ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA CARE
One day a few years back I received a call from the assisted living facility where my mother lived. The topic of conversation was alarming and disconcerting. My mother had packed a bag, put on her hat (always the genteel lady) and wandered out the door to leave. She was only detained by the fence outside the grounds. If not for that, she would have quickly been another “missing person.”
According to the Federal Interagency Forum on Age-Related Statistics (www.agingstats.gov) at least 36% of people over 85 have moderate to severe symptoms of memory loss and confusion. As baby boomers age, the U.S. will be deluged with the need for caregivers, facilities, drugs and therapies to help those living with this condition.
What can we do for Dementia/Alzheimer’s patients?
Seniors with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related disease have very special care-giving needs. And caring for a memory-impaired family member or senior presents its own challenges and can be particularly stressful.
At Innovative Nurses & Sitters, we offer our clients caregivers that have been trained in disease management. Our agency training addresses several disease management specialties common in the elderly and disabled such as MS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, AIDS, Huntington’s disease, sun-downing and other dementia related diseases.
Whether your loved one with Dementia or AD is in the home, assisted living or long term care facility, we provide:
1) Physical and psychological comfort
2) Dignity for the person with Alzheimer’s Disease
3) One-on-one assistance to prevent wandering
4) Toilet reminders to avoid potential accidents
5) Incontinence care to prevent skin problems and break downs, while respecting privacy
6) Prevent kitchen accidents with close supervision
7) Grooming and personal hygiene, which can improve patient’s self esteem
8) Medication reminders to stop over or under utilization of medications
9) Social stimulation to combat loneliness and depression, conversing with them on their level without being condescending
10) Explanations to client in order to ameliorate anxiety
11) Encouragement for seniors to use their remaining strengths and abilities
12) Use of words and touch so the individual feels valued
13) Be available to give respite care for family caregivers
Individuals with Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease need to love and be loved. They should be touched, hugged and have plenty of eye contact with the people who care for them. Innovative Nurses and Sitters can provide all of these things and more.
What can we do for YOU, the Alzheimer’s Care provider?
Innovative Nurses & Sitters assist families and give primary caregivers a break from their duties. Whether your family member is at home, a retirement community, an assisted living facility, hospital or long term care facility, allow us to provide outstanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia care. So often we come across situations where the primary caregiver is exhausted mentally and emotionally. Get help before that happens. It will benefit both you and your loved one.
If a senior has dementia along with behavioral problems, research shows that caregiver stress will be higher than a person with only physical disabilities. Caregivers need care too or may experience burnout. Perhaps the most important and maybe most difficult part of being a caregiver is asking for help from family and friends, and using community resources. Don’t wait for a crisis. Accept help on a regular basis or make plans to utilize respite services capable of handling your loved ones needs.
What should I do if I think my loved one has Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease?
If you suspect that your loved one may be suffering from dementia, your physician or allied health specialist can help with an assessment. Often there are other reasons for a seeming loss of memory or confusion: reactions to medications, depression, stressful life events, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, nutritional factors, and infections. A dementia diagnosis requires a complete medical and neurological work up and complete history. Treatment strategies and a care plan should be individualized based on the specific diagnosis.
What are some of the challenging behaviors you may need to contend with? Those with Alzheimer’s and related dementias often experience changes in personality and behavior. Some of the most common behaviors include agitation or anxiety, incontinence, repetitive speech or actions, paranoia, sleep difficulties, and wandering (like my well dressed mother).
Contact us at 713-523-2329 to learn more about our Alzheimer’s care services in the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area. We service Bellaire, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, West University, the Heights, Missouri City, the Medical Center, Spring, and the Woodlands. Innovative Nurses & Sitters has been licensed and bonded for over 16 years for experience you can trust.