Differentiating Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Many people use the terms “Alzheimer’s” and “dementia” interchangeably, which would seem to indicate that they are one and the same. However, they are not. These are two different conditions although they do have similarities. Just because a person has dementia does not necessarily mean that they have Alzheimer’s disease.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a set of symptoms rather than a specific disease. People may experience forgetfulness, poor judgment, language difficulties, or confusion about time or place. Not everyone experiences the same symptoms and there can be different causes. While Alzheimer’s is one potential cause of dementia, others include vitamin deficiency, drug interactions, Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, or Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. Other forms of dementia include Lewy Body Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Vascular Dementia. Depending on the cause, some of these conditions can be treated and possibly even reversed.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive brain disease that often causes dementia. It has a specific set of symptoms. Though researchers are not entirely sure what causes Alzheimer’s they have found links to abnormal amounts of protein and plaque buildup in the brain. There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s. Symptoms include:

• Poor memory and asking the same questions repetitively
• Changes in personality
• Getting lost even in familiar places
• Trouble managing money and responsibilities
•  Poor sense of time

Contrary to what many believe, it is not a normal part of aging. Not everyone develops Alzheimer’s. Unlike dementia which can impact various parts of the brain, Alzheimer’s impairs those parts that control memory, language, and thought.

Coping with Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

There are many different ways to support seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia. It is important to have an accurate diagnosis. The doctor can conduct a variety of tests to determine whether cognitive issues and other symptoms are caused by Alzheimer’s or another disease. They may be able to prescribe medication to alleviate symptoms and help seniors to function more normally and independently. In other cases they may be able to slow the progression or take steps to enhance quality of life.

Hiring an in-home care provider can support seniors in living more safely and comfortably with dementia or Alzheimer’s. They will have someone there to assist with activities of daily living such as managing medication, paying bills, doing light housekeeping, getting into or out of bed each day, preparing meals, or running errands. A caregiver can also be a positive source of socialization and companionship and is trained in responding to symptoms and keeping seniors safe and calm.

If the doctor does diagnose dementia, Alzheimer’s, or another condition, ask for more clarification and additional information for providing effective care. Don’t get confused thinking they are all the same. To learn more about in-home care services, contact Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville today at (828) 989-7263 or visit us online.

Senior Care in Hendersonville: Improving Memory - How to Help Your Senior

By Jim Smeaton

Memory loss is a natural part of the aging process, but this doesn't mean that it is easy to cope with. Furthermore, there are actually a few things that seniors can do to stave off memory loss and strengthen their ability to make and recall new memories. The home care professionals at AlwaysBest Care of Western NC, serving Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, encourage you to assist your elderly loved one in the following ways:[1]

•  Challenging Mental Capabilities: Basically, the brain needs to be used in order to keep cognitive function (including memory) as strong as possible. By engaging in new, fun mental activities, your senior can strengthen their memory while learning new ideas and having a great time. Some wonderful tasks your loved one may be interested in include learning a new language, playing an instrument, or putting together a challenging puzzle.
• Getting Enough Sleep and Exercise: The brain is a physical part of the body, and as such it is important that your elderly loved one takes care of their body in order to best maintain the strength of their brain. Sleep is important, as it provides a time for the body to recover and rejuvenate after a long day. Additionally, exercise creates a healthy body that allows the brain to work optimally.
• Eating a Well-Rounded Diet: "Brain food" is a term that applies to the items that support healthy mental activity. Omega 3s, green tea, fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates all encourage brain health and stimulate mental function (which includes memory). In addition to adding these substances to your loved one's diet, limit the consumption of saturated fats and calories (within a healthy range).
• Encouraging Social Activity: Interaction with other people is key in keeping the mind sharp. Social activities allow your loved one to interact with individuals who share their interests while creating meaningful relationships. Laughter, which is beneficial to brain health because it stimulates so many areas of this organ at once, is often a side effect of a fun social gathering.

The home care professionals at Always Best Care of WesternNC  also recommend limiting stress levels, as long-term stress can cause damage to the cells in the brain as well as the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory. These elder care providers encourage you to reach out to professionals if you need assistance creating a memory improvement plan for your loved one.

Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton  and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.

---

[1] http://www.helpguide.org/life/improving_memory.htm

Senior Care Hendersonville: Warning Signs of Physical Abuse

By Jim Smeaton
With Senior Care in Hendersonville, abuse is something that can impact people of all ages and genders. Victims of abuse can be mistreated in a variety of ways, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial. While it is crucial to prevent and stop abuse that takes place in any situation, the elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC, serving Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, encourage you to understand the warning signs of physical abuse to keep your senior safe. While abuse is something that it is hoped no senior will endure, it is a problem that cannot be overlooked.

According to HelpGuide, the following signs of abuse can help you to identify and, ultimately, put a stop to the physical mistreatment of your elderly loved one:

•    Evidence of physical restraint, including marks made by ropes on the wrists or ankles, could indicate that your senior is being mistreated by their caregiver.

•    Tension between your elderly loved one and their caregiver, particularly if they had a positive relationship before, may indicate a shift in their attitudes toward one another. If conflict arises it is important to determine the root of the change in this relationship, as abuse can cause such negative attitudes.

•    When a caregiver becomes very protective of a senior (i.e. not letting family members or friends spend time with an elderly individual without the caregiver's presence) it can indicate that they are hiding something that they don't want their patient to reveal.

•    Changes to your loved one's personality or behavior can be caused by the stress of physical abuse.

•    Improper drug administration (either too many or too few pills being given) can indicate that a caregiver is misusing their position to abuse your loved one. Distributing medicine at the wrong intervals is also a sign of physical abuse.

•    Physical evidence of abuse, including bruises, scars, welts, and scratches, can indicate mistreatment. This is of particular concern if these marks are made symmetrically.

•    Broken glasses are a sign that a caregiver may have exerted force on your senior, although this particular warning sign can have many innocent explanations, so it is important to communicate with your senior to determine exactly what happened.

The senior care professionals Always Best Care of Western NC know that most caregivers are honest and compassionate; however, it is important to understand the signs of abuse just in case your elderly loved one is subjected to the abuse that does, unfortunately, take place in the elder care industry.

Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton  and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.

Avoiding Isolation: Helping Your Senior Feel Involved During the Holiday Season

By Jim Smeaton
Seniors, particularly those who live alone or reside far away from their families, often tend to feel lonely. This is very true during the holidays, when families are expected to spend time with one another and reminisce on all of the great memories they have shared. Even if they live near their families, and get to see their loved ones often, elderly individuals may feel nostalgic during the holidays and, as a result of mourning the passage of so many years, tend to become isolated. The home care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC, serving Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, know that nostalgia and loneliness are natural feelings; however, they are also aware of the importance of including your senior in your holiday plans. 

In some situations, it may be easy to ensure that your elderly loved one is involved in holiday celebrations; in others, though, it may prove a challenge to plan festivities in which your senior can participate. Here are some ways to help you ensure that your loved one is engaged in the season. 

• Coordinate transportation for your senior with other family members. In so doing, you can make certain that your loved one has a way to attend family get togethers.
• Make sure that your senior has a comfortable place to rest during holiday parties. For instance, if you are hosting a party that will take place in the living room, have your senior sit on a comfortable couch or chair so they can be part of the festivities. 
• If your loved one owns a home and cannot attend family celebrations, bring the party to them. For instance, have family members meet at your senior's home on Thanksgiving morning. Have the adults do the cooking while your elderly loved one is able to spend time with their grandchildren and other family members. After dinner, be sure to clean up and leave the house as you found it. This way, your loved one is involved in the festivities but does not have to strain themselves to host a party. 

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC know that the holidays can become a bit lonely for seniors, who may feel isolated from their loved ones. By putting in a bit of extra effort, you can plan holiday celebrations that your entire family will enjoy.

We have many videos available to you regarding senior issues, view them here.

Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton  and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.

Socialization: An Important Aspect of Successful Elder Care

By Jim Smeaton
Elder care encompasses many different facets of care, including attention to the physical, emotional, and mental needs of seniors. In creating a well-rounded care plan for elderly individuals, professional home care providers often ensure that socialization is included in their recommendations and weekly activities.  Socialization is an important part of maintaining an active lifestyle.  The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville, which serves Asheville, Hendersonville and the surrounding western North Carolina communities, understand that maintaining a full social life is important in helping seniors sustain their overall well-being.

Knowing the importance of socialization and understanding how to integrate it into your elderly loved one’s life are two completely different tasks.  Many caregivers find it difficult to answer to the social needs of their seniors because they are not sure how to balance all of their responsibilities.  Providing senior care is a very important task, one that requires a great deal of time and effort on behalf of the caregiver.  To help you best manage your elderly loved one’s social needs, here are a few tips for creating the socialization your senior deserves:

•    Encourage your loved one to join an interest group.  Be it a book club, a photography group, etc., it will help your senior make new friends, work on a beloved hobby, and make and achieve goals.

•    If your elderly loved one is religious, assist them in finding a church, synagogue, or other group that they enjoy.  The fellowship that these organizations provide is important to their members, and helps seniors stay social and active in the community.

•    At least once per week, if the budget permits, take your elderly loved one out for lunch or dinner.  This change of pace will allow both of you to relax and enjoy one another’s company.  To make it more of a social event, invite friends or family members to join.

•    Offer to provide transportation to and from social events.  A lack of transportation is what keeps many seniors from participating in social activities.  If possible, arrange for a carpool with other members of the group your loved one has joined.


Senior socialization is one of many issues facing many families across the US today as its largest generation reaches their golden years.  We at Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed, which you can find at http://bit.ly/NeskcN.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Jim Smeaton, the owner of Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

We have many videos available to you regarding senior issues, view them here.

Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton  and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.

Reasons why In-Home Care May Be the Best Choice for Seniors

By Jim Smeaton
The aging population has several options pertaining to healthcare and care giving services. From nursing homes to assisted living facilities to in-home care, today's seniors can choose the form of elder care that best fits their needs. For many of these individuals, in-home care is the most flexible and practical. Additionally, many seniors prefer the independence that this option allows them to retain. The senior care professionals of Always Best Care of Western NC, serving Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, know that weighing your elderly loved one's options is important in securing the right care for your senior's needs.


Benefits of In-Home Care

In-home care is a unique option that allows your elderly loved one to continue living in their home without compromising their safety. A professional senior care provider will come to the house on a regular basis to assist your senior with activities of daily living, such as grooming, bathing, dressing, eating, and more. Many families opt for this form of elder care for numerous reasons. Here are the top three factors that play into such a decision.

1. By aging in place, your elderly loved one can continue to live in their home. This is particularly important if they own the home and are on a fixed income. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are often expensive, so staying in their home is the preference of many elderly individuals. Furthermore, homeowners who have lived in the same house for decades are more comfortable staying at home than moving into an unfamiliar facility.
2. Home care provides a balance between independent living and assistance. For many seniors, the constant care provided by assisted living and nursing homes simply is not necessary; however, they do need some form of assistance or companionship. In-home care can provide this service without detracting from the independence of your loved one. This allows them to age in place in a dignified manner.
3.  The care that in-home service providers offer can be tailored to your senior's needs. This allows for customized, quality senior care on which your family can depend.

Weighing Your Options
Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. The owner of Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville is Jim Smeaton. Jim and his team assist seniors and their families in western North Carolina by providing non-medical in-home care and FREE assisted living placement services. We have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area.  We have your loved ones’ best interests at heart, and will ensure that exceptional service and care is provided to all family members.
We have many videos available to you regarding senior issues, view them here.

Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton  and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.

How to Discuss Concerns about Driving with Your Senior

By Jim Smeaton
Driving is a privilege that, after decades of practicing, most people come to rely upon. For this reason, the act of driving is more than an activity—it is a symbol of independence and capability. This is why many seniors take it personally when their ability to continue to drive is called into question. The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC, serving Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, know that this can be a sensitive subject when it comes to senior care in Asheville. However, these professionals are also well aware of the issues with senior care in Asheville and the importance of taking your elderly loved one off the road when necessary.

Many families struggle with the task of asking for their seniors' keys. Regardless of how old your loved one is, or how many issues they have faced pertaining to driving safely, this is a difficult subject to broach. Although you may feel uncomfortable talking about it, it is important that you have this conversation with your senior. By doing the responsible thing and taking away their car keys, you can potentially save their lives and the lives of other drivers. 

To help you approach this topic in as sensitive a manner as possible, here are some tips suggested by the senior care professionals in Asheville:

• Remember that the decline of your elderly loved one's vision, reflexes, or other capabilities is not their fault. As such, be mindful of how you frame the conversation. With assisted living in Asheville, instead of blaming them tell them about your concerns and remind them that you are only looking out for their best interest. 
• Do not raise the topic in front of other people. By speaking about this matter privately, you can protect your loved one's pride. Additionally, you may find them more receptive to your concerns if they do not feel outnumbered or ganged up on. 
• As senior care providers in Asheville, we recommend you try to provide solutions to the transportation needs that will arise when your senior stops driving. This will be one of their primary worries in regards to giving up their keys. Talk with family members about arranging transportation and try to create a schedule that does not require your loved one to sacrifice their favorite activities, such as book clubs or sewing groups. 

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC understand that this is a very difficult topic to discuss; however, it is necessary. By keeping these tips in mind, you can approach the topic in a way that is sensitive to both the safety and the dignity of your senior.  Alzheimer’s support and care are also provided in Asheville through Always Best Care. 

Fall Prevention: How to Keep Your Loved One from Falling

By Jim Smeaton
Falls are common accidents that seniors experience.  Unfortunately, falling can result in a wide variety of injuries, which can range from mild to fatal in nature.  For this reason, senior care providers must uphold the important responsibility of preventing such falls from taking place.  While accidents are not always avoidable, there are certain measures that you can take to minimize the chances of your loved one sustaining injuries due to a fall.

1. Keep your senior's home clean and free of clutter.  Oftentimes, items that have been misplaced or left on the floor can cause seniors to trip and fall.  This is particularly true if clutter tends to build up in walkways.  Each day, do a quick run through of the house and put away any and all items that are out of place.  This will make it easier to keep the home clean and prevent accidents from occurring.


2. Repair any uneven flooring.  Cracked tiles, warped hardwoods, and ripped or loose carpets should be fixed immediately, as they can cause your senior to trip and fall.  Additionally, see to it that all rugs lie flat to the floor and have slip resistant backing.  If your senior's home contains any throw rugs, either remove them or secure them to the floor using double-sided tape.


3. Ensure that your senior's home has adequate lighting, particularly in the hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms, and stairwells.  Additionally, install handrails if they are lacking along the stairs of your elderly loved one's home.


4. Have your senior's vision checked annually.  Poor vision often leads to falls, so the right glasses or contact lenses may prevent accidental falls and associated injuries.


5. Reroute any cords that may pose a hazard to your senior.  Frequently, due to furniture arrangements or the location of electrical outlets, wires and cords are run across walkways.  Even if secured with tape or covered, these are obstacles that may cause your senior to fall. Reroute these cords so that they do not obstruct the walkway.  This may require running them overhead or moving furniture.


6. Remember that safe clothing is part of a safe environment.  Make sure that your loved one wears slippers or shoes with non-skid soles—not just socks, which can be slippery.  Additionally, make sure that their pants, skirts, and other articles of clothing are properly hemmed and not too loose.


7. Make sure that your senior has the necessary resources in terms of mobility.  Seniors who are at risk of falling may find it easier to avoid an accident with the use of a cane or walker.  Make sure that the equipment your senior uses is the right size and in good repair.


8. Improve the safety of the bathroom by installing grab bars, bath chairs, and non-skid mats.

By following these tips, you can help your senior avoid the pain that a fall can cause.  These suggestions will help you create a secure environment in which your elderly loved one can continue aging in place safely.


Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. The owner of Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville is Jim Smeaton. Jim and his team assist seniors and their families in western North Carolina by providing non-medical in-home care and FREE assisted living placement services. We have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area.  We have your loved ones’ best interests at heart, and will ensure that exceptional service and care is provided to all family members.

For more information or to schedule a FREE consultation, call us at 828-333-9904 or visit us online.

Challenges Associated with Providing Long Distance Senior Care

 By Jim Smeaton
Many families band together to care for their seniors.  This allows their loved ones to age in place without having to compromise their safety.  But what if you cannot provide the hands-on care that you feel your loved one deserves?  Is it possible to provide long distance elder care?


These are common questions that children, grandchildren, friends, and loved ones of seniors ask every day.  Providing elder care is an important part of keeping seniors who live independently safe and secure in their homes.  For many families, though, geographic distance challenges their ability to provide comprehensive home care.


What Families Can Do from Afar

While there are many challenges associated with providing long distance senior care, families that live far away from their loved ones can manage many important details.  From scheduling doctor's appointments to providing financial management, family members can make everyday life easier for their seniors no matter where their geographic location.


Major Challenges

Families that live too far from their seniors to provide in-person home care face many obstacles.  First and foremost, they have to determine whether or not their loved ones need a caregiver to be physically present on a daily basis.  Additionally, these families may worry about the daily cleaning, medical administration, and transportation needs of their loved ones.


Overcoming these Challenges

The first step in overcoming the challenges that long distance senior care presents is to take stock of them.

· Does your senior need a home care provider to be present each day?  If no, then long distance care may continue to be enough.  If yes, what level of care do they need?

· If your senior needs home care services, what is the nature of the care and services that they require?  Do they need skilled medical services, or just assistance with personal care and daily activities?

·  How will your family work together to determine who is best qualified to provide the necessary care?  Will someone move closer to your loved one or will you hire a home care professional?

These questions should help you and your family overcome the obstacles that long distance senior care can cause.


Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. The owner of Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville is Jim Smeaton. Jim and his team assist seniors and their families in western North Carolina by providing non-medical in-home care and FREE assisted living placement services. We have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area.  We have your loved ones’ best interests at heart, and will ensure that exceptional service and care is provided to all family members.

For more information or to schedule a FREE consultation, call us at 828-333-9904 or visit us online.

Overcoming Resistance to Care

By Jim Smeaton
Senior care in Asheville, North Carolina, is a service that improves the quality of life for countless elderly individuals. Home care providers help people maintain active, independent lifestyles without having to compromise their safety. With their services, elderly individuals can continue to live in the homes they love while receiving assistance with daily activities. Although senior care is indeed valuable, many elderly individuals are resistant to it. How can you help your elderly loved one overcome this resistance so they can benefit from the services of senior care providers?

The best way to overcome resistance is through clear communication and the gathering of information. By following these steps, you can approach the issue in a way that highlights the value of home care to your elderly loved one:

1. Talk with senior care providers to learn more about the different levels of care available. From simple help with daily functions to constant home care, these professionals offer a variety of services. 

2. Speak with your elderly individual's doctor to find out about any medical needs they may have. For the protection of your elderly loved one, the doctor may request their permission to speak to you about their health. If possible, bring your elderly loved one with you to speak to the doctor to ensure that you both have all of your questions answered. 

3. Make a list of the ways in which senior care services will benefit your elderly loved one. When you speak with them about hiring these services, present them with this list so they can see that you have their best interest at heart. 

4. Have an open, honest discussion about senior care services with your elderly loved one. Through the information you have gathered, you should be able to answer most of their questions or concerns. If not, write these down and find the answers together. Remember to ask why your elderly loved one objects to the care and address their objections thoughtfully. 

Overcoming resistance to care can become emotionally charged. Remember that your elderly loved one most likely does not want to lose their independence. By having honest, informed discussions about senior care services, you should be able to come to an agreement about the care that is needed.

______

Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. The owner of Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville is Jim Smeaton. Jim and his team assist seniors and their families in western North Carolina by providing non-medical in-home care and FREE assisted living placement services. We have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area.  We have your loved ones’ best interests at heart, and will ensure that exceptional service and care is provided to all family members.

For more information or to schedule a FREE consultation, call us at 828-333-9904 or visit us online.

Medication Management: Successfully Managing Your Senior’s Prescriptions in Asheville NC

By Jim Smeaton
Elderly individuals, particularly those who suffer from a variety of health conditions, often have several prescriptions at any given time. Managing these medications is an important responsibility that senior care providers hold, as it allows elderly individuals to benefit from their prescriptions through the correct dosage and administration. The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC, who serve seniors in Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, understand that medication management can become an overwhelming task. Although it may be stressful at first, an organized approach will help you successfully manage your senior’s prescriptions.

• Make an effort to go to the same pharmacy to fill all of your elderly loved one’s medications. Doing so will accomplish three things. First, it will allow the pharmacy to maintain a running log of all of the medications your senior has taken, making it easier for them to detect any potential drug interactions. Second, it will make it extremely easy for another caretaker to perform medication management if necessary, as all records will be in one location. Third, using the same pharmacy will build up a relationship with a pharmacist that you trust, and to whom you can turn with any questions. 

• Store all of the literature your elderly loved one receives with their medication in one folder so it is easy to access. Additionally, keep any notes you may take during doctor’s visits in this folder as well. 

• Accompany your senior to the doctor’s office. If they are comfortable with it, join them during their appointment to ensure that you have clear directions in terms of how medications are to be administered. Additionally, ask about drug interactions and potential side effects, as well as the intended benefits of the recommended prescriptions. During each and every doctor’s visit, make sure that your elderly loved one is also able to ask all of the questions they may have. 

• Use a notebook or calendar to maintain a list and schedule for all of your elderly loved one’s medications. After each medication is taken, mark it off on the list to avoid over or under medicating your senior. This is particularly important if you are sharing care giving responsibilities, as it will make communication much simpler. 

• Monitor your senior and call for emergency healthcare immediately if you notice any drug interaction or adverse side effects. 

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC understand that medication management is an important responsibility. If you need assistance in managing your senior’s prescriptions, these home care specialists are available to assist you in this task. 

______

Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. The owner of Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville is Jim Smeaton. Jim and his team assist seniors and their families in western North Carolina by providing non-medical in-home care and FREE assisted living placement services. We have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area.  We have your loved ones’ best interests at heart, and will ensure that exceptional service and care is provided to all family members.

We have many videos available to you regarding senior issues, view them here.

Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton  and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.

Hendersonville Alzheimer's Care: Five Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

By Jim Smeaton
The senior care professionals in Asheville, North Carolina, understand that Alzheimer's Disease affects many elderly individuals. Although fighting this disease is difficult, the odds of elongating your elderly loved one's health rise the earlier the disease is detected. For this reason, elder care professionals encourage family members to observe their elderly loved ones closely in an effort to detect these five common signs of Alzheimer's Disease:

1. Changes in Mood and Personality: Alzheimer's Disease may make people feel disoriented, frustrated, and anxious. Because of this, they may experience changes in their personalities or mood quite unexpectedly. 

2. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks: This particular sign can manifest itself in countless ways. Some examples include needing directions to find frequently visited locations, having difficulty maintaining a budget, and forgetting the rules to common or favorite games. 

3. Memory Loss: While forgetfulness comes with age—and even occurs naturally at all stages of life—disruptive memory loss interferes with the daily activities of an elderly individual. Alzheimer's Disease typically creates a loss of recent memory first, but this memory loss grows as the illness develops. Even though forgetting small details, like dates, may seem trivial, it is something to address if it happens often or seems to be getting worse. 

4. Disorientation: Some elderly individuals with Alzheimer's Disease have difficulty keeping up with the passage of time. Additionally, they may have a hard time remembering where they are or how they got there. 

5. Deteriorating Problem Solving and Planning Skills: This sign, as well as the others, can greatly interfere with daily life. Look for difficulty following recipes, making plans, or paying bills on time. 

Alzheimer's Disease affects a vast number of elderly individuals, and it is a difficult disease for all members of the family to cope with. By detecting the illness early, you can help improve the quality of life for your elderly loved one. Home care is a common solution to the care that the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease require. Through this senior care service, your elderly loved one can continue to enjoy their independence and routine without compromising their safety. 

______

Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. The owner of Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville is Jim Smeaton. Jim and his team assist seniors and their families in Western North Carolina by providing non-medical in-home care and FREE assisted living placement services. We have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area.  We have your loved ones’ best interests at heart, and will ensure that exceptional service and care is provided to all family members.

We have many videos available to you regarding senior issues, view them here.

Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton  and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.