Alzheimer is a form of dementia characterized by loss of memory and other cognitive mental abilities. Regarding Ellen’s retirement plans, the cost of treatment is a very important issue that should be considered. In most cases, the cost of treating a patient with dementia is normally undervalued. Therefore, Ellen and her two kids need to figure out the expected cost of treatment. Furthermore, the two kids need to evaluate their financial situation to gauge if they will be in a position to care for their mother. Ellen’s family also have to consider the health risks associated with retirement. Research has shown that individuals who engage in active social activities are less likely to suffer memory loss ( Leung, Orrell & Orgeta, 2015). Therefore, Ellen needs to actively engage in social related activities. This is because the secretary job was boosting her mental abilities but in the event that she retires, Alzheimer symptoms may worsen.
A long-term nursing home should be considered in planning for her future health care. Most of these healthcare facilities have experts who are able to continuously scrutinize the patient’s health. This is a major factor to consider since we are told that Ellen’s kids normally struggle to provide her with assisted support. Therefore, taking her to a long-term nursing home will boost her chances of getting good treatment services. also, this healthcare facility can provide Ellen with a viable social environment which can consequently improve her mental abilities.
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With regard to Ellen’s housing, it is important to understand the various types of residential care that matches her health needs. Therefore, Ellen’s family need to consider an assisted living as the first step. This type of residential care is normally preferred in the event that the patient is not able to accomplish house choirs and other cognitive activities perfectly. Ellen’s family should also consider a nursing home. Nursing homes provide long-term services to patients. They also provide patients with frequent medical checkups among other treatment plans. In the case of Ellen, this could be a viable option since it may improve her health.
Regarding Ellen’s financial situation, it is important to consider appointing a financial trustee. This is an individual who is legally eligible to handle the financial decisions of the patient diagnosed with dementia. The financial manager can help the family in the event that Ellen’s health deteriorates. Due to the high cost of Alzheimer treatment, it also important to consider a long-term insurance cover. The insurance cover can help to cushion the family from high medical bills. Therefore, an insurance cover can ensure that Ellen lives a comfortable life.
Alzheimer patients may not be in a position to carry out duties effectively because of the impaired cognitive abilities. Therefore, regarding Ellen’s ability to perform duties effectively, memory aiders should be considered. These are activities that can be used to trigger memory retention. In this regard, it is also important to consider a relaxed environment. Since it is common knowledge for Alzheimer patients to feel anxious and stressed. Therefore, a relaxed environment can provide Ellen with a perfect peace to carry out her duties perfectly. Also, assisted living should be considered to ensure that cognitive tests are enforced. This is normally in the latter stages of the Alzheimer since a patient may not be able to carry out duties independently.
The Alzheimer disease normally progresses in three major stages ( Dempsey, 2013). In the mild stage, the patient may experience minor memory lapses. In the middle stage, the patient may experience difficulties in remembering some details. Finally, the severe stage is described by a patient’s failure to communicate, move or even remember basic details (Miller, Whitlatch & Lyons, 2016). However, Alzheimer progression is normally considered to be slow. There are various factors that can determine the rate at which the illness progresses. Research has corroborated that individuals who develop this symptom before 65 years of age are likely to experience a faster progression of the disease ( Miller, Whitlatch & Lyons, 2016). For instance, Ellen is 64 years old thus it implies that her health may deteriorate faster than expected. The physical condition of the body is another important feature that can dictate the progression of this illness. Therefore, it is important for the Alzheimer patient to carry out continuous physical, mental and social exercises in order to cushion the body from severe symptoms. The progression of the illness into the middle and severe stages may have effects on a patient’s ability to carry out daily activities (ADL). The impairment of cognitive abilities may affect the locomotive elements of the body thus limiting the patient from carrying some tasks. Also, this progression impairs the patient’s judgmental capabilities which may have a direct impact on ADL.
An “Advanced Directive” is a general term which describes the legally directed activities that a patient may consider in her dying stages. The power of an attorney is one of the issues regarding advanced directives. For instance, Ellen may legally designate some few individuals who can make decisions on her behalf. The patient’s decision on the life-sustaining equipment is also a major issue when it comes to advanced directives. The patient may document the critical decisions on the use of equipments such as respirators.
The advanced directives go hand in hand with funeral plans. Brain autopsy is an issue that can be evaluated in line with funeral plans. For example, Ellen, may decide to donate her brain for further research. Also, the patient can plan on the preferred burial arrangement. However, this decision is normally documented legally (Sun, Gao & Coon, 2013). For instance, Ellen may prefer her body to be cremated. She can also document the rituals and cultural activities that she may deem perfect in her funeral. The funeral plans normally encompass numerous issues which interweave with human rights.
Ellen’s family is the primary source of her social support. The two kids are the major players that can guarantee Ellen happiness in life. Workmates may also provide Ellen with enough social support. However, taking Ellen to a long-term nursing home can be very effective in offering her social support. Other patients can be very useful in making Ellen feel at home. Ellen can also access admiral nurses who can give her enough social support. These are nurses who are legitimately registered to provide Alzheimer patients with a good mental and social support.
Ellen’s affiliation with the Chinese-American culture may impact on her family’s decisions. In the Chinese culture, dementia is perceived to be a normal aging trait ( Woo, 2017). Therefore, this belief may influence Ellen’s desire to seek medical assessment. Also, the Chinese-American culture perceives dementia as being shameful in the society. Therefore, this concept drives most patients into trauma which may ultimately influence their decisions on treatment. Also, most Chinese families prefer the use of herbal treatment of Alzheimer which is dangerous ( Sun, Gao & Coon, 2013). Therefore, the above-mentioned beliefs are some of the issues that may affect Ellen’s family from making proper decisions. It is vital that Ellen’s family take into consideration such beliefs in order to be able to make informed decision when it comes to this disease. This would prevent any misunderstanding and enable proper management to be initiated.
References
Dempsey, D. (2013). Advance care planning for people with dementia: benefits and challenges. International journal of palliative nursing , 19 (5), 227-234.
Leung, P., Orrell, M., & Orgeta, V. (2015). Social support group interventions in people with dementia and mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review of the literature. International journal of geriatric psychiatry , 30 (1), 1-9.
Miller, L. M., Whitlatch, C. J., & Lyons, K. S. (2016). Shared decision-making in dementia: a review of patient and family care involvement. Dementia , 15 (5), 1141-1157.
Sun, F., Gao, X., & Coon, D. W. (2013). Perceived threat of Alzheimer’s disease among Chinese American older adults: The role of Alzheimer’s disease literacy. Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences , 70 (2), 245-255.
Woo, B. K. (2017). Dementia health promotion for Chinese Americans. Cureus , 9 (6).
