As you have gotten older you may have noticed that your memory is not what is used to be. You may find yourself forgetting appointments, losing track of items, and sometimes unable to concentrate on completing a simple task. You may begin to worry about these memory changes and feel like you are losing your mind. At Abilene we understand how scary this must be.
While some memory loss is normal as we age, Alzheimer’s disease is a much more severe form of memory loss that is not part of the normal aging process. Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that causes problems with not only memory, but thinking, and behavior. The progressive deterioration of brain cells leads to the decrease in overall brain function. Typically the symptoms of Alzheimer’s develop slowly and worsen over time, eventually this leads to an individual to be unable to properly function on a daily basis.
Learning you have Alzheimer’s disease is a very difficult thing to be faced with and can create a rush of all kinds of emotions that you may not know how to handle. The friendly staff here at Abilene is here to help you sort through those emotions and get you set up with a care plan to manage your Alzheimer’s disease. Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease does not have to be a death sentence. If treated for properly, you can continue to live a full and happy life.
Why Should You or Your Family Member Consider Treatment at Abilene
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, proper medication and management can slow down the progress of this disease, allowing the individual increased independence and more positive outlook on life. If left unmanaged this disease can put individuals living with it in danger. People with Alzheimer’s sometimes wander off, they may fall and hurt themselves, or experience malnutrition. In order to manage this progressive illness early diagnosis, treatment, and management are needed.
With the emotional distress that comes along with learning to live with Alzheimer’s disease we are aware that other co-occurring disorders may be present that need to be treated as well. For example, due to the difficulty coping with changes of location and in daily routines an individual may also have developed depression. The geriatric program here at Abilene has a full continuum of therapeutic methods that will allow us to create a plan that will help manage the symptoms of your Alzheimer’s, treat co-occurring disorders, and assist your family as they learn how to best be there for you.
Our holistic approach works with the mind, body, and spirit in unity instead of focusing on just the presenting symptoms. We believe that in order to truly heal, treatment needs to address each patient as a whole person. While our therapeutic components are a critical part of helping you return to your previous level of functioning, the interaction and support of our nurturing staff members is important in helping you feel safe and protected.
Program Philosophy and Benefits
Our mission at Abilene is to create a world-class organization that sets the standard of excellence in the treatment of mental health and addiction disorders. We are committed to providing mental health services for people to receive individualized, quality care that enables them to regain hope in a supportive and caring environment. The staff at Abilene is known for their understanding of and sensitivity toward patients and their families. We strive to do everything we can to make you feel safe and supported during your stay.
Types of Therapy Used to Address Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
At Abilene our treatment team if fully equipped to handle individuals who need help learning to manage the symptoms of their Alzheimer’s disease. Although our primary concern is evaluation and stabilization, we provide a number of activities and groups for you to participate in as well. Additionally, we can work through your behavioral concerns, providing you with new ways to deal with troubling emotions. Some of the methods we incorporate include:
Sometimes individuals come with us with various emotional and behavioral problems that can be managed with an alteration to their medication. We will evaluate the effectiveness of your medication, make any necessary changes, and discuss techniques that will help you remember to take your medication correctly.
Group sessions are used to help you learn more about your disease, any co-occurring disorders you may have, and how the treatment process will work. We encourage you to be an active participant in discussions as you get to know others who are struggling with some similar issues. Groups are a helpful part of treatment because they create the opportunity to gain additional support and learn more about your disease and treatment.
Family sessions are extremely important because many times individuals who come to us are being cared for by family members. Depending on the severity of the Alzheimer’s and the involvement of the family, these sessions will be designed to help family members understand their loved one’s condition. Additionally, we take the time to explain the treatment process, medication management, and help the family decide the best place for their loved one after discharge. We will also connect family members with community resources in order to allow them the opportunity to develop additional coping strategies and bond with others.
In addition to traditional therapies, we also offer a number of experiential methods. These may include:
- Yoga therapy
- Reminiscence therapy
- Spiritual counseling
- A.A. and N.A.
- Music therapy
Continuing Care – What Comes Next
The goal for individuals living with Alzheimer’s is first stabilization, followed by working with the family to determine the best placement for their loved one after leaving Abilene. As you come to the end of your stay with us, we will work closely with you and your family to establish the most appropriate next steps. If you will be returning home, we will help address any concerns that you and your family members may have. Additionally, you will be provided with community resources for additional support.
If it is no longer possible to safely maintain the individual at home we help family members decide on the best placement for their loved one. We understand that the decision to transition loved ones out of the home is a difficult one, so we will do what we can to make the process as smooth as possible.
If you or your loved one are struggling with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, please call Abilene for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll help you decide what to do next.