At Four Seasons, we understand and are familiar with the challenges facing those living with dementia and their caregivers. You are not alone, and Four Seasons is here to help you. Included in this article, you’ll find helpful information and resources as you navigate this difficult journey. Request care from Four Seasons at any time online or by phone.
Understanding Dementia
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a broad term that describes a decline in a person’s cognitive abilities that affects their ability to perform work or everyday tasks. Cognitive ability determines how well someone can solve problems, make plans, and recall memory. Although Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia, there are other types of dementia, including Vascular Dementia and Lewy Body Dementia.
According to a 2024 study published by Alzheimer’s Association, there are an estimated 6.9 million Americans age 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s Dementia currently. In North Carolina, it is estimated that around 211,000, or 11.3%, of adults age 65 years and older are living with Alzheimer’s Dementia.
Symptoms of Dementia
The most common symptoms of dementia include:
- Memory lapses
- Confusion
- Changes in mood or personality
- Difficulty with abstract thinking
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Changes in sensory/perception of the environment
- Misplacing items repeatedly and frequently
- Impaired judgment
Stages of Dementia
There are 3 stages of dementia:
First Stage
Gradual onset
Forgetfulness
Difficulty finding words
Difficulty with memory and concentration
Misplacing things
Trouble organizing and planning
Middle Stage
More obvious memory difficulties
Getting lost in familiar places
May have difficulty recognizing others who are familiar
Needing additional help with bathing, eating, dressing, etc.
Increased communication challenges
Increased behavior and personality changes
Late Stage
Even more dependent or fully dependent on assistance with daily activities
Difficulty walking
May no longer be able to communicate verbally
Significant memory problems
Significant personality changes
Trouble swallowing and eating
Possible recurrent infections
Incontinence or loss of bowel control
How Four Seasons Can Help with Dementia Care
Care Navigation
Care Navigation emphasizes person-centered, empowered support throughout the dementia journey. Care Navigators can assist you by addressing nonmedical needs such as behavioral symptom management and access to other community resources and support. Additionally, Care Navigators have a deep understanding of dementia care, caregiver and patient needs, and the type of support that is most helpful to both. Caregivers can experience “information overload,” making them feel lost and overwhelmed. Care Navigators can help you and your loved one process and organize this onslaught of information, helping you to overcome challenges and hurdles in the medical system and in the symptoms your loved one may experience.
Palliative Care
Palliative Care can help ease some of the caregiving burden and help improve the quality of life for you and your loved one. Four Seasons offers person-centered Palliative Care to support symptoms of dementia, including sleeplessness, restlessness, depression, anxiety, and much more. Palliative Care provides medication review to help maximize the benefits and minimize the burdens of medical interventions. We also have a provider on call 24/7 to answer your questions. Our team can secure medical equipment for you and connect you with community resources. Your care team also includes emotional support throughout this journey and assists you in preparing for “what’s next,” which may include memory care or Hospice Care.
Hospice Care
Hospice Care is a type of specialized medical care providing pain and symptom management, and emotional and spiritual support to patients who are no longer seeking curative treatment and for whom life expectancy is 6 months or less.
Some of the ways in which we help are to:
- Support patient and family goals and wishes
- Manage pain, symptoms, and medications
- Provide comfort care
- Facilitate complex decision-making through a supportive interdisciplinary team
- Provide grief support and spiritual care for family members
Resources for Caregivers
Alzheimer’s Association: One of the leading experts in Alzheimer’s research, risk reduction, early detection, and quality care, the Alzheimer’s Association provides a robust library of caregiver and patient resources for navigating the challenges of dementia. Even if your loved one is diagnosed with a different type of dementia, you may find helpful resources here.
National Institute on Aging: A governmental resource, the National Institute on Aging provides information and resources about relevant questions you may have about dementia and dementia care.
NPHI’s Dementia Care Patient & Caregiver Resource Guide: This free, downloadable guide provides extensive, in-depth dementia caregiver support including specific symptom management tips, medication information, tips for caring for yourself as the caregiver, checklists and worksheets, and much more.
Family Caregiver Alliance: Provides caregiver support on a wide variety of topics you may find yourself challenged by as you walk this journey.
Four Seasons: Request care today from Four Seasons for any of our services so that we can support you. You are never alone at Four Seasons
