ir self esteem, and prolong their stay at home. Examples of low-cost modifications to the environment include reducing the noise levels in the home (telephones, radios, voices, etc.); avoiding vividly patterned rugs and drapes; placing locks up high or down low on doors leading outside (Alzheimers disease sufferers are known to wander off); clearing floors of clutter; and reducing the contents of closets in order to simplify choices (Alzheimer, 1992, p.17). Costs are typically paid for by the victim's family. Many of these, and other more expensive modifications are introduced in long-term care settings. They help in maintaining the safety and security of the victim as well as reducing their confusion. The patient's and the family's condition should be assessed every six months (Alzheimer, 1992, p.21). In response to constantly changing needs, the aspects of care must be constantly modified. Other issues that usually arise during the care of the patient are assessment of the competence of the victim, power of attorney, and response to and prevention of abuse (Aronson, 1988, p.124). Eventually the victim's condition deteriorates to the point where home care is no longer possible and they must be moved to a long-term care facility. Any care giver must obtain information and education about the disease in order to effectively care for the victim. During the course of the disease victims might wander, hallucinate, or become suspicious. This behavior can place a large strain on the care giver as well as causing depression and deterioration of their own health (Aronson, 1988, p.132). An Alzheimers disease support group is crucial to alleviating some of the stress on the care giver. Through a support group the care giver is given the emotional and practical help needed to accomplish the large task of looking after the victim for as long as possible. An estimated four million Americans currently have Alzheimer's disease, and abo...
