When elderly individuals are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, their lives, and the lives of the family members who care for them, are permanently affected. Seniors with dementia need consistent care to live at home and their family must get them the assistance that they require.
In terms of care, the best option for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients is for them to receive care within the comfort of their own home with the help of home care aides. This is because being at home in an environment that is familiar to them is highly beneficial to those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. This familiarity can lessen their anxiety and help them feel more at ease.
At Assisting Hands we provide Alzheimer’s and dementia home care services in La Grange IL, to help senior citizens who are suffering from these degenerative diseases. We are home care experts and employ caregivers who will know how to make sure Alzheimer’s and dementia patients eat proper meals, take medication as necessary, and handle anger and safety issues.
Recognizing the Symptoms
If you can recognize the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s early enough, it easier to handle the challenges as the diseases progress. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the disease starts gradually, progresses slowly, and can last anywhere from 6-20 years.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but those with the disease can live an easier life with a combination of treatments and support services. However, it can be tough for loved ones to care for a relative suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia without help.
Selfhelp.com states that “caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease impacts every aspect of daily life. As Alzheimer’s patients lose one ability after another, caregivers face tests of stamina, problem-solving, and resiliency. During this long and difficult journey, communication diminishes, rewards decrease, and without strong support, caretakers face challenges to their own well-being.”
With our Alzheimer’s and dementia care services, we can help decrease the anxiety and stress of family caregivers by providing your loved ones with excellent care. Our caregivers are highly trained to assist Alzheimer’s and dementia patients from the first signs to the late stages.
Monitoring Common Behavior Patterns
- Wandering: Alzheimer’s patients commonly wander around their home, and it can be dangerous for them to do so. Our caregivers will provide one-on-one care, ensuring that when they do wander, your loved ones are safe and remain in their home. To prevent them from leaving, all outside access doors will be locked and they should also require a key to open them from inside. Furthermore, caregivers will make sure patients dress properly and will be nearby to prevent falls and remove dangerous obstacles. In addition, we make sure clients don’t leave water running or leave the stove on.
- Companionship: A key part of Alzheimer’s care is socialization, which is why our caregivers will also be a companion to your loved ones. In fact, a lot of families have reported that Alzheimer’s patients have an improved mood with calmness and communication. This companionship can be especially helpful during the evening, when Alzheimer’s patients are known to become confused and anxious. Our caregivers can help ease those uneasy feelings.
- Nutrition: With memory loss, Alzheimer’s patients can easily neglect to eat proper meals, bathe regularly, and maintain their personal hygiene. Our caregivers have been trained to help their clients with personal care and prepare meals for them each day. Fearing water is common for Alzheimer’s patients, so our caregivers can help make bathing a regular activity. In addition, we make sure your loved ones bathe regularly and we will assist with restroom use to prevent accidents.
- Medication Reminders: Elderly individuals generally forget to take medications correctly or take the incorrect medication at the wrong time, but this is more of a risk for Alzheimer’s patients. Medication non-adherence accounts for 33-69 percent of hospital admissions related to medication. Furthermore, 12 percent of the 3 billion prescriptions issued yearly never get picked up while 40 percent are taken incorrectly. Our caregivers will make sure clients properly take their medications. We can also pickup new medications and get refills.
It’s natural for adult children to want to care for their relatives who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, but it isn’t always in everyone’s best interest. Informal caregiving can hinder one’s own health and may not meet the care needs of your loved one.
This is why Assisting Hands Home Care provides Alzheimer’s and dementia care services in La Grange, IL. We have caregivers who will provide your loved ones with the quality care they need to live safely at home.
