The NBC Nightly News ran a story on December 11 detailing the rise in the number of patients with Alzheimer’s disease – a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a person’s memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities. Even more alarming is the fact that, according to the American Alzheimer’s Association, over 650,000 Americans under the age of 65 have been diagnosed as suffering from this debilitating disease. See the NBC video here.
If you are placing a loved one in a nursing home, make sure the facility is designed for, and the staff is well-trained to take care of, Alzheimer’s patients. Discuss your loved one’s physical and emotional needs with the Director of Nursing and the chief Administrator before agreeing to enter the facility. Be an informed consumer – otherwise you may live to regret your decision!