Joyce is one of more than 200,000 people in Ontario alone who lives with dementia. Every day she must manage her chronic disease and this has affected not only her life, but also the life of her family. When at long last she received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, she felt relief at finally understanding what was happening.By seeking out the necessary supports available to help with current and future chronic disease management, she could plan for her future.
We should remember that Joyce’s story is not unique. Every 68 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s and raising awareness about this silent, insidious disease can reassure you or someone you love that you are not alone. There is support for your family through a local Alzheimer’s society or by contacting a senior home care provider like First Class Home Care who are experienced in dealing with the initial signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s. We can help you or your loved ones to live independently as long as possible by creating a chronic disease management plan.
Joyce’s Story
In the early stages of dementia, Joyce was confused and anxious about what was happening to her. It started with memory glitches and over a period of time lead to a reduced comprehension during everyday conversations. It became difficult for her to perform simple tasks like buttoning up her sweater on a chilly morning and she forgot more than once to turn off the burner on the stove. Her family was worried when she began to withdraw from her regular social activities and hobbies. After many doctor visits, the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s was a relief to Joyce. Although a difficult diagnosis, at last she knew what she was dealing with and could take steps to plan for the years ahead.
Alzheimer’s is a family disease and the most common form of dementia, a group of disorders that impair mental functioning. If you or a loved one is in the early diagnosis stage of Alzheimer’s, First Class Home Care can help provide support and advice for your whole family. It is important to find the small enjoyments in life but, there is an adjustment period in the beginning as clients and their families shed the past and create an altered future. Finding the necessary support and considering senior home care is imperative to help establish a well-thought out and positive way to help you or a loved one live independently as long as possible. If you know what to deal with, then you can conquer your fears.
Symptoms of Early Dementia
Sometimes symptoms can appear much earlier than a diagnosis, perhaps years before. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following symptoms speaking with a healthcare provider can help you understand what is happening.
- Constant and chronic forgetfulness.
- Behaviour that is out of character.
- Unable to cope with work or social situations.
- Lack of spatial awareness.
- Unable to comprehend conversations or follow plot lines on television/movies.
- Abnormal behaviours.
- Lack of socialization.
Joyce was able to move forward once she understood what she was facing. Her family was able to have those necessary conversations regarding her current and future care. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can be devastating, but with the right senior home care in place and a team experienced in chronic disease management by your side, your family like Joyce’s family, can manage this change in your lives the best way possible.
Please join us in raising awareness of this terrible disease. If there is a concern that you or a loved one may have any of the symptoms of early dementia, contact us. You are not alone. The experienced team at First Class Home Care can help guide you through this difficult time and answer all of your questions. Take control of your health in order to live your best life possible.
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