In the United States, nearly seven million seniors over the age of 65 are living with Alzheimer’s. With 11% of seniors in this age group affected by Alzheimer’s, this disease is widespread among families caring for aging loved ones. While Alzheimer’s presents unique challenges for seniors and their families, in-home care services provide a compassionate solution. These services offer personalized support that helps maintain safety, enhances quality of life and gives peace of mind to family members. Read on to learn more about how in-home care can make a meaningful difference for seniors with Alzheimer’s.
Familiar Environment
For seniors with Alzheimer’s, staying in a familiar environment can provide significant comfort and stability. Moving to a new, unfamiliar place, like an assisted living facility or a memory care unit, can be overwhelming and scary, which can negatively impact their health in the long run. Being at home can reduce feelings of anxiety and confusion, which are common with cognitive decline. Their wellbeing and sense of identity benefit from being surrounded by personal items and familiar faces. Receiving the care and support they need in a comfortable environment can ensure a graceful aging process, helping them feel secure and connected.
Tailored Care Plans
In-home care for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease begins with a customized care plan. At AstraCare, Alzheimer’s in-home care plans are developed by a registered nurse with the experience and expertise necessary to address current needs and future concerns. Alzheimer’s affects individuals differently, so these plans are designed to meet the unique challenges each senior faces. With this tailored approach, seniors can receive the right level of care to manage their symptoms, maintain independence where possible and preserve their quality of life.
Physical Safety and Mobility Support
As Alzheimer’s progresses, safety becomes a primary concern. In-home caregivers are vigilant in monitoring for wandering, impaired coordination and motor skill decline. Having a professional there to look out for these signs helps ensure seniors stay safe within their homes.
In-home caregivers also continuously assess the home for potential safety concerns, like tripping hazards or ways seniors may accidentally lock themselves in and out of rooms, which may lead to confusion or panic. Caregivers also assist with mobility, helping them safely move around their homes and avoid accidents like slips and falls. Removing these hazards and providing support with mobility gives seniors the confidence they need to safely navigate their home environment.
Assistance With Daily Activities
Due to memory loss, difficulty following steps or other limitations, it’s common for seniors with Alzheimer’s to require assistance with daily activities. In-home care ensures seniors get the help they need with tasks like bathing, dressing, eating and taking medications. Caregivers provide hands-on support with these activities, often preparing meals, offering medication reminders and helping them get dressed and ready for the day. While seniors with memory challenges may struggle to remember to complete certain tasks or may repeat them unknowingly, having a caregiver there to offer reminders can help.
Consistent Routines and Cognitive Engagement
Similar to having a familiar environment, keeping a consistent routine is essential for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. Consistency can reduce anxiety, confusion and agitation while providing comfort and structure. This is beneficial to their cognitive function. Similarly, engaging in memory-stimulating activities, including puzzles, reading and crafts, helps to promote mental wellbeing while stimulating cognitive function. Keeping the mind active in a comforting environment with predictable routines is an important aspect of maintaining the quality of life for seniors with memory challenges, like those living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Transportation and Managing Obligations
Daily tasks aren’t the only activities seniors with Alzheimer’s may face. Safely commuting to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store or the pharmacy can also be a hurdle. In-home caregivers coordinate reliable transportation to these places and assist with running other errands. They also help with staying on top of important responsibilities, including paying bills, handling mail and keeping track of appointments. These are all things seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may find difficult to remember or challenging to manage independently.
Companion Care and Social Connections
In-home care offers more than assistance with daily tasks—it offers meaningful companionship, and for seniors with Alzheimer’s, this is vital. Caregivers engage seniors in conversations and stimulating activities. Being met with a friendly, smiling face can be enough to brighten any senior’s day. Caregivers also encourage participation in family gatherings and social outings, ensuring seniors stay connected to their loved ones and their communities. These social interactions reduce feelings of isolation, promote emotional wellbeing and contribute to a more positive outlook.
Peace of Mind for Family Members
Caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease can be overwhelming. In-home care offers essential support, not only for seniors but for their families as well. This gives families peace of mind knowing their loved one is receiving the attentive, compassionate care they deserve. Caregivers also provide guidance and resources to families, helping them navigate the complexities and challenges of Alzheimer’s disease with confidence and enhancing their ability to make informed decisions.
Now that you know the benefits of in-home care for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s time to contact AstraCare to begin designing a care plan for your loved one. We provide compassionate in-home care services designed to enhance the quality of life for seniors and their families. With personalized care plans and experienced caregivers, AstraCare supports seniors in maintaining their independence and emotional wellbeing from the comfort of their homes. Give us a call at (844) 960-0599 or contact us today to get started.
