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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

I never thought of myself as an addict, but I did end up addicted to anti-anxiety medication after developing Generalized Anxiety Disorder. At some point, the medicine stopped being a way to deal with the nervousness and panic attacks, and became something my body craved. I knew that I needed help fast. Fortunately, a local drug rehab program includes support for people like me. They helped me wean off the medication, use methods like massage therapy to help my nerves heal, and even provided ongoing counseling for our family. I don't know how I would have made it without their help. If you suspect that your medication has crossed the line from being helpful to hurtful, take heart. Let me tell you about my journey out of addiction and back to wholeness.

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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

Guidelines for Choosing an Alzheimer Care Center

by Valerie Stevens

Alzheimer's disease is a common condition in the US, especially among the elderly. It is estimated that 6.2 million Americans aged 65 and older have Alzheimer's. This brain disorder gradually destroys one's thinking, memory, and reasoning, making it hard to perform even simple routine tasks. Since patients can't function independently, they often need long-term care in an Alzheimer's care center.

Signs that Your Loved Needs Dementia Care

Typically, Alzheimer's disease causes the brain cells to die, leading to a significant decline in social skills, thinking, and behavior. Some of the symptoms to watch include:

  • Memory Loss — If one has dementia, they often forget appointments, conversations, or events. In other instances, they routinely misplace possessions or get lost in familiar places. If the disease is not treated, they may even forget the names of everyday objects or family members.
  • Declined Thinking and Reasoning — Alzheimer's dementia causes difficulty concentrating or understanding abstract concepts. It also affects multitasking, making it hard to manage finances or perform simple calculations.
  • Inability to Make Reasonable Judgments — The condition affects the ability to make reasonable decisions in ordinary situations. On most occasions, patients can't effectively respond to everyday problems.
  • Changes in Behavior and Personality — Alzheimer's causes significant brain changes, leading to depression, mood swings, apathy, aggressiveness, and social withdrawal.

Choosing a Memory Care Center

Like other cognitive impairments, Alzheimer's disease is progressive. In this context, the disease gets worse over time, and the patient requires long-term care. The primary goal of dementia care is to improve the patient's cognitive ability and slow the progression of symptoms. In an Alzheimer's care center, your loved one will receive medications to help them function and maintain independence for some time.

In advanced stages, the patient may experience severe loss of brain function. In such a case, they need to be admitted to a memory care center. Dementia care facilities offer 24/7 care to help patients maintain their quality of life, even as their memory and reasoning worsen.

However, there are numerous memory care facilities in the United States, and it can be quite challenging to navigate the available options.

When choosing a memory care community, it's advisable to ask the following questions:

  • What are your loved one's priorities and needs?
  • What features and amenities are available at the care facility?
  • How long has the facility been providing care for people with dementia?
  • What safety features does the Alzheimer's care center have?
  • Does the facility offer patient-centered dementia care?
  • Which memory-enhancing activities and therapies are available?

Conclusion

Since dementia is progressive, your loved one may require long-term care in an Alzheimer's care center. However, memory care facilities differ in staffing, amenities, and therapies. Choosing the right dementia care center ensures that the patient receives safe and personalized care.

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