Ailments and Diseases That Require Elderly Care Services

As our loved ones begin to age, they unfortunately succumb to more diseases, ailments, and disorders. Luckily, some can be easily managed with medication or simple surgery. But when is it time to move the elderly into nursing homes or senior assisted living houses? While a doctor may be better suited to answer this question, you can expect that the following diseases will most likely require outside help.

Alzheimer's and dementia are two very common illnesses that affect the elderly and as the diseases progress, the patient's condition deteriorates. Alzheimer's attacks the brain and affects one's memory, thinking, and behavior. How fast the disease progresses varies from person to person. Those over the age of 60 are more likely to develop Alzheimer's or dementia and they live about 8-10 years after the diagnosis. At first there are only simple memory problems, but as the disease worsens, one will suffer from confusion, forget who people are, and have trouble with simple tasks, speech, and writing. It is only a matter of time before the person will require elderly care services.

Parkinson's disease is typically well treated with medication and often times people do not suffer severely from it. However, like any disease, it can worsen over time and one may need more than just medication. Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder that causes the brain's neurons to degenerate over time. Symptoms include tremors, slow movements, the inability to move, and rigid limbs. If medication is not helping, the person will have a much harder time performing daily tasks. In late stages of the disease, the person can have severe tremors, problems with balance, difficulty swallowing, and confusion. One would not be able to take proper care of himself and would be best living in nursing homes or having a home aide.

Another neurological disease that will definitely require elderly care services is ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The disease affects both the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal chord. Motor neurons are what allow you to move your muscles and limbs, but as the disease progresses, the person will lose motor function. Eventually, the person will become paralyzed and therefore won't be able to do anything for himself. Most people with the disease only live for about 3 to 5 years after diagnosis.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in America today and can affect people of all ages. However, as you begin to age, your risk of developing cancer does increase. There are over 100 types of cancer and they can range in severity. Treatment methods include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Depending on the cancer and how far along it has progressed, one might benefit from home aides or assisted living. Sometimes this can be a temporary solution after an intense surgery.

These are just a few of many diseases that may require assistance. If you feel that your loved ones are having difficulties living on their own, seek out elderly care facilities in your area.