Our clients are typically elderly, and suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. The world involving dementia care, benefits to help pay for that care, advocacy, and asset protection is very complicated. Our Law Firm guides the client and their family through this complicated maze, with impressive results.
I am amazed by how many of our clients exhibit sudden psychotic dementia-related behaviors. Polite, soft-spoken individuals turn into violent men and women. Elderly women kick, bite, and hit. They accuse their adult children of stealing, and their spouses of having affairs. We see elderly men become aggressive, and suffer fall injuries as they lose their balance throwing punches at others. The client’s family members are horrified, and do not know the options or how to make the necessary decisions given mom or dad’s new sudden behaviors.
Statistics show that more than 70 percent of patients with Alzheimer’s disease experience psychotic symptoms during the course of their illness. Delusions and paranoia are the most common psychotic symptom. Hospital psychiatric “holds” are becoming more frequent. Skilled nursing facilities specializing in psychotic behaviors are available, but can be depressing, and not where we want our loved-one to be. Moreover, the cost exceeds $8,000 per month, and is not covered by insurance.
Antipsychotic medications and proper care is often needed for the senior. However, many adult children find it difficult to get the right help and correct combination and dosages of medications. The primary doctor is often unfamiliar with advanced dementia with psychotic symptoms, and unable to properly diagnose and treat patients in short office-visit time allotments. The doctor may mean well, but lacks the necessary knowledge in this very specialized area. Obtaining proper medications, treatment, and proper care/facilities pose challenges for the family.
It is a difficult and heartbreaking road for the family of an Alzheimer’s patient. Psychotic behaviors make that difficult road unbearable to navigate. However, we have no choice, as there is no turning back on this road. Alzheimer’s is a one-way dead end street. And, it is affecting our seniors at an alarming rate. Having correct information, knowing the options, protecting the assets, and making wise choices make the road a bit smoother, and helps the family tremendously.
For an appointment, please call the McNamara Law Firm, PC, at 661-287-3260. You can learn more online at: www.themcnamaralawfirm.com and www.VAbenefits4seniors.com.