Caught in the Middle: Local Home Health Expert Shares Five Early Warning Signs that an Aging Parent May Have Alzheimer’s - Kingwood

Published: Aug 26, 2015, 11:00am

More members of the “Sandwich Generation” are becoming caregivers for today’s seniors.

They are often referred to as members of the “Sandwich Generation;” those in their forties and fifties who are still raising their own children, but who suddenly find themselves caring for an aging parent. “People are living longer, and the Sandwich Generation is caught in the middle,” said Janet Alonzo, Director of Business Development at Continuity Care Home Health Agency. “They are taking on the role of super caregivers, and they’re shouldering a lot more than their age group ever had to in the past.”

Alonzo points out that these caretakers are often finding themselves in unchartered territory. “They’re also looking for answers in order to make sure their parents are getting proper care. We’re there for them when their parents need skilled in-home nursing care and rehabilitation as the result of an injury, stroke or other condition,” said Alonzo. “Sometimes one of our visits can start a conversation about the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s that might otherwise remain undiagnosed in its earliest stages.”

Alonzo said those suffering from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or obesity are at higher risk for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and that genetics can also play a role. She said there are five key warning signs that should prompt further medical examination and diagnosis:

Memory loss that disrupts daily living. The inability to recall recently learned information is one of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s. Other signs include asking the same question repeatedly or forgetting about important dates and events on a regular basis.

Can’t Find the Words. A growing struggle to express one’s own self verbally or in writing is another common symptom. Conversations may be repetitious or come to a complete stop.

Difficulty with Small, Familiar Tasks. Activities such as driving a car to a once familiar location, making a pot of coffee or balancing a checking account may become insurmountable tasks.

Losing Track of Time or Place. Those with Alzheimer’s may suffer confusion as to the current season or the passage of time. They may lose track of where they are and how they got there.

Poor Judgment and Decision-making. Those suffering from the onset of Alzheimer’s may begin to make unusual or unwise financial decisions, such as falling prey to unscrupulous telemarketers or spending erratically.

Alonzo stressed that thorough physical and neurological testing is required in order to rule out other causes before a conclusive diagnosis is made. She said getting an early, accurate diagnosis can give “Sandwich” caregivers the information they need to make important decisions while their parents are still able to take part. “We can educate family members on the beginning stages of dementia. An early diagnosis can make all the difference in planning future care.”

Continuity Care Home Health Agency, LLC is a family owned and operated, fully licensed agency that is Medicare certified and JCAHO accredited, serving the Kingwood, Humble, Spring, The Woodlands and Houston area populations with compassion, dignity and respect. For more information on the agency or its services, please visit www.CCareHomeHealth.com or call 281-348-2328.