Alzheimer's and Dementia Care in Wellesley

Personalized Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care Services for Seniors in Wellesley

Dementia is not a specific disease, but rather a general term used to describe a decline in memory, thinking, and decision-making abilities that interfere with daily life, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There are various types of dementia, each with its own set of characteristics and symptoms. It’s important to note that dementia is different from normal age-related forgetfulness, like misplacing keys or forgetting where you parked. The changes caused by dementia are due to underlying diseases that affect the brain in ways that go beyond the typical aging process.

The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which is the fifth leading cause of death for adults aged 65 and older, and the sixth leading cause of death for all adults, according to the latest CDC data. Currently, approximately 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s.

While some experts suggest that the overall percentage of people developing dementia may be slightly decreasing, the aging population means that the number of dementia cases will still rise significantly in the coming decades—reaching an estimated 14 million by 2050. This projected increase will have a profound impact on millions of families, as they take on the responsibility of caring for loved ones with dementia.

Home care can help mitigate some of the symptoms that are common among those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia in Wellesley:

Forgetfulness:
One of the early signs of dementia is the loss of short-term memory. This can manifest in everyday occurrences, such as misplacing the TV remote or forgetting where keys were left, but it can also escalate to more serious situations, like leaving the stove or oven on. As the condition progresses, memory loss may extend to not recognizing loved ones.

How Home Care Can Help:
A professional caregiver can ensure that safety is prioritized, helping to locate misplaced items like the remote or ensuring that the stove is turned off. Consistent care also promotes a stable routine, which is crucial for individuals with memory impairments.

Wandering:
Individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease often experience confusion and may begin to wander. This can be highly dangerous, especially if they leave the safety of their home. Wandering typically occurs when they forget their surroundings or are searching for something or someone.

How Home Care Can Help:
A trained caregiver can prevent wandering by providing supervision and companionship. They can redirect the individual’s attention and engage them in activities to minimize the urge to wander.

Incontinence:
In the later stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s, individuals may experience incontinence due to a loss of control over bodily functions as the brain is increasingly affected by the disease.

How Home Care Can Help:
Caregivers are trained to assist with daily activities, including toileting and managing incontinence, while maintaining the person’s dignity and respect. They can ensure that the individual is comfortable and clean, providing compassionate care.

Agitation:
Agitation and anxiety are common in individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s, often due to the brain’s inability to process information or stimuli correctly. Physical discomfort, medication issues, and environmental changes can exacerbate these feelings. Agitation may also arise from changes in caregivers or unfamiliar surroundings.

How Home Care Can Help:
Having a consistent caregiver can reduce frustration by maintaining a predictable routine and minimizing changes in the environment. Familiar faces and surroundings can provide comfort, while the caregiver can also identify triggers of agitation and employ calming strategies that soothe the individual.

Cognitive Engagement:
Engaging in simple activities and brain games can help maintain cognitive function. These activities help sharpen skills such as processing speed, planning, reaction time, decision-making, and short-term memory—skills that often decline with age.

Dementia & Caregiver Educational Webinars

Understanding Dementia & Improving Caregiver Interaction

Special presentation from Assisting Hands Richmond

The GEMS® approach to dementia care emphasizes a focus on abilities rather than limitations, providing a valuable framework for adapting to the evolving needs of individuals with dementia. This method not only offers a way to understand the various stages of dementia but also serves as a tool to enhance interactions and deepen appreciation for those living with the condition.

Based on the Allen Cognitive Levels, the GEMS® model highlights the dynamic nature of cognitive and physical abilities, recognizing that skills can shift throughout the course of the disease. The approach identifies distinct levels of cognitive and physical abilities, represented by the gemstones Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Amber, Ruby, and Pearl, each offering insight into how individuals experience the world at different stages of dementia.

This workshop is facilitated by Cathy Hamlin, Executive Administrator of Assisting Hands Richmond and a PAC Certified Independent Coach. The GEMS® approach was developed by Teepa Snow as part of her Positive Approach to Care® (PAC) initiative, which focuses on fostering understanding and providing meaningful care for those living with dementia.

10 Warning Signs of Dementia

Special presentation from Assisting Hands Richmond

Dementia causes memory, thinking and behavior changes that can interfere with all aspects of daily living. Learn about 10 common warning signs and symptoms to look for in yourself and others, as well as tips to approach someone who is experiencing changes in their memory, the benefit of early detection, diagnosis and more.

This workshop will be led by Cathy Hamlin, Assisting Hands Richmond’s Executive Administrator, who is a PAC Certified Independent Coach. The GEMS® was developed by Teepa Snow as part of her Positive Approach to Care® (PAC).

Dementia Workshop: Effective Communication Strategies

Special presentation from Assisting Hands Richmond

Learn to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia. Identify strategies to help you connect and communicate at each stage of the disease. This workshop is based on the Positive Approach to Care® (PAC) developed by Teepa Snow. The workshop will be led by Cathy Hamlin, Assisting Hands Richmond’s Executive Administrator, who is a PAC Certified Independent Coach.

Dementia Conversations

Special presentation from Assisting Hands Richmond

Learn how to have honest and caring conversations about common concerns when someone begins to show signs of dementia. This workshop is based on the Positive Approach to Care® (PAC) developed by Teepa Snow. The workshop will be led by Cathy Hamlin, Assisting Hands Richmond’s Executive Administrator, who is a PAC Certified Independent Coach.

Understanding Dementia Behaviors

Special presentation from Assisting Hands Richmond

Learn about some of the common triggers for behaviors associated with Dementia, how to assess the person’s needs and how to intervene effectively. This workshop is based on the Positive Approach to Care® (PAC) developed by Teepa Snow. The workshop will be led by Cathy Hamlin, Assisting Hands Richmond’s Executive Administrator, who is a PAC Certified Independent Coach.