Barton House is an outstanding assisted living community in Scottsdale, Arizona. It is within stunning Maricopa County which is part of the Grand Canyon State.
When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, it's difficult to know what to do. Home care is simply not feasible for most families today. The alternative, institutionalization in the locked wing of a nursing home, is far from ideal.
In fact, most cognitively impaired people don't need the regimented care provided in a nursing home. What they need is a place designed specifically for them with an environment that feels like a home, not a hospital. We strive for a program of care that stresses individuality and interpersonal contact.
Dementia is the loss of intellectual functions (such as thinking, remembering and reasoning) of sufficient severity to interfere with a person's daily functioning. It is not a disease in itself, but rather a group of symptoms which may accompany certain diseases or physical conditions. The cause and rate of progression of dementia's vary. Some of the more well-known diseases that produce dementia include Alzheimer's disease, Vascular dementia, Parkinson's and Pick's disease. Other conditions which may cause or mimic dementia include depression, brain tumors, nutritional deficiencies, head injuries, hydrocephalus, infections (AIDS, menengitis, syphilis), drug reactions and thyroid problems.
It is imperative that all persons experiencing memory deficits or confusion undergo a thorough diagnostic work up. This requires examination by a physician experienced in the diagnosis of dementing disorders and detailed laboratory testing. The examination should include a re-evaluation of all medications. This process will help the patient obtain treatment for reversible conditions, aid the patient and family in planning future care, and provide important medical information for future generations.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common of the dementing disorders currently affecting as many as 4 million Americans. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include a gradual memory loss, decline in ability to perform routine tasks, disorientation in time and space, impairment of judgement, personality change, difficulty in learning, and loss of language and communication skills.
As with all dementias, the rate of progression in Alzheimer's patients varies from case to case. From the onset of symptoms, the life span of an Alzheimer sufferer can range anywhere from 3 to 20 or more years. The disease eventually leaves its victims unable to care for themselves. While a definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is possible only through the examination of brain tissue, which is usually done at autopsy, it is important for a person suffering from any symptoms of dementia to undergo a thorough clinical examination. In fact, after such an evaluation, approximately 20% of suspected Alzheimer's cases prove to be a medical condition other than Alzheimer's, sometimes treatable.
We never forget that individuals with Alzheimer's are individuals first, with unique backgrounds, personalities and interests. Moreover, the progress of memory loss varies in everyone, so that a level of care which is exactly right for one person might infringe upon the rights of another.
That's why we tailor the care of each of our residents to his or her needs. This highly personalized program is made possible by our small size and unusually high staff ratio.
Our philosophy of care is really quite simple. Focus on strengths, rather than weaknesses. Never stop trying to communicate. Be kind, always.
All of the staff at Barton House receive special training in working with the cognitively impaired. All are hired as much for their belief in the basic dignity of every person as for their professional skills.
