Million. Here is the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease in France. An alarming number, especially since this disease suffers from a lack of access to diagnosis and a prevention policy. So what are the everyday help and support solutions? Here are three valuable tips for patients and caregivers.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
It is a neurodegenerative disease that is, to date, irreversible and incurable. [1] This is the most common form of dementia that is characterized by a slow and gradual loss of memory, thinking, and behavior. These disturbances have a significant impact on activities of daily living. Among the most common symptoms are:
- Language disorders
- Difficulty performing some gestures
- Loss of recognition of things or people
- loss of executive function (adaptation of behavior to a particular context)
How is the diagnosis made?
According to France Alzheimer’s journal, one in two patients will not be diagnosed (there are 225,000 new cases each year in France). If you think you are experiencing one of the above symptoms or notice a change in the behavior of someone close to you, see your doctor immediately. This professional will refer you to a neurologist who will prepare an evaluation.
Although the disease is not yet curable, a diagnosis is necessary to avoid treatment errors and to benefit from 100% coverage of care. Therefore, if in doubt, go to a health professional.
How do you benefit from financial aid?
long term affection allowance (ALD)
Do you or a member of your family suffer from Alzheimer’s disease? Be aware that financial assistance is available. This is particularly the case for ALD. This allowance allows for full coverage by health insurance for care related to your illnesses (speech therapy, medication, physical therapy, nursing care, etc.). But you will understand, to take advantage of it, that it is absolutely necessary to diagnose. More information only here.
Personal Autonomy Allowance (APA)
If you are over 60 years old and suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, you can benefit from this financial assistance. There are two possible options: If you are at home, this allowance allows you to finance the costs, partially or fully, necessary to keep you at home. On the contrary, if you are appointed, this contributes to the payment of the costs of your stay in a medical-social institution. The amount of assistance varies according to the degree of loss of independence (ranging from 1 to 6). Need more information, appointment here.
Help from CAF التقاعد retirement home
Do you want to infect a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease? There are solutions to support you in this process. With CAF, you can benefit from housing assistance (retirement home, Ehpad, long-term care unit or residential accommodation). If you want to know more, this is through here.
Social Housing Assistance (ASH)
This financial assistance, paid by the department in which the patient resides over the age of sixty, makes it possible to cover part or all of the costs related to housing in an institution or with a foster family. To complete the procedure, go to here.
How to train?
Are you a caregiver and don’t know how to help your loved one overcome illness? Note that France Alzheimer regularly provides training in small groups to understand the sick person and adapt their support. It lasts 14 hours and is divided into 5 to 6 sessions. To register, just go here.
But that’s not all, you can also join a local association to discuss with other members, better understand the disease and know all the support systems. Finally, if you would like to speak to a professional, trust yourself and get quick and tangible answers, you can contact Allo Alzheimer at 09 70 81 88 06. This national branch for help, listening and support is open all days from 8 to 10 pm
Valuable advice for patients and caregivers. To improve your memory on a daily basis, here are 6 simple tips and 4 foods you can put on your plate.