Home Helpers Lends a 'Helping Hand' for National Alzheimer's Awareness Month
Every day, millions of American families experience the difficult reality of a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease. It is estimated that more than 5.3 million Americans of all ages are afflicted with this disease. In honor of November being National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, NorthwestSuburban Home Helpers recognizes all those living with Alzheimer's disease and honors the caregivers, including families and friends, who support them.
As the nation's leading senior care franchise specializing in non-medical and personal care and companionship for seniors, NorthwestSuburban Home Helpers works with many families dealing with Alzheimer's disease, a growing epidemic that is now the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.
“As the baby boomer generation ages, the number of Americans burdened with Alzheimer's disease will continue to rise at an alarming rate until a cure for this degenerative disease can be found,” said John Markus, owner of NorthwestSuburban Home Helpers. “Our caregivers have training and experience in specialty care areas, including Alzheimer's and dementia and early detection is the only management tool. Being educated will help Alzheimer's patients and their families plan for the future, whether it is finding a caregiver, enrolling in clinical studies or investing in safety measures.”
Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease usually appear after age 60, but many scientists now believe damage to the brain may begin even decades earlier. It is estimated that someone in America develops Alzheimer's disease every 70 seconds. By 2050, that estimate will grow to one person every 33 seconds.
Some additional warning signs of Alzheimer's disease include:
• Memory loss
• Inability to solve problems
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks
• Confusion with locations and times
• Misplacing things
• Poor judgment
• Changes in mood or personality
“Caring for a person with Alzheimer's or another dementia poses special challenges,” added Markus. “Although memory loss is the most well known symptom, these diseases also cause loss of judgment, orientation, and the ability to understand and communicate effectively.
Home Helpers offers free in-home consultations and works with clients individually to tailor flexible care plans to meet their specific needs and budgets. Services offered include companionship, grocery shopping, meal preparation, assistance bathing, dressing and feeding, medication reminders, local transportation and light housekeeping.
For more information on NorthwestSuburban Home Helpers, please contact John Markus at 847-202-0244 or visit www.homehelpers.cc.