Alzheimers and
Other Dementia-Related Services
What
is it and what services are there for it?
Dementia describes a set of symptoms that include memory loss,
confusion, and difficulty with language, learning, thinking,
reasoning and judgment. Alzheimer's disease is one cause of
dementia; there are other causes as well. Determining the cause
is key to knowing whether the dementia is reversible. Usually
those dementias due to brain disease, like Alzheimer's, are
not; they are progressive and eventually interfere with all
aspects of daily living. Elders and family caregivers should
know about the following services available in the community.
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Diagnosis:
Because dementia symptoms may indicate an untreated and reversible
medical or emotional problem, it is critical first to get an evaluation.
There are a number of diagnostic services usually connected with
hospitals in their memory, geriatric or neurology clinics.
Education:
Families and other caregivers need to learn how to manage the behavioral
and functional effects of progressive dementias. Community agencies
offer both people to talk with as well as written material on the
subject.
Respite:
Refers to community services available to families who may need
relief from caregiving. Respite services may be adult day health
programs, companions, homemakers or home health aides.
Legal:
Matters need attending to when a person has been diagnosed with
a progressive dementia. They may include health care proxy, wills,
power of attorney, guardianship, etc.
Placements:
May become necessary in the later stages of a progressive dementia
for the health and safety of the elder. The placement may be either
an assisted living or nursing facility that has a special unit for
dementia residents.
Who
pays for the service?
Diagnostic services are usually paid by Medicare, Medicaid and medigap
insurance. Education is almost always free from community agencies
to individual elders and their families. Respite care, such as home
health aides, may be reimbursed by health insurance and state-funded
Home Care Corporations may help pay for certain services for eligible
elders. Legal assistance is generally through attorneys in private
practice and long-term placement may be paid by Medicaid, long-term
care insurance or private pay.
What
is the average costs for the service?
See sections of Legal, Day Care and Housing Nursing Facilities.
Why
is it important to know about these services?
More than any other problem associated with aging, dementia impacts
the total family. The emotional stress as well as physical involvement
by caregivers can be overwhelming. It is important for caregivers
to learn how to deal with dementia as well as access community resources.
What
should the consumer consider in selecting
a provider?
In general, when selecting a provider for any one of these services,
it is important that the provider be specialized in dealing with
dementia patient. This should include specific training and substantial
experience in dealing with the needs of persons with this type of
illness.
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