Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are common conditions among the elderly as more than 5 million senior citizens in the U.S. suffer from these conditions. All forms of dementia are degenerative as the symptoms may be mild at first, but they will get worse as the disease progresses. It is impossible for seniors affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia to live without care as the cognitive decline they experience can make self-care difficult and even cause them to put themselves in dangerous situations.
Dementia patients benefit from receiving care at home because their home is a familiar and comfortable environment. Staying at home can help stabilize the moods of dementia patients and reduce feelings of confusion. Families are often not prepared to provide the level of care their loved ones with dementia need which is why it is best to work with a professional that provides dementia home care.
Assisting Hands Home Care provides Alzheimer’s and dementia home care in Bourbonnais, Illinois to help dementia patients live safely and comfortably at home. Our dementia caregivers are trained to respond to the common behaviors of dementia including mood swings, agitation, and wandering, and counteract them with positive reinforcement. We can also help slow memory loss by engaging your loved ones in memory care exercises.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Symptoms
The terms “Alzheimer’s disease” and “dementia” are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Dementia is a general term for all conditions that lead to cognitive decline and memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease is one specific type of dementia. About 60 to 80 percent of those affected by dementia are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease specifically and Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. Dementia is a degenerative disease in all of its forms as the decline in cognitive abilities and memory will worsen gradually over time. Early symptoms include issues with short-term memory but in time, those affected will experience problems with long-term memory and they may lose control of their bodies.
Ensuring that your loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia get the proper care can help them live a better quality of life. Noticing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia early will allow you to get the help your loved ones need to live as comfortably as possible. The following are the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia:
- Forgetfulness: Short-term memory issues are the first noticeable symptoms which can be a sign of normal aging. If these memory lapses become more frequent, your loved one may be in the early stages of dementia.
- Wandering: Dementia patients sometimes experience feelings of general confusion which can cause them to wander. Wandering can be dangerous if they manage to leave their home.
- Agitation: Mood swings and general agitation are normal as dementia patients realize their limitations. Angry outbursts and sudden mood swings are common.
- Incontinence: Those in the later stages of dementia may lose control of their bodies which can cause incontinence.
Our caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care are familiar with these symptoms and can counteract them to temper moods, reduce agitation, and ensure safety as your loved ones wander around the home.
In-Home Memory Care from Assisting Hands
Our dementia and Alzheimer’s home care services start with an in-home consultation so our caregivers can get an idea of your loved one’s condition and care needs. We will then create a home care plan that ensures the safety and comfort of your loved ones and the plan will be flexible so it can change as the dementia progresses.
You can expect the following from Alzheimer’s and dementia home care services:
- Personal Care: Those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia often cannot provide personal care for themselves. Our caregivers can help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, eating, and restroom use.
- Companionship: It is important for those with dementia to see familiar faces each day and develop a sense of trust in those who care for them. Our caregivers will be a familiar friendly face for your loved ones, and we will be a companion for them as well as their caregiver.
- Wandering: Our caregivers will intercept your loved ones when they begin to wander to ensure that they wander safely and do not leave the home. We will also ensure that their path is clear of tripping hazards.
- Medication Reminders: We will remind your loved ones to take the proper dosage of their medications at the right times.
- Meal Preparation: Dementia patients should not cook because doing so can lead to a dangerous situation. Our caregivers will prepare daily meals for your loved ones that account for their dietary restrictions.
- Parkinson’s Care: We can provide effective care for those suffering from Parkinson’s disease. These care services include the same care and assistance, and we can help accommodate for your loved one’s physical limitations.
Call Assisting Hands for an In-Home Assessment
Our professional caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care can provide effective Alzheimer’s and dementia home care to help improve the quality of living for those suffering from all forms of dementia. We start our services with a free in-home assessment so we can evaluate your loved one’s condition before forming an effective care plan. If you have loved ones in Sollitt or Bourbonnais, IL affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia give us a call at (872) 713-9707 for our Alzheimer’s and dementia home care services.
