and In-Home
Safety
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Home Safety

• Look at home and yard with new eyes
• Safe environments reduce accidents
• Safe environments promote comfort and security

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Home Safety Tips

• Less is Better Clear all clutter
• Dont move favorite things
• Increase the light in rooms
• Remove or secure all throw rugs

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More Home Safety Tips

• Use childproof latches on cabinets
• Keep all dangerous items out of reach
• Be alert to kitchen safety issues

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Part 3How to Be An Effective Caregiver
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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 Alzheimers?
• What are the some of the challenges each might
  face with the additional responsibilities of
  providing care?

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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

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Prepare to CareGet Educated

• Recognize warning signs
• Know the myths
• Become aware of risk factors

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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

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Caregiver Reminders

• Without support, there is increased caregiver
  risk
• Accept help from others
• Develop a daily plan

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Caregiver Challenges

• Life can be Unpredictable
• The role of the caregiver will change
• Must deal with loss along with other demands

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Symptoms of Caregiver Stress

• Denial
• Anger
• Depression
• Increasing Health Problems

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Reaching Out

• Extended Community Helpers
• Home Health Services
• Residential Care

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Oklahoma Alzheimers Resource

• Alzheimers Association OK chapter
• 1-800-272-3900 (24/7)
• www.alz.org/alzokar

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Oklahoma Caregiving Resources

• OK Respite Resource Network (ORRN)
• 1-800-426-2747
• http//oasis.ouhsc.edu/
• Respite Voucher Program
• 1-888-771-4550 (Application)

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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

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National Alzheimers Resources

• Alzheimers Disease Education Referral (ADEAR)
  Center
• 1-800-438-4380
• www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/

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References

• Alzheimers Association. 2009. 2009 Alzheimers
  facts and figures. Retrieved May 2, 2009 from
  http//www.alz.org/alzokar/
• Alzheimers Association. Coach Broyles playbook
  for Alzheimers caregivers A practical tips
  guide.
• Alzheimers Disease Education Referral Center.
  National Institute on Aging (undated) Fact Sheet.
  Alzheimers Disease
• Alzheimers Disease Education Referral Center.
  National Institute on Aging (undated) Home
  safety For people with Alzheimers disease.
• Alzheimers Disease Education Referral Center.
  National Institute on Aging (undated) Alzheimers
  disease Unraveling the mystery
• Alzheimers Disease Education Referral Center.
  National Institute on Aging (undated) Caregiver
  guide Tips for caregivers of people with
  Alzheimers disease.