{"id":5156,"date":"2026-07-24T15:58:20","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T15:58:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/virginia-beach\/?page_id=5156"},"modified":"2026-07-24T15:58:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T15:58:20","slug":"stages-of-dementia","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/virginia-beach\/stages-of-dementia\/","title":{"rendered":"Stages of Dementia Explained: A Family\u2019s Full Guide to Progression"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"5156\" class=\"elementor elementor-5156\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0378a3d e-con-boxed e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"0378a3d\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-325d566 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"325d566\" data-element_type=\"widget\" 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ease;}\n.h5btn:before{content:\"\";position:absolute;top:0;left:-80%;width:55%;height:100%;background:linear-gradient(100deg,transparent,rgba(255,255,255,.35),transparent);transform:skewX(-20deg);transition:left .5s ease;}\n.h5btn:hover{transform:translateY(-2px);box-shadow:0 14px 32px rgba(164,196,34,.4);}\n.h5btn:hover:before{left:120%;}\n.h5tel{font-family:'Raleway',sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:15.5px;color:#C8E06B !important;text-decoration:none;}\n.h5card{position:relative;opacity:0;animation:h5card .8s .35s cubic-bezier(.22,.7,.3,1) forwards;background:rgba(28,25,20,.78);backdrop-filter:blur(14px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(14px);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.16);border-radius:18px;padding:20px 22px 18px;color:#fff;box-shadow:0 18px 50px rgba(0,0,0,.4);transition:transform .25s ease,box-shadow .25s ease;transform-style:preserve-3d;}\n@keyframes h5card{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(26px) scale(.97)}to{opacity:1;transform:none}}\n.h5card h3{margin:0 0 12px;font-family:'Raleway',sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:13px;letter-spacing:.14em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#C8E06B;}\n.h5card dl{margin:0;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:8px;}\n.h5card dt{font-family:'Raleway',sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:11.5px;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#B4AC9E;margin:0 0 2px;}\n.h5card dd{margin:0;font-family:'Raleway',sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#F3F1EC;line-height:1.38;}\n.h5card hr{border:none;border-top:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.14);margin:10px 0;}\n.h5card .h5btn{width:100%;justify-content:center;padding:12px 20px;}\n@media(max-width:1024px){.h5x{min-height:0;padding:40px 100vw 46px;}}\n@media(prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){.h5bg img{animation:none}.h5eb,.h5x h1,.h5sub,.h5chips li,.h5btns,.h5card{animation:none;opacity:1}}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"h5x\"><div class=\"h5bg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/virginia-beach\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/07\/pcah-hero-banner-266.jpg\" alt=\"A Preferred Care at Home caregiver walking with a smiling senior in a sunny garden\"><\/div><div class=\"h5ov\"><\/div><div class=\"h5in\">\n <div>\n  <p class=\"h5eb\">Dementia Care &middot; A Pillar Guide from Preferred Care at Home<\/p>\n  <h1>Stages of Dementia Explained: A Family&#8217;s Full Guide to Progression<\/h1>\n  <p class=\"h5sub\">Search &#8220;stages of dementia&#8221; and you&#8217;ll land on two different maps within the first three results &mdash; one with 3 broad stages, one with a 7-step clinical scale, and neither explains how they connect. This guide fuses both frameworks into one plain-English map, ties each stage to real changes Hampton Roads families notice at home, and covers when in-home support usually becomes necessary.<\/p>\n  <ul class=\"h5chips\"><li><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 23 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M22.5063 0.191225C20.616 1.31814 18.4795 2.93148 16.4706 4.75089C14.8516 6.21755 13.1248 7.98498 11.5256 9.81182C10.4223 11.0743 9.23276 12.5428 8.15823 13.9705C7.78448 14.468 6.81776 15.801 6.51409 16.241C6.35776 16.4675 6.27151 16.577 6.25354 16.5715C6.23917 16.5678 4.87175 15.7732 3.21682 14.8078L0.207058 13.0496L0.138777 13.1295C0.10284 13.174 0.0633083 13.2223 0.0543239 13.239C0.0381521 13.2687 0.293308 13.5769 6.79979 21.3725L7.32268 22H7.39456H7.46643L7.87432 21.159C9.88862 17.017 11.867 13.6066 14.1113 10.4059C16.5856 6.88034 19.3869 3.63325 22.5386 0.642365C22.7632 0.428862 22.9465 0.248777 22.9465 0.241352C22.9465 0.232069 22.8225 0.050127 22.7992 0.0259933C22.7956 0.0241356 22.6644 0.0983982 22.5063 0.191225Z\" fill=\"#A4C422\"\/><\/svg><span>Both stage frameworks fused into one plain-English map<\/span><\/li><li><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 23 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M22.5063 0.191225C20.616 1.31814 18.4795 2.93148 16.4706 4.75089C14.8516 6.21755 13.1248 7.98498 11.5256 9.81182C10.4223 11.0743 9.23276 12.5428 8.15823 13.9705C7.78448 14.468 6.81776 15.801 6.51409 16.241C6.35776 16.4675 6.27151 16.577 6.25354 16.5715C6.23917 16.5678 4.87175 15.7732 3.21682 14.8078L0.207058 13.0496L0.138777 13.1295C0.10284 13.174 0.0633083 13.2223 0.0543239 13.239C0.0381521 13.2687 0.293308 13.5769 6.79979 21.3725L7.32268 22H7.39456H7.46643L7.87432 21.159C9.88862 17.017 11.867 13.6066 14.1113 10.4059C16.5856 6.88034 19.3869 3.63325 22.5386 0.642365C22.7632 0.428862 22.9465 0.248777 22.9465 0.241352C22.9465 0.232069 22.8225 0.050127 22.7992 0.0259933C22.7956 0.0241356 22.6644 0.0983982 22.5063 0.191225Z\" fill=\"#A4C422\"\/><\/svg><span>Timelines are averages, not countdowns<\/span><\/li><li><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 23 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M22.5063 0.191225C20.616 1.31814 18.4795 2.93148 16.4706 4.75089C14.8516 6.21755 13.1248 7.98498 11.5256 9.81182C10.4223 11.0743 9.23276 12.5428 8.15823 13.9705C7.78448 14.468 6.81776 15.801 6.51409 16.241C6.35776 16.4675 6.27151 16.577 6.25354 16.5715C6.23917 16.5678 4.87175 15.7732 3.21682 14.8078L0.207058 13.0496L0.138777 13.1295C0.10284 13.174 0.0633083 13.2223 0.0543239 13.239C0.0381521 13.2687 0.293308 13.5769 6.79979 21.3725L7.32268 22H7.39456H7.46643L7.87432 21.159C9.88862 17.017 11.867 13.6066 14.1113 10.4059C16.5856 6.88034 19.3869 3.63325 22.5386 0.642365C22.7632 0.428862 22.9465 0.248777 22.9465 0.241352C22.9465 0.232069 22.8225 0.050127 22.7992 0.0259933C22.7956 0.0241356 22.6644 0.0983982 22.5063 0.191225Z\" fill=\"#A4C422\"\/><\/svg><span>Built around dementia care &mdash; owner Deck Hankins&#8217; own story<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n  <div class=\"h5btns\"><a class=\"h5btn\" href=\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/virginia-beach\/contact\/\">Get Care Now<\/a><a class=\"h5tel\" href=\"tel:7573555080\">(757) 355-5080<\/a><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"h5card\">\n  <h3>At a glance<\/h3>\n  <dl>\n   <div><dt>Who this page is for<\/dt><dd>Families noticing memory or thinking changes in a loved one<\/dd><\/div>\n   <div><dt>Stage systems explained<\/dt><dd>Two: the 3-stage family model and the 7-stage GDS scale<\/dd><\/div>\n   <div><dt>When families add help<\/dt><dd>Middle stage &mdash; when most families reach out for help<\/dd><\/div>\n   <div><dt>The home-care reality<\/dt><dd>80% of adults with dementia receive care in their homes<\/dd><\/div>\n  <\/dl>\n  <hr>\n  <dl><div><dt>Credentials you can verify<\/dt><dd>Certified Provider &middot; Licensed in Tennessee &middot; Home Care Pulse Award &middot; LPN on Care Team<\/dd><\/div><\/dl>\n  <hr>\n  <a class=\"h5btn\" href=\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/virginia-beach\/contact\/\">Talk it through with us<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><script>(function(){var c=document.querySelector('.h5card');if(!c)return;if(window.matchMedia('(prefers-reduced-motion: reduce)').matches)return;if(!window.matchMedia('(hover: hover)').matches)return;c.addEventListener('mousemove',function(e){var r=c.getBoundingClientRect();var x=(e.clientX-r.left)\/r.width-.5,y=(e.clientY-r.top)\/r.height-.5;c.style.transform='perspective(900px) rotateY('+(x*4).toFixed(2)+'deg) rotateX('+(-y*4).toFixed(2)+'deg) translateY(-2px)';});c.addEventListener('mouseleave',function(){c.style.transform='';});})();<\/script>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a4a6626 e-con-boxed e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"a4a6626\" data-element_type=\"container\" 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auto;gap:26px;align-items:center;background:linear-gradient(115deg,#26221D,#3A3B19);border-radius:18px;padding:34px 36px;color:#fff;box-shadow:0 14px 40px rgba(34,30,25,.3);margin-bottom:26px;}\n@media(max-width:900px){.pb-pathhero{grid-template-columns:1fr;}}\n.pb-flag{position:absolute;top:-13px;left:26px;background:linear-gradient(92deg,#A4C422,#7B9218);color:#fff;font-family:'Raleway',sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:11.5px;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;border-radius:20px;padding:5px 13px;box-shadow:0 4px 12px rgba(123,146,24,.35);}\n.pb-pg{display:inline-block;font-family:'Raleway',sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#C8E06B;background:rgba(200,224,107,.12);border:1px solid rgba(200,224,107,.4);border-radius:20px;padding:4px 12px;margin-bottom:12px;}\n.pb-pathhero h3{margin:0 0 9px;font-family:'Raleway',sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:24px;color:#fff;}\n.pb-pathhero p{margin:0;color:#CFC9BE;line-height:1.65;max-width:640px;}\n.pb-btn{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:9px;background:linear-gradient(92deg,#A4C422,#7B9218);color:#fff !important;font-family:'Raleway',sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:15.5px;padding:13px 22px;border-radius:8px;text-decoration:none;box-shadow:0 8px 24px rgba(164,196,34,.3);transition:transform .2s ease;white-space:nowrap;}\n.pb-btn:hover{transform:translateY(-2px);}\n.pb-paths3{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:22px;}\n@media(max-width:900px){.pb-paths3{grid-template-columns:1fr;}}\n.pb-path{background:#fff;border:1px solid #E7E3DB;border-radius:16px;padding:24px 24px;box-shadow:0 4px 18px rgba(94,80,79,.07);}\n.pb-path .pb-pg{color:#746D62;background:#F0EDE6;border:none;}\n.pb-path h3{margin:0 0 8px;font-family:'Raleway',sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:17.5px;color:#3A3731;}\n.pb-path p{margin:0;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.6;color:#746D62;}\n\/* versus *\/\n.pb-vs{position:relative;display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:26px;align-items:stretch;}\n@media(max-width:800px){.pb-vs{grid-template-columns:1fr;}}\n.pb-vcol{background:#fff;border:1px solid #E7E3DB;border-radius:18px;padding:26px 28px;box-shadow:0 4px 18px rgba(94,80,79,.07);}\n.pb-vcol h3{margin:0 0 16px;font-family:'Raleway',sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:20px;color:#5E504F;text-align:center;}\n.pb-vcol ul{list-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;display:flex;flex-direction:column;}\n.pb-vcol li{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;gap:14px;padding:12px 4px;border-top:1px solid #F0EDE6;font-size:15px;}\n.pb-vcol li b{font-family:'Raleway',sans-serif;font-weight:700;color:#746D62;font-size:13.5px;letter-spacing:.03em;text-transform:uppercase;align-self:center;}\n.pb-vcol li span{font-family:'Raleway',sans-serif;font-weight:700;color:#3A3731;}\n.pb-vwin{border:2px solid #A4C422;background:linear-gradient(180deg,#FDFEF8,#F6F8EF);box-shadow:0 12px 34px rgba(164,196,34,.18);}\n.pb-vwin h3{color:#7B9218;}\n.pb-vwin li span{color:#4F640B;}\n.pb-vbadge{position:absolute;left:50%;top:50%;transform:translate(-50%,-50%);z-index:2;width:56px;height:56px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;background:#26221D;color:#C8E06B;font-family:'Raleway',sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:17px;border-radius:50%;box-shadow:0 8px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.3);border:3px solid #FBFAF7;}\n@media(max-width:800px){.pb-vbadge{display:none;}}\n\/* faq *\/\n.pb-faqs{columns:2;column-gap:22px;}\n@media(max-width:900px){.pb-faqs{columns:1;}}\n.pb-faq{break-inside:avoid;margin-bottom:16px;background:#fff;border:1px solid #E7E3DB;border-radius:14px;overflow:hidden;box-shadow:0 3px 14px rgba(94,80,79,.06);}\n.pb-faq summary{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;cursor:pointer;list-style:none;padding:17px 20px;font-family:'Raleway',sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:16px;color:#3A3731;}\n.pb-faq summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none;}\n.pb-faq summary span{flex:1;}\n.pb-faq summary em{flex:none;display:inline-flex;transition:transform .3s ease;}\n.pb-faq[open] summary{color:#7B9218;}\n.pb-faq[open] summary em{transform:rotate(45deg);}\n.pb-fb{padding:0 20px 18px;}\n.pb-fb p{margin:0;color:#746D62;line-height:1.7;font-size:14.5px;}\n<\/style><div class=\"pb\"><div class=\"pb-prog\"><i><\/i><\/div><div class=\"pb-shell\"><aside class=\"pb-rail\"><p>In this guide<\/p><a href=\"#pb-answers\" data-t=\"pb-answers\"><b>01<\/b><span>The Two Stage Maps<\/span><\/a><a href=\"#pb-who\" data-t=\"pb-who\"><b>02<\/b><span>The Three Stages<\/span><\/a><a href=\"#pb-home\" data-t=\"pb-home\"><b>03<\/b><span>Types &amp; Timelines<\/span><\/a><a href=\"#pb-process\" data-t=\"pb-process\"><b>04<\/b><span>How We Help<\/span><\/a><a href=\"#pb-team\" data-t=\"pb-team\"><b>05<\/b><span>Our Local Team<\/span><\/a><a href=\"#pb-paths\" data-t=\"pb-paths\"><b>06<\/b><span>The 7 GDS Stages<\/span><\/a><a href=\"#pb-compare\" data-t=\"pb-compare\"><b>07<\/b><span>Levels of Support<\/span><\/a><a href=\"#pb-faq\" data-t=\"pb-faq\"><b>08<\/b><span>Questions Families Ask<\/span><\/a><div class=\"pb-railcta\"><p>Questions right now?<\/p><a href=\"tel:7573555080\">(757) 355-5080<\/a><\/div><\/aside><div class=\"pb-main\"><section class=\"pb-anchor\" id=\"pb-answers\"><div class=\"pb-shead pb-rv\"><span class=\"pb-eyebrow\">Plain language, before another conflicting article<\/span><h2 class=\"pb-h2\">Two Ways Dementia Stages Are Explained<\/h2><p class=\"pb-sub\">About 80% of adults with Alzheimer&#8217;s and related dementias receive care in their homes, per the CDC &mdash; which makes understanding these stages a home-care planning question, not a facility question.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"pb-lrow pb-rv\" style=\"transition-delay:0ms\">\n <span class=\"pb-ln\">Q1<\/span>\n <div class=\"pb-lq\"><h3>What is the 3-stage family model?<\/h3><p>The Alzheimer&#8217;s Association built it for family caregivers who need a working picture of what&#8217;s ahead, not a research tool. It maps directly to what support looks like at home.<\/p><\/div>\n <ul class=\"pb-ll\"><li><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 23 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M22.5063 0.191225C20.616 1.31814 18.4795 2.93148 16.4706 4.75089C14.8516 6.21755 13.1248 7.98498 11.5256 9.81182C10.4223 11.0743 9.23276 12.5428 8.15823 13.9705C7.78448 14.468 6.81776 15.801 6.51409 16.241C6.35776 16.4675 6.27151 16.577 6.25354 16.5715C6.23917 16.5678 4.87175 15.7732 3.21682 14.8078L0.207058 13.0496L0.138777 13.1295C0.10284 13.174 0.0633083 13.2223 0.0543239 13.239C0.0381521 13.2687 0.293308 13.5769 6.79979 21.3725L7.32268 22H7.39456H7.46643L7.87432 21.159C9.88862 17.017 11.867 13.6066 14.1113 10.4059C16.5856 6.88034 19.3869 3.63325 22.5386 0.642365C22.7632 0.428862 22.9465 0.248777 22.9465 0.241352C22.9465 0.232069 22.8225 0.050127 22.7992 0.0259933C22.7956 0.0241356 22.6644 0.0983982 22.5063 0.191225Z\" fill=\"#A4C422\"\/><\/svg><span>Mild: mostly independent, noticeable memory slips<\/span><\/li><li><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 23 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M22.5063 0.191225C20.616 1.31814 18.4795 2.93148 16.4706 4.75089C14.8516 6.21755 13.1248 7.98498 11.5256 9.81182C10.4223 11.0743 9.23276 12.5428 8.15823 13.9705C7.78448 14.468 6.81776 15.801 6.51409 16.241C6.35776 16.4675 6.27151 16.577 6.25354 16.5715C6.23917 16.5678 4.87175 15.7732 3.21682 14.8078L0.207058 13.0496L0.138777 13.1295C0.10284 13.174 0.0633083 13.2223 0.0543239 13.239C0.0381521 13.2687 0.293308 13.5769 6.79979 21.3725L7.32268 22H7.39456H7.46643L7.87432 21.159C9.88862 17.017 11.867 13.6066 14.1113 10.4059C16.5856 6.88034 19.3869 3.63325 22.5386 0.642365C22.7632 0.428862 22.9465 0.248777 22.9465 0.241352C22.9465 0.232069 22.8225 0.050127 22.7992 0.0259933C22.7956 0.0241356 22.6644 0.0983982 22.5063 0.191225Z\" fill=\"#A4C422\"\/><\/svg><span>Moderate: daily living needs hands-on support<\/span><\/li><li><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 23 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M22.5063 0.191225C20.616 1.31814 18.4795 2.93148 16.4706 4.75089C14.8516 6.21755 13.1248 7.98498 11.5256 9.81182C10.4223 11.0743 9.23276 12.5428 8.15823 13.9705C7.78448 14.468 6.81776 15.801 6.51409 16.241C6.35776 16.4675 6.27151 16.577 6.25354 16.5715C6.23917 16.5678 4.87175 15.7732 3.21682 14.8078L0.207058 13.0496L0.138777 13.1295C0.10284 13.174 0.0633083 13.2223 0.0543239 13.239C0.0381521 13.2687 0.293308 13.5769 6.79979 21.3725L7.32268 22H7.39456H7.46643L7.87432 21.159C9.88862 17.017 11.867 13.6066 14.1113 10.4059C16.5856 6.88034 19.3869 3.63325 22.5386 0.642365C22.7632 0.428862 22.9465 0.248777 22.9465 0.241352C22.9465 0.232069 22.8225 0.050127 22.7992 0.0259933C22.7956 0.0241356 22.6644 0.0983982 22.5063 0.191225Z\" fill=\"#A4C422\"\/><\/svg><span>Severe: full dependence for basic tasks<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"pb-lrow pb-rv\" style=\"transition-delay:70ms\">\n <span class=\"pb-ln\">Q2<\/span>\n <div class=\"pb-lq\"><h3>What is the 7-stage clinical scale?<\/h3><p>The Global Deterioration Scale, developed by Dr. Barry Reisberg, breaks the disease into seven stages from no impairment (1) to severe decline (7). Your neurologist&#8217;s stage number maps onto the 3-stage model your family already understands.<\/p><\/div>\n <ul class=\"pb-ll\"><li><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 23 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M22.5063 0.191225C20.616 1.31814 18.4795 2.93148 16.4706 4.75089C14.8516 6.21755 13.1248 7.98498 11.5256 9.81182C10.4223 11.0743 9.23276 12.5428 8.15823 13.9705C7.78448 14.468 6.81776 15.801 6.51409 16.241C6.35776 16.4675 6.27151 16.577 6.25354 16.5715C6.23917 16.5678 4.87175 15.7732 3.21682 14.8078L0.207058 13.0496L0.138777 13.1295C0.10284 13.174 0.0633083 13.2223 0.0543239 13.239C0.0381521 13.2687 0.293308 13.5769 6.79979 21.3725L7.32268 22H7.39456H7.46643L7.87432 21.159C9.88862 17.017 11.867 13.6066 14.1113 10.4059C16.5856 6.88034 19.3869 3.63325 22.5386 0.642365C22.7632 0.428862 22.9465 0.248777 22.9465 0.241352C22.9465 0.232069 22.8225 0.050127 22.7992 0.0259933C22.7956 0.0241356 22.6644 0.0983982 22.5063 0.191225Z\" fill=\"#A4C422\"\/><\/svg><span>Doctors prefer it &mdash; it captures smaller shifts<\/span><\/li><li><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 23 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M22.5063 0.191225C20.616 1.31814 18.4795 2.93148 16.4706 4.75089C14.8516 6.21755 13.1248 7.98498 11.5256 9.81182C10.4223 11.0743 9.23276 12.5428 8.15823 13.9705C7.78448 14.468 6.81776 15.801 6.51409 16.241C6.35776 16.4675 6.27151 16.577 6.25354 16.5715C6.23917 16.5678 4.87175 15.7732 3.21682 14.8078L0.207058 13.0496L0.138777 13.1295C0.10284 13.174 0.0633083 13.2223 0.0543239 13.239C0.0381521 13.2687 0.293308 13.5769 6.79979 21.3725L7.32268 22H7.39456H7.46643L7.87432 21.159C9.88862 17.017 11.867 13.6066 14.1113 10.4059C16.5856 6.88034 19.3869 3.63325 22.5386 0.642365C22.7632 0.428862 22.9465 0.248777 22.9465 0.241352C22.9465 0.232069 22.8225 0.050127 22.7992 0.0259933C22.7956 0.0241356 22.6644 0.0983982 22.5063 0.191225Z\" fill=\"#A4C422\"\/><\/svg><span>GDS 3&ndash;4 &asymp; early; 5&ndash;6 &asymp; middle; 7 = late<\/span><\/li><li><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 23 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M22.5063 0.191225C20.616 1.31814 18.4795 2.93148 16.4706 4.75089C14.8516 6.21755 13.1248 7.98498 11.5256 9.81182C10.4223 11.0743 9.23276 12.5428 8.15823 13.9705C7.78448 14.468 6.81776 15.801 6.51409 16.241C6.35776 16.4675 6.27151 16.577 6.25354 16.5715C6.23917 16.5678 4.87175 15.7732 3.21682 14.8078L0.207058 13.0496L0.138777 13.1295C0.10284 13.174 0.0633083 13.2223 0.0543239 13.239C0.0381521 13.2687 0.293308 13.5769 6.79979 21.3725L7.32268 22H7.39456H7.46643L7.87432 21.159C9.88862 17.017 11.867 13.6066 14.1113 10.4059C16.5856 6.88034 19.3869 3.63325 22.5386 0.642365C22.7632 0.428862 22.9465 0.248777 22.9465 0.241352C22.9465 0.232069 22.8225 0.050127 22.7992 0.0259933C22.7956 0.0241356 22.6644 0.0983982 22.5063 0.191225Z\" fill=\"#A4C422\"\/><\/svg><span>Both describe the same disease at different zoom<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"pb-lrow pb-rv\" style=\"transition-delay:140ms\">\n <span class=\"pb-ln\">Q3<\/span>\n <div class=\"pb-lq\"><h3>How long does each stage last?<\/h3><p>Precise-sounding charts online aren&#8217;t reliably sourced. Progression depends on dementia type, age at diagnosis, other health conditions, and family history, per the NIA. What matters for planning: this unfolds over years, not months.<\/p><\/div>\n <ul class=\"pb-ll\"><li><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 23 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M22.5063 0.191225C20.616 1.31814 18.4795 2.93148 16.4706 4.75089C14.8516 6.21755 13.1248 7.98498 11.5256 9.81182C10.4223 11.0743 9.23276 12.5428 8.15823 13.9705C7.78448 14.468 6.81776 15.801 6.51409 16.241C6.35776 16.4675 6.27151 16.577 6.25354 16.5715C6.23917 16.5678 4.87175 15.7732 3.21682 14.8078L0.207058 13.0496L0.138777 13.1295C0.10284 13.174 0.0633083 13.2223 0.0543239 13.239C0.0381521 13.2687 0.293308 13.5769 6.79979 21.3725L7.32268 22H7.39456H7.46643L7.87432 21.159C9.88862 17.017 11.867 13.6066 14.1113 10.4059C16.5856 6.88034 19.3869 3.63325 22.5386 0.642365C22.7632 0.428862 22.9465 0.248777 22.9465 0.241352C22.9465 0.232069 22.8225 0.050127 22.7992 0.0259933C22.7956 0.0241356 22.6644 0.0983982 22.5063 0.191225Z\" fill=\"#A4C422\"\/><\/svg><span>Timelines are averages, not predictions<\/span><\/li><li><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 23 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M22.5063 0.191225C20.616 1.31814 18.4795 2.93148 16.4706 4.75089C14.8516 6.21755 13.1248 7.98498 11.5256 9.81182C10.4223 11.0743 9.23276 12.5428 8.15823 13.9705C7.78448 14.468 6.81776 15.801 6.51409 16.241C6.35776 16.4675 6.27151 16.577 6.25354 16.5715C6.23917 16.5678 4.87175 15.7732 3.21682 14.8078L0.207058 13.0496L0.138777 13.1295C0.10284 13.174 0.0633083 13.2223 0.0543239 13.239C0.0381521 13.2687 0.293308 13.5769 6.79979 21.3725L7.32268 22H7.39456H7.46643L7.87432 21.159C9.88862 17.017 11.867 13.6066 14.1113 10.4059C16.5856 6.88034 19.3869 3.63325 22.5386 0.642365C22.7632 0.428862 22.9465 0.248777 22.9465 0.241352C22.9465 0.232069 22.8225 0.050127 22.7992 0.0259933C22.7956 0.0241356 22.6644 0.0983982 22.5063 0.191225Z\" fill=\"#A4C422\"\/><\/svg><span>Over half of dementia caregivers serve 4+ years<\/span><\/li><li><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 23 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M22.5063 0.191225C20.616 1.31814 18.4795 2.93148 16.4706 4.75089C14.8516 6.21755 13.1248 7.98498 11.5256 9.81182C10.4223 11.0743 9.23276 12.5428 8.15823 13.9705C7.78448 14.468 6.81776 15.801 6.51409 16.241C6.35776 16.4675 6.27151 16.577 6.25354 16.5715C6.23917 16.5678 4.87175 15.7732 3.21682 14.8078L0.207058 13.0496L0.138777 13.1295C0.10284 13.174 0.0633083 13.2223 0.0543239 13.239C0.0381521 13.2687 0.293308 13.5769 6.79979 21.3725L7.32268 22H7.39456H7.46643L7.87432 21.159C9.88862 17.017 11.867 13.6066 14.1113 10.4059C16.5856 6.88034 19.3869 3.63325 22.5386 0.642365C22.7632 0.428862 22.9465 0.248777 22.9465 0.241352C22.9465 0.232069 22.8225 0.050127 22.7992 0.0259933C22.7956 0.0241356 22.6644 0.0983982 22.5063 0.191225Z\" fill=\"#A4C422\"\/><\/svg><span>Health and disease type set the pace<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"pb-lrow pb-rv\" style=\"transition-delay:210ms\">\n <span class=\"pb-ln\">Q4<\/span>\n <div class=\"pb-lq\"><h3>When does home support usually begin?<\/h3><p>The middle stage is when most families reach out for regular help &mdash; bathing refusal, wandering, sundowning, and stove-safety scares are the usual triggers, added gradually one level at a time.<\/p><\/div>\n <ul class=\"pb-ll\"><li><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 23 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M22.5063 0.191225C20.616 1.31814 18.4795 2.93148 16.4706 4.75089C14.8516 6.21755 13.1248 7.98498 11.5256 9.81182C10.4223 11.0743 9.23276 12.5428 8.15823 13.9705C7.78448 14.468 6.81776 15.801 6.51409 16.241C6.35776 16.4675 6.27151 16.577 6.25354 16.5715C6.23917 16.5678 4.87175 15.7732 3.21682 14.8078L0.207058 13.0496L0.138777 13.1295C0.10284 13.174 0.0633083 13.2223 0.0543239 13.239C0.0381521 13.2687 0.293308 13.5769 6.79979 21.3725L7.32268 22H7.39456H7.46643L7.87432 21.159C9.88862 17.017 11.867 13.6066 14.1113 10.4059C16.5856 6.88034 19.3869 3.63325 22.5386 0.642365C22.7632 0.428862 22.9465 0.248777 22.9465 0.241352C22.9465 0.232069 22.8225 0.050127 22.7992 0.0259933C22.7956 0.0241356 22.6644 0.0983982 22.5063 0.191225Z\" fill=\"#A4C422\"\/><\/svg><span>Early: companion visits and check-ins<\/span><\/li><li><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 23 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M22.5063 0.191225C20.616 1.31814 18.4795 2.93148 16.4706 4.75089C14.8516 6.21755 13.1248 7.98498 11.5256 9.81182C10.4223 11.0743 9.23276 12.5428 8.15823 13.9705C7.78448 14.468 6.81776 15.801 6.51409 16.241C6.35776 16.4675 6.27151 16.577 6.25354 16.5715C6.23917 16.5678 4.87175 15.7732 3.21682 14.8078L0.207058 13.0496L0.138777 13.1295C0.10284 13.174 0.0633083 13.2223 0.0543239 13.239C0.0381521 13.2687 0.293308 13.5769 6.79979 21.3725L7.32268 22H7.39456H7.46643L7.87432 21.159C9.88862 17.017 11.867 13.6066 14.1113 10.4059C16.5856 6.88034 19.3869 3.63325 22.5386 0.642365C22.7632 0.428862 22.9465 0.248777 22.9465 0.241352C22.9465 0.232069 22.8225 0.050127 22.7992 0.0259933C22.7956 0.0241356 22.6644 0.0983982 22.5063 0.191225Z\" fill=\"#A4C422\"\/><\/svg><span>Middle: daily personal and homemaker care<\/span><\/li><li><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 23 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M22.5063 0.191225C20.616 1.31814 18.4795 2.93148 16.4706 4.75089C14.8516 6.21755 13.1248 7.98498 11.5256 9.81182C10.4223 11.0743 9.23276 12.5428 8.15823 13.9705C7.78448 14.468 6.81776 15.801 6.51409 16.241C6.35776 16.4675 6.27151 16.577 6.25354 16.5715C6.23917 16.5678 4.87175 15.7732 3.21682 14.8078L0.207058 13.0496L0.138777 13.1295C0.10284 13.174 0.0633083 13.2223 0.0543239 13.239C0.0381521 13.2687 0.293308 13.5769 6.79979 21.3725L7.32268 22H7.39456H7.46643L7.87432 21.159C9.88862 17.017 11.867 13.6066 14.1113 10.4059C16.5856 6.88034 19.3869 3.63325 22.5386 0.642365C22.7632 0.428862 22.9465 0.248777 22.9465 0.241352C22.9465 0.232069 22.8225 0.050127 22.7992 0.0259933C22.7956 0.0241356 22.6644 0.0983982 22.5063 0.191225Z\" fill=\"#A4C422\"\/><\/svg><span>Middle-late: 24-hour supervision when unsafe alone<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/section><section class=\"pb-anchor\" id=\"pb-who\"><div class=\"pb-shead pb-rv\"><span class=\"pb-eyebrow\">Real Hampton Roads households, not chart language<\/span><h2 class=\"pb-h2\">Early, Middle, and Late: What Families Actually Notice<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"pb-prow pb-rv\">\n <span class=\"pb-pimg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/virginia-beach\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/07\/pcah-2025-images-227-scaled-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"><i>01<\/i><\/span>\n <div class=\"pb-ptxt\"><h3>Early Stage: Easy to Dismiss at First<\/h3><p>A retired shipyard worker in Kempsville starts forgetting the route home from Lynnhaven Mall &mdash; a drive he&#8217;s made hundreds of times. Repeated questions, misplaced items in unusual places, bills paid late, withdrawal from social situations. Families here often start with companion visits rather than daily help.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"pb-prow pb-flip pb-rv\">\n <span class=\"pb-pimg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/virginia-beach\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/07\/pcah-2025-images-212-scaled-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"><i>02<\/i><\/span>\n <div class=\"pb-ptxt\"><h3>Middle Stage: When Daily Support Begins<\/h3><p>A widow in Thoroughgood leaves the stove on while preparing dinner &mdash; a habit that once went unnoticed, now a real safety risk. Forgetting close family names, needing help dressing, refusing baths out of fear or confusion, wandering, and evening sundowning. Personal care around bathing, dressing, and meals becomes part of the routine.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"pb-prow pb-rv\">\n <span class=\"pb-pimg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/virginia-beach\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/07\/pcah-2025-images-156-scaled-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"><i>03<\/i><\/span>\n <div class=\"pb-ptxt\"><h3>Late Stage: Dignity, Comfort, 24-Hour Support<\/h3><p>A person living from 70 to 80 with Alzheimer&#8217;s spends an average of 40% of that time in the severe stage, per the Alzheimer&#8217;s Association. Support centers on presence, comfort, and dignity &mdash; help with eating, mobility, and personal care become constant, with steady companionship over a rotating list of chores.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"pb-anchor\" id=\"pb-home\"><div class=\"pb-shead pb-rv\"><span class=\"pb-eyebrow\">The scale of it<\/span><h2 class=\"pb-h2\">Not All Dementias Progress the Same Way<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"pb-statwrap\">\n   <div class=\"pb-bigstat pb-rv\"><b>80%<\/b><i>of adults with Alzheimer&#8217;s disease and related dementias receive care in their homes, per the CDC &mdash; making staging a home-care planning question<\/i>\n    <p>The staging most articles describe was built around Alzheimer&#8217;s, which accounts for an estimated 60&ndash;80% of cases. Vascular dementia progresses in stepwise drops tied to strokes; Lewy body brings early hallucinations and fluctuating alertness; frontotemporal starts with personality and language changes, often before 65.<\/p><\/div>\n   <div class=\"pb-hcard pb-rv\"><h3>Ask Which Type Is Suspected<\/h3><p>If the diagnosis isn&#8217;t Alzheimer&#8217;s, ask the clinician which specific type is suspected &mdash; staging expectations shift with the answer, and care built around a Lewy body or frontotemporal diagnosis looks different.<\/p><\/div>\n   <div class=\"pb-hcard pb-rv\" style=\"transition-delay:90ms\"><h3>Sometimes It&#8217;s Treatable<\/h3><p>Normal pressure hydrocephalus can look like dementia but is sometimes treatable if caught early, and mixed dementia &mdash; more than one type at once &mdash; is common among older adults. Getting the type right changes the plan.<\/p><\/div>\n  <\/div><\/section><style>.pb-mos{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.2fr 1fr 1fr;gap:18px;margin:8px 0 0;}@media(max-width:800px){.pb-mos{grid-template-columns:1fr;}}.pb-mos span{display:block;height:230px;border-radius:16px;overflow:hidden;box-shadow:0 10px 28px rgba(94,80,79,.16);}.pb-mos img{width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:center 25%;display:block;transition:transform .6s ease;}.pb-mos span:hover img{transform:scale(1.05);}<\/style><div class=\"pb-mos\"><span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/virginia-beach\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/07\/pcah-2025-images-266-scaled-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/virginia-beach\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/07\/pcah-2025-images-231-scaled-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/virginia-beach\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/07\/pcah-2025-images-178-scaled-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/div><div style=\"height:56px\"><\/div><section class=\"pb-anchor\" id=\"pb-process\"><div class=\"pb-shead pb-rv\"><span class=\"pb-eyebrow\">From first worry to steady support<\/span><h2 class=\"pb-h2\">How We Support Hampton Roads Families<\/h2><p class=\"pb-sub\">Where a local home care team fits &mdash; the average dementia caregiver provides 31 hours of care per week; you don&#8217;t have to cover the schedule alone.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"pb-steps\"><div class=\"pb-st pb-rv\" style=\"transition-delay:0ms\"><span class=\"pb-stn\">1<\/span>\n <h4>Free Care Conversation<\/h4><p>We take your call at (757) 355-5080, listen to what a normal week looks like, and talk through which level of support actually fits right now.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"pb-st pb-rv\" style=\"transition-delay:80ms\"><span class=\"pb-stn\">2<\/span>\n <h4>Companion Visits for the Early Stage<\/h4><p>Check-ins, appointments, and steady company while your loved one is still mostly independent &mdash; safety without taking anything away.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"pb-st pb-rv\" style=\"transition-delay:160ms\"><span class=\"pb-stn\">3<\/span>\n <h4>Daily Care Through the Middle Stage<\/h4><p>Bathing, dressing, meals, and medication reminders &mdash; delivered by caregivers matched by personality, which can turn bath-time conflict into routine.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"pb-st pb-rv\" style=\"transition-delay:240ms\"><span class=\"pb-stn\">4<\/span>\n <h4>24-Hour Support When It&#8217;s Needed<\/h4><p>When wandering, nighttime confusion, or hurricane-season prep make being alone unsafe, around-the-clock coverage extends the home phase.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"pb-st pb-rv\" style=\"transition-delay:320ms\"><span class=\"pb-stn\">5<\/span>\n <h4>LTC Insurance and VA Coordination<\/h4><p>We help families understand Long Term Care insurance policies, file claims on their behalf, and coordinate VA-contracted veteran care where it applies.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"pb-anchor\" id=\"pb-team\"><div class=\"pb-shead pb-rv\"><span class=\"pb-eyebrow\">Walking beside you<\/span><h2 class=\"pb-h2\">How Our Local Team Supports Dementia Families<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"pb-team\">\n   <div class=\"pb-tcard pb-rv\"><h4>Built Around Dementia Care<\/h4><p>Preferred Care at Home of Virginia Beach has built its practice around dementia and Alzheimer&#8217;s care. Owner Deck Hankins started this location after his own family faced a health crisis with no one to explain what came next &mdash; which is exactly the gap this page exists to close.<\/p><\/div>\n   <div class=\"pb-tcard pb-rv\" style=\"transition-delay:80ms\"><h4>Veteran Families, Served From Anywhere<\/h4><p>Given the size of the veteran population across Hampton Roads, VA-contracted veteran care is often part of the conversation &mdash; a common pattern for adult children stationed elsewhere managing a parent&#8217;s care from a distance.<\/p><\/div>\n   <div class=\"pb-tcard pb-rv\" style=\"transition-delay:160ms\"><h4>Paperwork Off Your Plate<\/h4><p>We help families understand Long Term Care insurance policies and file claims on the family&#8217;s behalf, removing a real administrative burden at a stressful time. Caregivers are matched by personality, which can turn even bath time into a manageable routine.<\/p><\/div>\n  <\/div><\/section><section class=\"pb-anchor\" id=\"pb-paths\"><div class=\"pb-shead pb-rv\"><span class=\"pb-eyebrow\">The clinical scale, decoded<\/span><h2 class=\"pb-h2\">The 7 GDS Stages, Mapped to Care Needs<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"pb-pathhero pb-rv\"><span class=\"pb-flag\">Where most families are when they call<\/span>\n <div><span class=\"pb-pg\">GDS 1&ndash;2<\/span><h3>Pre-Clinical<\/h3><p>Slight forgetfulness attributable to normal aging. No care needed yet &mdash; just awareness.<\/p><\/div>\n <a class=\"pb-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/virginia-beach\/contact\/\">Ask about companion care<\/a><\/div><div class=\"pb-paths3\"><div class=\"pb-path pb-rv\" style=\"transition-delay:0ms\"><span class=\"pb-pg\">GDS 3&ndash;4<\/span><h3>Early to Early-Middle<\/h3><p>Repeats questions, misplaces items, struggles with bill-paying; then trouble with money, meal planning, and recent events. Occasional check-ins grow into weekly-to-daily companion visits.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"pb-path pb-rv\" style=\"transition-delay:80ms\"><span class=\"pb-pg\">GDS 5&ndash;6<\/span><h3>Middle to Late<\/h3><p>Needs help selecting clothes, forgets address, disoriented at times; then forgets close family names, needs bathing help, wandering begins. Daily personal care support, with 24-hour supervision often needed by stage 6.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"pb-path pb-rv\" style=\"transition-delay:160ms\"><span class=\"pb-pg\">GDS 7<\/span><h3>&mdash; Late Stage<\/h3><p>Loses the ability to speak, walk, and sit up unassisted. Full-time, dignity-focused support &mdash; presence and comfort over a checklist of tasks.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"pb-anchor\" id=\"pb-compare\"><div class=\"pb-shead pb-rv\"><span class=\"pb-eyebrow\">Adding a little more each time<\/span><h2 class=\"pb-h2\">Which Level of Support Fits Right Now<\/h2><p class=\"pb-sub\">Most families move through these levels gradually, adding a little more support each time the previous level stops being enough. Here is how the signals split between starting help and stepping it up.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"pb-vs pb-rv\">\n <div class=\"pb-vcol\"><h3>Part-Time \/ Daily Care<\/h3>\n  <ul><li><b>The signal<\/b><span>Missed appointments, isolation<\/span><\/li><li><b>Bathing<\/b><span>Refusal &mdash; becoming daily conflict<\/span><\/li>\n      <li><b>Meals &amp; meds<\/b><span>Skipping, reminders slipping<\/span><\/li><li><b>Distance<\/b><span>You can&#8217;t visit as often as needed<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n <span class=\"pb-vbadge\">VS<\/span>\n <div class=\"pb-vcol pb-vwin\"><h3>24-Hour \/ End-of-Life Support<\/h3>\n  <ul><li><b>The signal<\/b><span>Nighttime wakefulness, elopement<\/span><\/li><li><b>Nights<\/b><span>Whole household losing sleep<\/span><\/li>\n      <li><b>Wandering<\/b><span>Outside the neighborhood, even once<\/span><\/li><li><b>Caregiver<\/b><span>Burnout &mdash; 31 hrs\/week average<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section><section class=\"pb-anchor\" id=\"pb-faq\"><div class=\"pb-shead pb-rv\"><span class=\"pb-eyebrow\">Straight answers<\/span><h2 class=\"pb-h2\">Dementia Stage Questions Hampton Roads Families Ask<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"pb-faqs\"><details class=\"pb-faq pb-rv\" open><summary><span>What are the 7 stages of dementia?<\/span>\n <em><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M12 5v14M5 12h14\" stroke=\"#7B9218\" stroke-width=\"2.4\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/em><\/summary>\n <div class=\"pb-fb\"><p>The seven stages come from the Global Deterioration Scale developed by Dr. Barry Reisberg, walking from stage 1 (no impairment) through stage 7 (very severe decline where speech and mobility are lost).<br><br>Most families find the 3-stage model easier to use day to day; clinicians reach for the 7-stage scale when tracking progression precisely.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"pb-faq pb-rv\"><summary><span>At what stage should someone with dementia move into care?<\/span>\n <em><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M12 5v14M5 12h14\" stroke=\"#7B9218\" stroke-width=\"2.4\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/em><\/summary>\n <div class=\"pb-fb\"><p>There&#8217;s no single stage that requires facility care. Around-the-clock care becomes necessary when wandering, aggression, or nighttime confusion make home unsafe, per the NIA.<br><br>Many Hampton Roads families extend the home phase by adding 24-hour in-home support first &mdash; we can help you walk through that decision.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"pb-faq pb-rv\"><summary><span>What are the symptoms of Stage 4 Alzheimer&#8217;s?<\/span>\n <em><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M12 5v14M5 12h14\" stroke=\"#7B9218\" stroke-width=\"2.4\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/em><\/summary>\n <div class=\"pb-fb\"><p>Stage 4 corresponds to moderate cognitive decline, sometimes called mild Alzheimer&#8217;s: trouble handling money, forgetting recent events, difficulty with complex tasks like planning meals, and social withdrawal.<br><br>Taking longer to complete everyday tasks is a common sign at this stage, while memory of the distant past usually stays intact.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"pb-faq pb-rv\"><summary><span>What stage of dementia is bathing refusal?<\/span>\n <em><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M12 5v14M5 12h14\" stroke=\"#7B9218\" stroke-width=\"2.4\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/em><\/summary>\n <div class=\"pb-fb\"><p>Bathing refusal typically appears in the middle stages, roughly GDS 5 or 6. It&#8217;s rarely about the water itself &mdash; often fear of falling, temperature discomfort, or confusion about who&#8217;s helping.<br><br>A caregiver matched by personality can turn bath time into a manageable routine.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"pb-faq pb-rv\"><summary><span>How do I know if this is normal aging or early dementia?<\/span>\n <em><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M12 5v14M5 12h14\" stroke=\"#7B9218\" stroke-width=\"2.4\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/em><\/summary>\n <div class=\"pb-fb\"><p>Normal aging includes forgetting names and remembering them later, misplacing items and retracing steps, and needing more time to learn new things. Dementia interferes with daily life: wandering, trouble handling money, repeating questions, forgetting familiar words.<br><br>When forgetfulness stops being occasional and starts changing what a person can do, it&#8217;s time to see a doctor.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"pb-faq pb-rv\"><summary><span>When should someone with dementia stop living alone?<\/span>\n <em><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M12 5v14M5 12h14\" stroke=\"#7B9218\" stroke-width=\"2.4\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/em><\/summary>\n <div class=\"pb-fb\"><p>The safety line is crossed when unsupervised time creates real risk: medication doubling, unsafe stove use, wandering outside the neighborhood, nighttime confusion, or scam vulnerability. We build care schedules around exactly these triggers so families in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk can extend safe home time.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"pb-faq pb-rv\"><summary><span>Is sundowning a stage or a symptom?<\/span>\n <em><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M12 5v14M5 12h14\" stroke=\"#7B9218\" stroke-width=\"2.4\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/em><\/summary>\n <div class=\"pb-fb\"><p>Sundowning is a symptom, not a stage &mdash; increased confusion, agitation, or restlessness in the late afternoon and evening, most often in the middle stages.<br><br>Reducing late-day fatigue, keeping evening light bright, and holding a predictable routine helps most families manage it.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"pb-faq pb-rv\"><summary><span>How long do the stages of dementia last?<\/span>\n <em><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M12 5v14M5 12h14\" stroke=\"#7B9218\" stroke-width=\"2.4\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/em><\/summary>\n <div class=\"pb-fb\"><p>People with Alzheimer&#8217;s live an average of four to eight years after diagnosis, though some live as long as 20. Individual stage lengths vary widely with dementia type, age at diagnosis, and overall health.<br><br>Stage timelines online are averages, not predictions &mdash; they shouldn&#8217;t be treated as a countdown.<\/p><\/div><\/details><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What are the 7 stages of dementia?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The seven stages come from the Global Deterioration Scale developed by Dr. Barry Reisberg, walking from stage 1 (no impairment) through stage 7 (very severe cognitive decline where speech and mobility are lost).\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"At what stage should someone with dementia move into care?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"There's no single stage that requires facility care. Around-the-clock care becomes necessary when wandering, aggression, or nighttime confusion make home unsafe. Many families extend the home phase by adding 24-hour in-home support first.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What are the symptoms of Stage 4 Alzheimer's?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Stage 4 corresponds to moderate cognitive decline: trouble handling money, forgetting recent events, difficulty with complex tasks like planning meals, and social withdrawal, while distant memory usually stays intact.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What stage of dementia is bathing refusal?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Bathing refusal typically appears in the middle stages, roughly GDS stage 5 or 6. 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Stage timelines online are averages, not predictions.\"}}]}<\/script><\/section><\/div><\/div><\/div><script>\n(function(){\n var bar=document.querySelector('.pb-prog i');\n if(bar){addEventListener('scroll',function(){var h=document.documentElement;\n  var p=h.scrollTop\/(h.scrollHeight-h.clientHeight);bar.style.width=(p*100)+'%';},{passive:true});}\n var io=new IntersectionObserver(function(es){es.forEach(function(e){if(e.isIntersecting){e.target.classList.add('pb-in');io.unobserve(e.target);}});},{threshold:.1});\n document.querySelectorAll('.pb-rv').forEach(function(el){io.observe(el);});\n var st=document.querySelector('.pb-cnt');\n if(st){var cio=new IntersectionObserver(function(es){es.forEach(function(e){if(!e.isIntersecting)return;cio.disconnect();\n  var n=2580,t0=null;function f(ts){if(!t0)t0=ts;var p=Math.min((ts-t0)\/1400,1);\n   st.textContent=Math.round(n*(1-Math.pow(1-p,3))).toLocaleString();if(p<1)requestAnimationFrame(f);}\n  if(matchMedia('(prefers-reduced-motion: reduce)').matches){st.textContent='2,580';}else{requestAnimationFrame(f);}});},{threshold:.5});\n  cio.observe(st);}\n var links=document.querySelectorAll('.pb-rail a[data-t]');\n var map={};links.forEach(function(a){var t=a.getAttribute('data-t');if(t){(map[t]=map[t]||[]).push(a);}});\n var spy=new IntersectionObserver(function(es){es.forEach(function(e){var id=e.target.id;if(!map[id])return;\n  if(e.isIntersecting){links.forEach(function(a){a.classList.remove('pb-on');});map[id].forEach(function(a){a.classList.add('pb-on');});}});},\n  {rootMargin:'-20% 0px -70% 0px'});\n document.querySelectorAll('section.pb-anchor').forEach(function(s){spy.observe(s);});\n})();\n<\/script>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-70c9e4a e-con-boxed e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"70c9e4a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-918155a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"918155a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Weighing What Comes Next?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf50e5c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bf50e5c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color:#FFFFFF;text-align:center;\">Stage timelines are averages, not countdowns &mdash; and you don&#8217;t need the right label to make the call.<br>Describe a normal week to our Virginia Beach team and we&#8217;ll talk through what fits.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-46b5ee6 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"46b5ee6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/virginia-beach\/contact\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Get Care Now<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7948105 e-con-boxed e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7948105\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5fce5e4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"5fce5e4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c132863 e-con-boxed e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c132863\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-80ab338 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"80ab338\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"footnotes":"","_et_pb_custom_css":""},"class_list":["post-5156","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_et_pb_custom_css":"","yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v21.7 (Yoast SEO v21.7) - 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