An Alzheimer's diagnosis is life-changing and deeply distressing. It may result in feelings of anger, shock, or fear. But patients and their families are not completely powerless against it. There is available assistance, like homecare services, that can alleviate the symptoms and emotional turmoil that comes with this diagnosis.
Alzheimer's accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases. If you or a loved one is diagnosed with this disease, it can be overwhelming. There will be lifestyle adjustments.
Choose the most beneficial care and treatment available. For instance, you can consider home care or make arrangements for nursing home care.
Will Homecare Be More Comfortable for Alzheimer's Patients?
If you or a loved one has Alzheimer's, staying at home is completely possible.
In the early stages of Alzheimer's, some patients choose to live independently. They remain in the comfort of their home. This is less disorienting for seniors than moving to a nursing home. Additionally, it offers peace of mind and a sense of security for Alzheimer's patients.
But as the disease progresses, it may become overwhelming and cause family stress. Thankfully, you can seek homecare services for support. Some experienced professional caregivers provide appropriate assistance making in-home care worth considering.
Benefits of Home Care Assistance
Facilitate Daily Activities
Professional caregivers are trained to assist seniors in daily activities. This includes simple chores and personal care tasks. Additionally, they can also accompany Alzheimer's patients in appointments, grocery shopping, and other social activities.
The aim of this in-home care is not to do everything for the patient. But to promote dignity and independence. With their assistance, aging retirees with Alzheimer's can retain a sense of control and understanding of their situation.
Creating a Safe Home Environment
As Alzheimer's disease progresses, there will be certain safety risks. For one, patients have an increased risk of wandering or getting lost. They may start forgetting to take medications or taking them again too soon. Additionally, the household can become an unsafe environment.
With the assistance of a professional caregiver, these risks can be mitigated. They can anticipate potential sources of harm. Additionally, they can accompany seniors when going out, remove tripping hazards, assist in daily activities, and so much more.
Meal Preparation
Maintaining a healthy diet can be challenging for Alzheimer's patients. They might forget to cook or eat. And they will also be exposed to kitchen safety hazards.
Lower risks and health issues with the assistance of a caregiver. An in-home care professional can assist in meal planning and preparation. With someone else preparing meals, patients are safe from harm. More importantly, you can be assured that your loved one will get proper nutrition.
Symptom and Behavior Monitoring
Depending on the type of homecare service, a professional caregiver can also monitor symptoms and behavior changes. They will also provide frequent updates. Most importantly, they will alert the Supervisory Nurse and family of potential shifts in health or mental behavior.
Home Health Aide Assistance
You or a loved one with Alzheimer's may feel isolated. They might feel cut off from those closest to them. This may lead to depression and cause them to feel fear.
The presence and assistance of home health aide can ease these fears and sadness. They provide constant support and company. Seniors will not feel so isolated and alone. In-home care providers will be there for reassuring conversations. Their assistance in the patient's daily routine will also go a long way in creating a familiar and safe environment.
Choosing the Right Homecare Service
Not all homecare services are the same.
There are non-medical home care services that don't require a doctor's prescription. This type of in-home care primarily focuses on creating a safe and comfortable living environment for those that may be suffering from Alzheimer’s. These caregivers also provide companionship for mental and emotional support.
As an example, many families will require home health aide services for approximately 4-8 hours per day to ensure proper eating, hygiene, and medications have been tended too. But for those with more severe cases, they may require 24 hour support split between two home health aide shifts, or having one live-in aide. There are many instances where an Alzheimer's patient is at higher risk of hurting themselves, and having a home health aide around provides a layer of safety and peace of mind.
When Is Nursing Home Care Needed?
There may come a time when staying at home is no longer a viable option due to the level of care required and cost of providing this care at home. For instance, if the condition is advancing to the point of needing constant medical supervision by a Nurse, it may be time to consider a care facility.
Here are other benefits of nursing home care:
Nursing homes have medical professionals who can provide both medical and non-medical assistance.
Nursing home facilities are secure. This lowers the risk for patients who are prone to wandering.
Staff are on duty 24/7.
They have equipment that can assist in physical care for patients with mobility problems.
Deciding to admit a loved one to a nursing home is hard. You might even feel guilty. But if nursing care is required 24 hours a day, it may be in their best interest to be in an environment where their needs are met.
If you have explored all possible options and provided your loved one with the best care, you know that you've done what's best for them.
What Are My Next Steps When Considering Care?
Call and ask questions! If you're considering homecare services for you or your loved one, Unified Pledge Home Health provides a FREE consultation!
A reputable home health agency will also perform a complementary in-home care assessment done by a registered nurse. This assessment will assist you in deciding what kind of homecare services will best for you or your aging loved one.
Hiring professionals from Unified Pledge comes with the following advantages:
Level II FBI background checks of all staff
Driving history checks
Companions, health aides, LPNs are our direct employees and not independent contractors
Constant communication to patients, family, and care team
Registered Nurse supervision is ongoing with every care plan
Contact us today for a FREE consultation by a Supervisory Nurse at 561-910-8770.
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