If your mom or dad has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, you are undoubtedly aware that there are going to be some tough decisions to be made in the near future. However, it is important to understand that you have several options available to you and your family that do not involve the affected person permanently relocating to a long-term care facility. Specifically, it is possible for persons with Alzheimer's to remain in the comfort of their home or with family members, by working with an in-home health care agency, such as Neighbors Home Care Services, to create an appropriate care plan for them. The following examples are three options that can be provided separately or in conjunction with one another when in-home health is the right choice.
#1-The Use Of A Companion
If your parent is experiencing the disorientation and memory loss associated with their disease and is otherwise healthy and able to provide the bulk of their self-care, a companion may be the right option. A companion is unlikely to have medical training, so their role can be favorably compared to that of a babysitter. For instance, the companion will be there to make sure that the stove is not left on, that your parent gets dressed in appropriate clothing and in some instances, remind them to eat and drink at the right intervals. That person might also help them to run errands and in general, allows them an improved quality with more personal freedoms than most nursing homes can provide.
#2-Hiring A Certified Nurse's Aide Or Home Health Care Aide
While it is unpleasant to think about, an unfortunate fact is that Alzheimer's will eventually progress and the symptoms of dementia will become more obvious and troublesome. When that happens, the service of a companion is unlikely to be the best option, so it is best to work with someone with medical training. Popular options are a certified nurse's aide or home health aide, as they have the necessary skills and training to work with Alzheimer's patients. Specifically, they can provide more personal care than a companion will be able to, such as bathing or dressing if those are issues and. Although those medical professionals cannot administer medication, they can remind your parent to take prescription medication as needed.
#3- Using Nurses Or Therapists In The Home
If your parent has significant health issues, such as diabetes, heart trouble, or kidney failure, the best option for your needs might be arranging for registered or licensed nurses or physical and occupational therapists to come to the home. Doing so reaps the obvious benefit of fewer trips outside, which can be traumatic for people experiencing advanced dementia. In addition, the one-on-one care that is provided by in-house health care is likely to maximize the benefits of the care, since there is no need to waste time due to the care of other patients.
In conclusion, in-home health care is a viable and useful way to protect the dignity and comfort of a parent when he or she suffers from Alzheimer's. Combining two or more aspects of home health care can often provide the most appropriate options for the specific needs of your parent, regardless of the severity of the disease at the time.Therefore, it is a good idea to be familiar with the options listed above when your mom or dad cannot longer stay by themselves any longer and the use of a nursing home or long-term care facility is not desirable.
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15 December 2016
One day I was playing a game of basketball with a friend, and the friend I was playing ball with tripped and took a hard fall to the ground. He hit his head hard, but he insisted he was okay and just wanted to go home and take a nap. I knew in my heart that he was not thinking clearly, and I didn't feel right letting him go home. I talked him into letting me take him to the hospital, and after some tests, it was determined he had a bad concussion. The doctors told me that if I had let him go home and sleep, things could have taken a turn for the worse. I created this blog to remind everyone to look out for each other after injuries. Not everyone thinks clearly after a head injury, and just being a good friend could save a life.