Alzheimer’s Hostess Personality

In certain situations, older adults suffering from Alzheimer’s can display an uncanny ability to function normally. One of the most common situations where seniors with Alzheimer’s exhibit normal functionality is during visits to the doctor. The ability to conceal characteristics of dementia for a given duration is referred to as a Hostess Personality.





The emergence of a Hostess Personality has sometimes been accredited to fear and denial. If a person with Alzheimer’s is afraid of the repercussions of a doctor’s appointment, they will do their best to appear perfectly normal when they are with the doctor.

The Selective Engagement Theory

As a person gets older, their energy levels reduce, especially if they have a condition like Alzheimer’s. The reduction forces them to choose the activities that merit the use of their restricted personal resources. Any activities that are deemed relevant are undertaken while those of less importance are ignored.

The carrying out of complex mental tasks is more taxing for seniors with Alzheimer’s. They have to work harder to finish an activity and need a longer recovery time once they are done. The result is that they usually tend to sleep a lot after any mentally strenuous task.

According to the selective engagement theory, the elderly are highly motivated to overcome all their cognitive shortcomings in any situation that they consider to be of importance to them. A visit to the doctor is usually considered very important because, to someone with their condition, it could determine whether they can retain their independence or not. 

Dealing With a Hostess Personality

Sometimes, taking care of a person with a Hostess Personality can be a daunting task. If you take them to a doctor or report their behavior to family members, they will not display the symptoms that you ‘claim’ that they are exhibiting. Your credibility with the doctor or relatives may be put in doubt, leading to frustration.

The following methods can be used to deal with a Hostess Personality:

• Talk to your elderly relative and try to convince them that you have their best interests at heart. Assure them that revealing their affliction is not an attempt to get rid of them and that it is for their own good.
• Inform the doctor about what is happening privately. The doctor will know the best way to deal with the situation.

Although dealing with a relative who has Alzheimer’s can be difficult, especially if they exhibit a Hostess Personality, showing great care and devotion goes a long way in improving their condition. 

Taking care of an Alzheimer’s patient is usually a round-the-clock task. If you are not always available to be with them, hiring someone to take care of them in the familiar comfort of your home is the next best option.

Signs That May Suggest It's Time For Assisted Living

You elderly parents want to remain as independent as possible throughout their lives. Eventually, it becomes the responsibility of the adult child to make sure that they receive adequate care into the sunset of life. It might not be feasible to place the parent into a nursing home or retirement facility. This is where home health services can be the answer.

Silent Signals Your Parent Is In Trouble At Home

Despite their best efforts, your parents may inadvertently reveal the need for special home care services.  There are a few tell tale signs you can look for, even if your parent insists he or she flourishes independently.

1. You visit your parent and find evidence of things being broken. This could be due to them falling from dizzy spells or loss of balance upon standing.

2. Unexplained bruising. Another sign of evidence of falling.

3. Exterior damage to your parent’s automobile. This might be due to driving over a curb or hitting something due to misjudgment.

4. Smoky or smell of something overcooked in the home. Serious evidence that your parent could be having problems preparing meals.

5. Prescription medications missing or dropped on the floor by mistake. Sometimes this happens and the parent is unable to bend or squat to retrieve the medicine.

6. Missing scheduled physician appointments. This might be due to hearing loss and unable to hear information over the phone clearly.

7. Depression and Despair. This is common among seniors. They become lonely without companionship and support at home. This is very serious and can lead to greater psychological problems.

8. Denial by the parent that they need help when signs show that they do.

9. Unpaid bills or a utility is cut off at the home. This can be serious. It is a priority that all senior citizens have adequate utilities to carry out their daily activities. Failure of making an insurance payment can lead to termination of the policy so it is important to stay up to date on a parent’s finances.

10. Everyday, routine cleaning shows signs that help is needed. This usually starts with excessive trash building up in the home. Unwashed dishes gathering in the kitchen and dining area. Clothes being piled up but never washed. Unmade beds and dirty bathrooms can be another source of evidence.

If you are notice any of the above signs with your aging parent, it could be time to consider hiring a home healthcare service. Visiting Angels is an assisted living service here in Las Vegas and Henderson that can provide the care your parent needs at home.   Our list of home services includes meal preparation, light housekeeping and companionship among other, important services.

Give us a call today 702-562-3322 to find out more about our home services for your elderly parent.

The Top Elderly Careger Challenges

Although it can be rewarding caring for elderly parents, the challenges can easily become overwhelming for adult children who may be concerned about whether they're providing enough physical and emotional support for their loved ones on a consistent basis. Without professional help, the tasks can become difficult to perform with proper efficiency and care, especially for caregivers who have a career outside of the environment. For many caregivers, there are common challenges that can make it difficult to impossible for both the elder and provider to thrive.

Managing Emotional Stress

It can be extremely tasking caring for a loved one as their well-being is often in the hands of a loved one who may not be equipped both physically and financially to provide enough care. This can bring on guilt towards oneself and even bitterness toward the elder for the time and energy it takes, often affecting the financial and emotional stability of the caregiver.

This can be difficult to balance as caregivers who are often related to the individual can have more emotions involved and are trying to manage other responsibilities, which include a family of their own and a full-time career.

Without properly balancing both the personal life and time caring for the elder, it can cause anxiety, depression, and emotional burn-out that can create an uncomfortable and even unhealthy environment for both individuals.

Finances

Although it may be enjoyable to care for a loved one, it is not cheap. Those who care for relatives often pay an average of $5,500 annually of their own money, putting a financial strain on their own wallet and making it difficult to stay afloat, aside from the transportation, time, and medication often paid for, which often increases with time as the elder's health deteriorates and requires more attention.

Lack of Experiences

For caregivers who are inexperienced, it can be difficult having enough skill and knowledge in a number of fields that include medical, legal, and social education, making it difficult for the elder to thrive and even improve in their condition. Those with inexperience with caregiving can also have a lack of experience, making it difficult to provide time management and properly evaluate the individual on a daily basis without other distractions.

Proper elder care requires a collaborative effort to ensure the proper well-being and stability for each individual. For professional care and assistance, we recommend Visiting Angels.