Alzheimer's Patients Have Medical, Psychological And Emotional Needs

As we transition from World Alzheimer’s Month in September to National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in November, it is important to recognize that the need for continues throughout the year.

What many people don’t know is that Alzheimer’s is considered brain failure that moves through a series of stages. For that reason, the medical, psychological and emotional needs of Alzheimer’s patients may vary, depending upon where they are in the progression of the disease.

Earlier:

Our commitment to Alzheimer’s awareness at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital is very strong, starting with our Geriatric Advanced Practice Nurse, who works closely with hospital staff to address acute geriatric issues.

Lutheran General Hospital is one of only five Illinois hospitals with NICHE designation. NICHE, Nurses Improving Care for HealthSystem Elders, is an international organization that promotes relationship-based senior care. As a NICHE center, we are committed to give sensitive and exemplary care to meet the specialized needs of our senior patients. A web-based Alzheimer’s Services and Support Center aligned with the Alzheimer’s Association is available as well to provide education and support to hospital personnel.

Needs of our geriatric patients are also met in the services provided in our14-bed Geriatric Behavioral Health Unit which specializes in the stabilization of geriatric syndromes. This unit provides the opportunity to more closely assess underlying disorders that may be contributing to changes in behavior.

Alzheimer’s Stages

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, problems with memory and concentration become apparent and the focus of care is on enhancing patients’ ability to retain memories. At Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, we are now offering a new program, Expressions, which gives participants the opportunity to utilize their brains in new ways, which may be helpful in improving memory. 

Memory problems transition to forgetfulness and difficulty making decisions in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s. This is also when patients, families and caregivers may begin to seek out information about what they can expect as the disease progresses. We field as many as 500 phone calls per month through a free Senior Information and Referral Service, answering questions about everything from Medicare billing to selecting assisted living programs. Information is given about providers who specialize in assessing and treating patients who are showing the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

The middle to late stages of the disease are often when the need for assistance with day-to-day activities arises. This requires significantly more support from family members and caregivers. Our Adult Day Service program offers a break to caregivers by providing daily supervision, medical services and regular outings in the community. It may be the only social interaction that patients in the latest stages of Alzheimer’s experience. Patients refer to it as “The Club” because of the social interaction they receive. We also offer educational service to the community on a variety of geriatric topics through the Senior Breakfast Club that features expert speakers.

Every day at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, we witness first-hand the challenges that Alzheimer’s disease places on patients, their families and caregivers. Through our comprehensive geriatric services, we strive to help patients maintain their independence for as long as possible while preserving their dignity.

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