Free Consultation: (773) 207-3767
Assisting Hands Home Care provides Alzheimer’s and dementia care services in Palos Heights, IL, and the surrounding area with a full range of elder care services (See All Served Areas).
You can trust our caregivers to provide the specialized memory care that your loved ones with dementia need to live at home.
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are common among the elderly as there are over 5 million seniors in the U.S. living with these conditions. All forms of dementia start with mild symptoms, including short-term memory issues, but the symptoms will continue to get worse over time. Those affected will need daily care as the symptoms of these degenerative conditions worsen.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care in Palos Heights, IL
Seniors suffering from dementia benefit from receiving care in their homes because the familiar environment can help temper common dementia symptoms like agitation and mood swings. They will also benefit from receiving home care from trained Alzheimer’s caregivers who know how to counteract the common symptoms.
Assisting Hands Home Care provides complete Alzheimer’s and dementia care services in Palos Heights, IL to allow those suffering from these conditions to receive the care they need in their homes. Our staff will meet with you and your loved ones to assess your loved one’s conditions and form an appropriate care plan. We will ensure your loved ones are safe and comfortable and we will engage them in memory care exercises to help improve memory.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
“Alzheimer’s disease” and “dementia” are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they don’t mean the same thing. Dementia is a term that refers to all conditions that result in cognitive decline while Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease specifically is believed to account for between 60 and 80 percent of all dementia cases and it is the 6th leading cause of death.
Dementia is a degenerative disease in all its forms as the symptoms will gradually get worse as the disease progresses. Those affected will first experience lapses in short-term memory that may be confused with natural aging. However, these memory lapses will get worse until long-term memory is affected. In the later stages of dementia, those affected usually cannot recognize their loved ones and they are likely to lose control of their bodily functions.
The best way to ensure your loved ones affected by dementia live a better quality of life is to ensure they get the care they need from licensed caregivers. You must be vigilant of the early symptoms among your loved ones, especially if there is a history in your family, and get your loved ones the care they need right away.
The following are the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia:
- Forgetfulness: This is the first noticeable symptom of dementia and Alzheimer’s but lapses in short-term memory are also typical among seniors. If these memory lapses become more frequent, this may indicate dementia.
- Wandering: Those affected by dementia may have a general sense of confusion that can cause them to wander. Wandering can be dangerous if seniors are at risk of falling or if they manage to leave their homes.
- Agitation: Dementia patients may notice their limitations which can cause them to become agitated. Mood swings are also common among dementia patients.
- Incontinence: As those affected to reach the later stages of dementia, they may lose control of their bodily functions which leads to incontinence.
Memory Care in Palos Heights, IL
Our dementia care services start with a visit to your loved one’s home so we can evaluate their condition and care needs. The care plan is created based on their care needs and we can adjust the care plan as the disease progresses. Our dementia caregivers know how to respond to agitation and mood swings, and we can help improve memory with specific exercises.
Our dementia care services cover the following:
- Personal care: Personal care activities like bathing and getting dressed are difficult for those affected by dementia. We can assist with all personal care and hygiene activities.
- Companionship: It helps for those with dementia to see a familiar face that they can recognize and trust. Our caregivers will be a companion for your loved ones while providing them with quality care.
- Wandering: Our caregivers will accompany those who wander to ensure they move throughout the home safely. We will also make sure the home is secure so they cannot leave.
- Medication reminders: We will ensure that your loved ones always take their medication at the proper times.
- Meal preparation: Those suffering from dementia should never cook their own meals because this can be dangerous. We can prepare meals for your loved ones that take their dietary restrictions into account.
- Parkinson’s care: We are also prepared to help those suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Our Parkinson’s care includes the same personal care and companionship described above
Call Assisting Hands for Memory Care in Palos Heights, IL
Our dementia care services start with a free in-home assessment so we can evaluate your loved one’s care needs and form a care plan. We will make sure your loved ones get the care they need to live safely and comfortably in their homes.
Give us a call at (773) 207-3767 to learn more about our in-home care for Alzheimer’s and dementia in Palos Heights, IL.
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Helpful Information for Seniors and Adults with Dementia
When is 24-Hour Care Needed For Dementia Patients?
As dementia advances, there comes a point when 24-hour care becomes essential. This typically happens when the person’s memory loss, confusion, or disorientation becomes so severe that they’re no longer safe on their own. They might start wandering off, getting lost in familiar places, or not recognizing dangers around them. If they’re struggling with basic tasks like eating, bathing, or using the bathroom, or if they’re showing significant behavioral changes like aggression or intense anxiety, it’s a clear sign they need round-the-clock supervision. At this stage, having professional dementia care ensures they stay safe and get the support they need.
Can Hoarding be a Sign of Dementia?
Hoarding is a mental health disorder characterized by the excessive accumulation of items and difficulty letting go of them. This behavior is often linked to underlying conditions such as anxiety or depression. Recent studies suggest a potential connection between hoarding and dementia, a condition that impairs cognitive function and affects daily activities. For individuals with dementia, hoarding can pose serious health and safety risks.Understanding this connection is crucial for providing effective care and appropriate support.
How to Provide Effective Dementia Care in the Home?
Caring for a loved one with dementia at home can be both a rewarding and demanding experience. To ensure their safety and comfort while making your caregiving role more manageable, consider these essential tips:
- Remove potential hazards and make the home easy to navigate.
- Engage them in activities they enjoy and can easily handle, which can boost mood and cognitive function.
- Establish regular schedules to help reduce confusion and provide stability.
- Use simple language and give them time to respond, minimizing distractions during conversations.
- Reach out for additional help from healthcare professionals or support groups to manage caregiving challenges effectively.
