Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a gradually slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning. This loss memory will obstruct the individual activities of daily living (eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, and continence). Symptoms of Alzheimer’s manifest themselves differently depending on the individual. As the symptoms of Alzheimer’s advances, the amount of care and supervision needed will increase. Often time the decision to hire outside assistance, can be frustrating to the family. It is vital to be prepared ahead of time by implementing an individualized plan of care with a licensed home health agency. The home health agency can make it possible to provide the patient with quality care while safeguarding the flexibility for future needs. In-home Alzheimer’s care by a home health agency is frequently the preferred choice because it allows the patient to receive assistance at home as the patient age and the disease progress.
Understanding the Needs of Alzheimer’s Patients
It is imperative first to realize the needs of a senior with Alzheimer’s before creating a plan of care. The care needs of the individual can vary depending on the severity of their condition and the level of care that is required to provide the best care possible. A person with a mild case of Alzheimer’s may forget names, words while speaking, events or names of familiar people. They may also lose the ability to plan, organize properly and complete a task. When the condition becomes moderate, confusion and memory loss become noticeable. They may need help in doing tasks such as meal preparation, bathing, grooming, and dressing. Sleep problems such as Sundowning (confusion and agitation that become worse in the late afternoon and evening) and inconsistency in their sleep pattern can become a common health issues. They may start to wander, so they should never be left alone. When Alzheimer’s become severe, the person usually require help with almost all their care needs and activities of daily living. They may be unable to communicate and recognize their close family members.
Benefits of In-Home Services
In home care from a home health care agency allows the patient to stay at home in a familiar environment that they know and understand. An individualized care plan and scheduled activities can help seniors avoid the anxiety and confusion of a new surrounding of a nursing home. Having a consistent and dedicated caregiver may ease the fear of feeling of helplessness. While at home, the patient may feel comfortable and build a positive relationships with their private caregiver that is dedicated in providing quality care.
Services Caregivers Offer to Alzheimer’s Patients
The types of services the senior receives depend on the severity of the condition. The most common types of services include companion services, personal services, and homemaker services. For minimum assistance, the caregiver can help with tasks such as bathing, dressing, medication reminders, basic personal hygiene assistance, light housekeeping, laundry, errands, transportation, and meal planning. If the case is severe, many services can be available 24-hours a day, and a family can make these arrangements with the agency. The patient can have two or three caregivers every day working in shifts to offer consistent Alzheimer’s care.
Working with an Experienced Caregiver
It is important for families first to identify the needs of their loved ones to ensure a patient gets the appropriate assistance that is needed. Today, many families are dispersed all over the United States, making it difficult to depend on family for care needs. It can also be physically demanding to care for someone, and your family members may not be able to provide the help that is needed. Allowing an agency with a Registered Nurse on staff is essential so that the patient receives the tools and resources they need for optimal care. The Registered nurse will oversee the care of the client to make sure the client receives the best care possible. Keeping the lines of communication open is important and helps to improve the relationship between the nurse, caregiver and family. Solid communication also allows families to feel comfortable speaking up about the type of Alzheimer’s care that they expect from the home health care agency.
Home care is a great resource for family member needing respite care and seniors without family or friends available to provide care. A home care company can provide professional caregivers to offer companionship and non-medical in-home care.
Arch Creek Senior Care Services, a privately-owned company operated by a Registered Nurse, whom is
compassionate about providing care to seniors in the community. We Provide in home care in Aventura, Miami, Miami Beach, Sunny Isles, Bal Harbour, North Miami Beach, Brickell, Coral Cables and surrounding areas. Arch Creek Senior Care Services offers complete personal and home care services that allow seniors to maintain their dignity and independence, wherever they call home. We accept long term care insurance.
For FREE consultation call 305-944- 0663.
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