There are currently more than 5 million senior citizens living with Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia in the U.S. Those affected will experience mild symptoms at first, such as occasional lapses in memory, and the symptoms will become much worse over time, making it impossible to live without care. All forms of dementia are degenerative conditions and as the cognitive abilities of those affected decline, they will need daily care.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Home Care
Call Assisting Hands Home Care at (708) 880-7711 to schedule a free consultation about our Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care | Memory Care at Home services in Matteson, Frankfort, Mokena, Bourbonnais IL, and surrounding areas.
It is best for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia to receive in-home care. This is because their home provides them with familiar surroundings which can help avoid confusion and reduce mood swings. It also helps to work with professional dementia caregivers from home care agencies who are trained to care for dementia patients as this is often too overwhelming for families to handle on their own.
At Assisting Hands Home Care, we provide dementia and Alzheimer’s home care to help those affected by these conditions in Matteson, IL and the surrounding areas. We will send a caregiver to the home of your loved one who is highly trained to provide in-home memory care and respond to symptoms such as agitation, wandering, and mood swings. We can also engage your loved ones in memory care exercises that can help slow the progression of memory loss.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Symptoms
There may be some confusion over the difference between “Alzheimer’s disease” and “dementia” because these terms are often used interchangeably. Dementia is a general term that describes all degenerative conditions that affect memory and cognitive ability while Alzheimer’s disease is a specific form of dementia. In fact, an estimated 60 to 80 percent of those suffering from dementia are believed to be suffering from Alzheimer’s disease specifically. All forms of dementia are degenerative, meaning that the symptoms will start out mild but continue to get worse over time. Occasional memory lapses will degenerate into a complete loss of memory and those affected may lose control of their bodies in the later stages.
Those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can live a better quality of life if they receive the proper care. It is important to notice the symptoms early so you can ensure your loved ones immediately get the treatment they need. Make sure you look out for the following symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia:
- Forgetfulness: Lapses in memory are often the first noticeable symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Occasional memory lapses could be a normal sign of aging, but if they become more consistent, this is likely an early sign of dementia.
- Wandering: Confusion may lead those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia to begin wandering. This can be dangerous if they become lost or manage to leave the home.
- Agitation: General agitation is normal as those affected become frustrated by their increasing limitations. Sometimes this leads to angry outbursts and mood swings.
- Incontinence: Incontinence is an issue that appears in the later stages as those affected lose control of their bodies.
Our dementia caregivers can respond to and counteract these symptoms of dementia to help calm agitation and mood swings and ensure that your loved ones are safe as they move around the home.
In-Home Memory Care from Assisting Hands
When you call Assisting Hands for in-home dementia care, we will send a representative to your loved one’s home to evaluate their care needs. Based on our evaluation, we will create a care plan that accommodates their needs and their current condition. These care plans are flexible and can be adjusted as their dementia progresses.
Our in-home memory care consists of the following:
- Personal Care: Many affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia cannot handle personal care activities. We can help with activities of daily living (ADLs) including restroom use, bathing, getting dressed, and more.
- Companionship: Those who are struggling with Alzheimer’s and dementia benefit from receiving care from someone they can trust. Our caregivers will be a companion for your loved ones and engage them in fun activities, including memory care exercises that can slow memory loss.
- Wandering: If your loved one has a tendency to wander, our caregiver will accompany them and ensure that they stay safe as they wander throughout the home. We will keep their paths clear of tripping hazards and prevent them from leaving the home.
- Medication Reminders: We will make sure that your loved ones take the proper dose of their medications at the right time.
- Meal Preparation: Cooking is very dangerous for those affected by these conditions. Our caregiver will take over the meal preparation and make sure they eat regular meals that account for their dietary restrictions.
- Parkinson’s Care: Our caregivers are also trained to provide Parkinson’s home care for those affected by Parkinson’s disease. We can provide the same home care services for those affected by Parkinson’s and help them with their physical limitations.
Call Assisting Hands for a Free Consultation
Our dementia home care services can greatly benefit those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia as well as their families. When you call us for memory care, we will provide a free consultation in which we will assess the care needs of your loved ones and create an appropriate care plan. You can reach us at (708) 880-7711 for more information about our Alzheimer’s and dementia home care services in Matteson, IL and the surrounding areas.
