Home Care for Alzheimer’s Patients

How Does In-Home Care Help Alzheimer’s Patients and Their Caregivers?

What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that can cause memory, mood and behavior changes. It’s the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Families often see a progressive decline in their loved one’s symptoms, such as confusion, disorientation, memory loss and difficulty speaking and walking. They often rely on the support of Alzheimer’s caregivers to assist in managing their care.

Can someone with Alzheimer’s be cared for at home?

Alzheimer’s patients can be cared for at home, allowing them to stay in a familiar environment. Many home care agencies offer Alzheimer’s in home care to support the patient and their family caregiver. These services may include personal care services, skilled home health or hospice care.

What are some ways home care services can support Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers?

The level of Alzheimer’s home care depends on the patient’s disease progression and the type of support needed to manage their care in the home.

• Personal care services can support patients with activities of daily living, such as dressing, grooming, meal preparation and light housekeeping. These services help patients stay independent. An Alzheimer’s disease caregiver can also help patients maintain their daily routine, which is important in reducing the patient’s stress and anxiety and increasing their sense of control, dignity and confidence.
• Skilled home health services include nursing care, social work support, home health aide assistance and physical, occupational and speech therapies. These are medical services that require a physician’s order. The skilled home health team can provide wound care, medication assistance, therapy for mobility and balance, home safety assessments, family education and more.
• In home hospice care is comfort care for patients with a prognosis of six months or less. Hospice services provide Alzheimer’s patients (and their families) valuable benefits that enhance day-to-day life, such as pain and symptom management, counseling, support for the family and respite care.

When is it time to seek in-home care for an Alzheimer’s patient?

Alzheimer’s services can help patients receive the right level of care wherever they call home. From personal care services to hospice, home care companies like Elara Caring can assist. Speak to your loved one’s physician to determine if in-home support is right for them or get in touch with Elara Caring to learn about care options.

We’re here to help. To speak to our team and learn about the in-home services that may be the best fit for the needs of your loved one, visit our home care Locations page to find the Elara Caring branch in your area.

Interested in becoming a caregiver? Learn more.