Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be overwhelming, but the more information and support you have, the better you can navigate the demanding road ahead.
The more support you have, the better you will be able to help your loved one.
As you come to grips with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, you’ll be worried about how your loved one will change, how you’ll keep them comfortable, and how much your life will change. It’s an emotional time. Adjusting is not easy. It’s important to give yourself some time and to reach out for help.
Include the person with Alzheimer’s in the decision-making process as much as possible.
Alzheimer’s care preparations are best done sooner rather than later. It means thinking about a time when your loved one is already well down the road of his or her Alzheimer’s journey. However, putting preparations in place early helps a smoother transition for everyone.
Answer tough questions.
Who will make healthcare and/or financial decisions when the person is no longer able to do so? While it is a difficult topic to bring up, getting their wishes down on paper means they’ll be preserved and respected by all members of the family. Consider meeting with an elder law attorney to understand your options. You’ll want to consider power of attorney, both for finances and for healthcare.
How will care needs be met? Sometimes other family members assume that a spouse or nearest family member can take on caregiving, but that is not always the case. Caregiving is a large commitment that grows over time, they will eventually need round-the-clock care. Family members may have their own health issues, jobs, and responsibilities to other family members. Communication is essential to make sure that the needs of the Alzheimer’s patient are met, and that the caregiver has the support to meet those needs.
If you would like to optimize a routine with physical and social activity for a senior with Alzheimer’s or dementia, there are dozens of Denver area groups and nonprofits who come together as a community to help each other with senior home care. The important part, which is also the hard part, is sticking to a routine.
As family caregivers come to find out, taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be a full time job. We provide the assistance necessary to provide family caregiver relief and to maintain a high quality of life. We’ll use every established means to help improve and maintain your loved one’s quality of life.
Get to Places
Losing the independence of driving is becoming more and more commonplace as we live longer. We transport seniors to maintain their activities and participate whenever appropriate. Transportation is the critical link that assures access to vital services such as healthcare and going to the grocery store. The availability of safe and reliable transportation allows seniors to live independently in their communities and helps prevent isolation and premature institutionalization.
Eat Well
Our caregivers know good nutrition is the foundation for seniors living independently at home. Planning and preparing nutritious well-balanced meals is one of the many in-home senior care services we provide. By eating regularly scheduled healthy meals, seniors maintain strength and hydration, promote recovery, and assure proper absorption of medications affecting their overall health and well-being.
Our caregivers take pride in preparing delicious, healthy meals for elderly clients. The meal planning process is based on personal preferences of your elderly parent and may be driven by specific diets. Then, we help find, prepare, cook and serve healthy meals during a regular eating schedule.
Live Healthy
Living in a clean environment is tantamount to health. Older adults often need just a little assistance keeping their home clean, tidy and safe. We ensure cleanliness and a sense of order through housekeeping services for seniors. Our caregivers assist elderly clients with daily household chores.
Although we are not a cleaning service, Extended Family Home Care caregivers are happy to assist with light housekeeping. These housekeeping services may include dusting, vacuuming, cleaning the kitchen, organizing closets, changing linens, washing laundry, ironing, and others. We understand that taking care of a home may become very challenging for an elderly individual and we are here to help through our in home senior care services.
With transportation, proper nutrition and light housekeeping, we can relieve some of that burden and help your loved one continue with a high quality of life. If you have questions or requests about specific home care services, we would be happy to discuss your needs and provide whatever assistance you need for your loved one with Alzheimers or dementia.
