Understanding Alzheimer's
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can feel overwhelming for individuals and their families. This guide, created for the Havering community and beyond, aims to provide clarity on the signs, stages, and practical home care options available. Understanding the condition is the first step towards navigating this journey with confidence and compassion.
If you think you or a loved one might benefit from support at home, then contact Certified Care to arrange a non-obligatory care assessment.
What is Alzheimer's Disease?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, it’s important to differentiate Alzheimer’s from dementia. Dementia is an overarching term for a general decline in cognitive abilities that affects daily life.
Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, a physical disease of the brain that results in a slow decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills due to protein build-ups that damage nerve cells.
Recognising the Early Signs of Alzheimer's
Recognising the early signs is vital for timely support. Here are some of the key indicators, as identified by the Alzheimer’s Society:
Memory loss that disrupts daily life: Forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or events. Individuals may repeatedly ask the same questions and become increasingly reliant on memory aids.
Challenges in planning or solving problems: Difficulty following a familiar recipe, managing monthly bills, or concentrating on tasks.
Difficulty completing familiar tasks: Struggling to drive to a familiar location, manage a budget, or recall the rules of a favourite game.
Confusion with time or place: Losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time.
Trouble understanding visual images: Difficulty reading, judging distances, or determining colour contrast.
New problems with words in speaking or writing: Stopping in the middle of a conversation or struggling to find the right word.
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps: Putting objects in unusual places and being unable to find them again.
Decreased or poor judgment: Making poor financial decisions or neglecting personal grooming.
Withdrawal from work or social activities: Losing interest in hobbies, social events, or a favourite football team.
Changes in mood and personality: Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, or anxious.
Do you need support looking after a loved one at home?
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The Stages of Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, with symptoms gradually worsening over time. It is typically broken down into three main stages:
Early-Stage (Mild): The individual may still be relatively independent but will begin to experience memory lapses. They may forget recent events, struggle with new tasks, and lose things more often. At this stage,
elderly careservices can provide crucial companionship and support with daily activities.Middle-Stage (Moderate): This is often the longest stage. The person with Alzheimer’s will require more
care at home. They may begin to confuse words, become frustrated or angry, or act in unexpected ways.Late-Stage (Severe): In this final stage, individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, carry on a conversation, and eventually, control movement. They will need extensive
live-in careor 24/7 assistance with all aspects of personal care.
Navigating Home Care Options
Staying in familiar surroundings can significantly improve the quality of life for a person with Alzheimer’s. The good news is that there are a range of home care options to support this. Whether you need a few hours a week or a dedicated live-in care assistant, professional care providers like Certified Care can offer personalised support.
The London Borough of Havering also provides a directory of local care providers and adult social care services. This is an excellent starting point for understanding what’s available and how to access financial assistance for your elderly care needs.
If you think you or a loved one might benefit from support at home, then contact Certified Care to arrange a non-obligatory care assessment.
Local and National Resources for Support
You are not alone in this journey. Help is available from a number of reputable organisations, both nationally and within Havering.
National Organisations
Alzheimer’s Society: The UK’s leading dementia charity offers a vast range of support, including a national helpline and information on living with the condition.
NHS: Provides comprehensive information on Alzheimer’s disease, including diagnosis, treatment, and support services.
Local Havering Resources
Havering Council Adult Social Care: The council’s adult social care team is the first point of contact for anyone needing help or advice about
home careservices, including financial assessments.
Havering Council Adult Social Care
Havering Dementia Hub: A partnership between local organisations, the hub offers a range of services, including support groups, advice, and activities to help people
live-in carewith dementia in their own homes.
Age UK Redbridge, Barking & Havering: This local charity provides a dementia service that offers coordinated support, emotional assistance, and help with benefit applications.
Finding the Right Care
Choosing the right care at home service is a personal decision. When researching providers, consider checking their Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating, reviews from other families, and their specific experience in providing dementia care. A compassionate and well-trained carer can make all the difference, providing dignity and independence for as long as possible.
The journey with Alzheimer’s is challenging, but with the right knowledge and support, it can be managed. By understanding the signs and stages and leveraging the home care and elderly care resources available, you can ensure a better quality of life for your loved one.
Next Steps
Certified Care provides reliable and personalised home care and support in the comfort and safety of your home. Contact us today to find out how we can support you or your loved to remain safe and well in your own home.
Do you need support looking after a loved one at home?
Let our experienced Team help you understand your options.
There's no cost and no obligation.
Just a helpful conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Dementia is a broad term describing a decline in cognitive abilities that affects daily life, while Alzheimer’s is a specific brain disease and the most common cause of dementia.
Havering offers a number of local resources, including the Havering Council Adult Social Care team for advice and financial assessments, the Havering Dementia Hub for support groups, and Age UK Redbridge, Barking & Havering for coordinated support and help with benefit applications.
To find out about financial assistance for care, you should contact the Havering Council’s Adult Social Care team. They can conduct a financial assessment to determine if you are eligible for help with paying for care services. You can also get support with benefit applications through local charities like Age UK Redbridge, Barking & Havering.
