Dementia is a common condition among seniors as it affects over 5 million people in the U.S. alone. All forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, are degenerative conditions. This means that those affected by dementia will have minor symptoms at first, such as short-term memory issues, and these symptoms will quickly get worse over time. Eventually, dementia will affect long-term memory and can cause those affected to become unaware of their surroundings.
Seniors affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia benefit the most from receiving care at home. This is because the familiar environment of their home makes them feel more comfortable and at ease. However, families may have a difficult time caring for loved ones with dementia without outside help. Our caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care are trained and experienced to provide compassionate home care for seniors with dementia.
At Assisting Hands Home Care, we provide Alzheimer’s and dementia care services to help those affected in Tampa, FL, and the surrounding areas of Hillsborough County. Our dementia caregivers understand the main symptoms and behaviors of the various forms of dementia and know how to respond to common behaviors to keep your loved ones safe and comfortable.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Symptoms
All degenerative diseases that affect memory and cognitive ability are considered forms of dementia while Alzheimer’s disease is one specific type of dementia. Alzheimer’s is also the most prominent type of dementia as it accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all dementia cases. Catching early signs of dementia is beneficial because you can get your loved ones the care they need immediately before the condition progresses. You should be especially vigilant for signs of dementia in your elderly loved ones if your family has a history of dementia.
Our caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care are ready to provide care and support for seniors affected by dementia to improve their quality of life. If you notice any of the following signs, your loved ones may be affected by dementia, and you should seek care:
- Forgetfulness: Slight issues with short-term memory are common as people age, but persistent short-term memory lapses may indicate the early stages of dementia.
- Agitation: Dementia patients often express agitation as they become frustrated by their increasing limitations.
- Wandering: Seniors with dementia may wander out of confusion which can become dangerous if they are unattended or leave their home.
- Incontinence: The late stages of dementia can cause those affected to lose control of their bodily functions which causes issues with incontinence.
You can expect our caregivers to provide quality personal care for your loved ones with dementia and counteract common behaviors like agitation and mood swings with positive reinforcement. We can also quickly tend to dementia patients who start to wander.
Memory Care from Assisting Hands
Our memory care services begin with an in-home consultation with you and your loved ones to assess their care needs and current condition. We will then work with you to form a care plan that accommodates their specific needs and can be adjusted as their condition progresses and their needs change. Our caregivers will not only cover the personal care needs of your loved ones but also help manage the common behaviors of those with dementia to keep your loved ones happy and comfortable.
We can provide the following with our memory care services:
- Companionship: Familiarity helps dementia patients and seeing our caregiver every day will help build familiarity. Our caregivers will form a personal connection with your loved one to be their companion and engage them in friendly conversation and memory exercises to keep their minds stimulated.
- Personal care: We can help seniors with dementia with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring, and more.
- Meal preparation: It is dangerous for dementia patients to attempt to prepare their meals. Our caregivers can prepare meals for your loved ones while following their dietary restrictions.
- Wandering: We will immediately accompany your loved ones if they begin to wander to ensure that they do not trip and fall or leave the home.
- Medication reminders: We will remind your loved ones to take their medication, so they do not miss a dose.
- Cognitive Support: Caregivers are certified in Alzheimer’s and Dementia care under Teepa Snow’s (a renowned Dementia Care Specialist) Snow Methods, and are trained to engage individuals in activities that stimulate memory and cognitive function, the parts of the brain that are still active, tailored to the person’s stage of dementia.
- Routine and Structure: Establishing a consistent daily routine helps reduce confusion and anxiety.
- Safety Monitoring: Ensuring a safe environment to prevent wandering, falls, and other risks associated with cognitive decline.
- Personalized Care Plans: Care plans are customized to the individual’s needs, preferences, and progression of the disease.
- Emotional Support: Providing companionship and emotional care, recognizing the emotional and psychological impact of dementia.
- Memory Stimulation Activities: Engaging in activities designed to help maintain cognitive function, such as puzzles, memory games, and reminiscing.
- Personalized Interaction: Caregivers are trained to interact in ways that are supportive and respectful of memory loss, using techniques like validation therapy and reminiscence therapy.
- Environment Adaptation: Modifying the home environment to reduce confusion and enhance safety, such as using labels, creating memory stations, and ensuring easy access to essential items.
Benefits of Specialized Home Care
Specialized home care offers numerous benefits that improve the quality of life for individuals who require assistance due to age, illness, or disability. With personalized attention and care plans tailored to the specific needs of each client, specialized home care helps promote independence, safety, and comfort in the familiar surroundings of their own homes. Here are some of the benefits of specialized home care:
- Tailored Care: Caregivers with expertise in neurological disorders understand the specific needs and challenges, offering tailored care that can adapt as conditions progress.
- Emotional and Psychological Support: These services not only address physical needs but also provide emotional support, helping to reduce feelings of frustration, depression, and anxiety.
- Continuity of Care: Consistent care from familiar caregivers helps build trust and comfort, which is especially important for individuals with memory issues or anxiety related to their condition.
Call Assisting Hands for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care in Tampa, FL
Seniors affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia benefit greatly from receiving professional home care. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we are committed to providing the best possible care for dementia patients to help them live safely and comfortably at home.
For more about our Alzheimer’s and dementia care services in Tampa, Lithia, Lutz, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, FL, and surrounding areas of Hillsborough County, give Assisting Hands a call at (813) 592-5060.
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