Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care in Lexington, MA

Do you or a loved one need assistance with Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care in Lexington, MA?

Dementia care isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dementia is an umbrella term used to describe the cognitive decline that affects your ability to think, remember and make decisions in daily life. But with understanding and support, there is hope for managing these changes so you can still lead an enjoyable and independent life.

As our population ages, the grim reality of Alzheimer’s becomes more and more present. Currently, an estimated 5.7 million Americans live with this form of dementia, making it the fifth leading cause of death for adults in the 65 age bracket. Unfortunately, these numbers are forecasted to increase in the coming decades. With 14 million cases expected by 2050, there may come a time when you or someone close to you becomes part of this unfortunate statistic!

Assisting Hands Offers Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care in Lexington, MA

Assisting Hand’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care services can help mitigate some of the symptoms that are common among those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia:

• Forgetfulness: One of the earliest signs that something may be wrong is the deterioration of short-term memory. This can manifest in various ways, such as misplacing household items like the clicker or house keys, or even more dangerously, leaving the stove or oven on. Over time, memory loss may progress to the point where an individual can no longer recognize their loved ones.
  • How We Can Help:  Enlisting the help of a professional caregiver at home can ensure the safety of our loved ones, as they receive assistance in locating misplaced items and ensuring household appliances are properly turned off. Additionally, having a regular caregiver can establish a daily routine, which is especially important for individuals with memory impairments.
• Wandering: Individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease often experience confusion and may begin to wander, which can pose a significant safety risk as they may leave the safety of their homes. This behavior is typically triggered by forgetting their location or searching for someone or something.
  • How We Can Help: By providing constant companionship and supervision at home, a caregiver can help prevent a loved one from wandering. They can redirect the patient’s attention and focus to reduce the urge to wander.
• Incontinence:  Individuals in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia may develop incontinence due to the loss of control over bodily functions resulting from the disease’s impact on the brain.
  • How We Can Help:  Caregivers are trained to assist clients with their daily activities and provide toileting and incontinence support with dignity and respect.
• Agitation:  Individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia may experience agitation or anxiety and may struggle to process stimuli or information. Apart from physical problems, medication-related issues can further complicate the situation. Changes in location, caregiver, or perceived threats can intensify the agitation.
  • How We Can Help:  By maintaining consistency and familiarity, dedicated caregivers can help reduce patient frustration and keep them in their comfort zone for as long as possible. Additionally, caregivers can mitigate agitation by being a reassuring presence in the home and understanding the patient’s triggers and calming techniques.

Engaging in simple activities and brain games can enhance specific cognitive abilities that tend to decline with age, including processing speed, planning skills, reaction time, decision-making, and short-term memory.