Just because your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia including Alzheimer’s does not mean they must give up their independent lifestyle. In fact, home is a place of comfort and familiarity and remaining in a familiar place can actually help manage the disease process. That being said, there are other options available to help you and your loved one through this hard time that don’t include uprooting their life to move into a new place.
In-home care services for dementia and Alzheimer’s are a great resource when your loved one can still function and live independently but may need some additional help throughout the day. In-home services can be of the medical, or nonmedical type. Some of the in-home care options that are available are:
- Companion services: Provides companionship such as outings, visits, and basic supervision.
- Personal care services: Help with bathing, dressing, going to the bathroom, eating, exercising or any other forms of personal care.
- Homemaker services: Provides help with housekeeping, shopping or meal preparation.
- Skilled nursing care: A licensed health professional such as a nurse or physical therapist will aid in wound care, injections, physical therapy and other medical needs. These types of services are typically ordered by a physician and coordinated by a home health care agency.
Besides the fact that your loved ones get to stay in their home, formal in-home care also provides any caregivers, such as yourself or other family members, a much-needed break. Having in-home care also lets you establish a routine for your loved one, which is important in managing the disease.
Choosing an in-home care provider for your loved one can be a daunting task, but here are some of our tips when it comes to searching for a provider:
- Create a list of all you and your loved one’s needs and your expectations of how these needs will be met.
- Make sure the provider and their caregivers are trained to handle those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. At Extended Family, we are certified as a Leader in dementia Care in the state of Colorado. We know how to deal with the causes and effects of dementia and develop plans and techniques to properly handle each patient.
- Meet with the potential agency or provider in the home of the patient. Ask lots of questions, and make sure your loved one, as well as you, feel comfortable with the provider. Sometimes having a third party present to give their outside opinion can help as well.
- Make sure the agency provides background checks on all their caregivers and do your own research as well. Ask for references and talk with people who have used their services before.
When your loved one is diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s, it can be devastating. Not only does it affect your loved one, but it can be taxing on you and your family as well. If your loved one can still live at home but requires a little bit of help, in-home care services might be the answer for you. This allows those suffering from dementia to stay in their home while still receiving the care they need, allowing you peace of mind knowing your loved one is being cared for. Contact us today if you are interested in in-home care for your loved one.
