Evidence suggests there are racial disparities in Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis between Black and White communities. Black Americans are about twice as likely to develop dementia than White Americans however; Black participants in Alzheimer’s disease research were 35% less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and related dementias than White participants.
Kiera Powell, former ICU nurse, and consultant for Carewell shares that because caring for Alzheimer’s Patients puts a “big strain on the family,” it is important to know what to expect when caring for them. Here are the stages and tips for these Caregivers:
General Stages
- Early...….Short memory loss
- Middle…..Forgetting names
- Late……..Needing more hands-on care, possible Home Health Care Services
RELATED: Top Tips For Taking Care Of a Loved One With Alzheimer’s Disease
Tips for caregivers
Nurse Powell has important tips for Caregivers
- Understand that Alzheimer’s is a diagnosis.
- Make safety a priority.
- Keep your loved ones’ routine, making modifications as needed.
- Give clear and simple instructions.
- Don’t correct them.
- Don’t take anything they say or do personally.
- Keep up with the basics.
- Listen and don’t pressure the patient to explain.
Nurse Powell wants caregivers to know that they are not alone.
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They should “reach out to support groups” and look “outside of the family for support.”
Nurse Powell mentions that there are blogs, posts, and around-the-clock support.
She also says it is vital to take time and get familiar with the condition.
She encourages caregivers to
