Unlocking the Benefits of Home Care for Seniors with Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

By BEN ADEL | Special to the Palisadian-Post

Caring for a senior loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s can be an incredibly difficult task, especially when families attempt to provide that care without professional support.

In-home caregivers play a vital role with necessary assistance, care and comfort for seniors who are affected by these conditions. Home care services contribute to a compassionate and meaningful journey for your loved one dealing with memory loss and similar conditions.

Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease and Similar Conditions Affecting Seniors

Dementia is a broad term that describes a group of degenerative neurological conditions, which typically involve a decline in cognitive functioning.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for around 50% to 80% of cases. It is a progressive and irreversible condition that slowly damages the brain cells and causes memory loss, difficulty in thinking and concentration, confusion, personality changes, and impaired judgment.

Other forms of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for dementia; however, treatments, medication, lifestyle changes, therapy, support groups and professional home care are available to help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.

What Is Home Care?

Home care services provide caregiving assistance, emotional support and help with activities of daily living—those everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, meal preparation, companionship and more.

In-home care assistance provides tremendous value for seniors with dementia and to family members who contribute to their ongoing care. Remaining in the home to receive care offers a lifeboat of familiarity during very uncertain times.

Some of the major benefits of calling upon a home care agency to assist with Alzheimer’s and dementia include:

• Improved Quality of Life: In-home caregivers provide seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s the personalized care and assistance they need in order to maintain their quality of life.
• Reduced Depression and Anxiety: Having an in-home caregiver can help reduce depression and anxiety levels for those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s.
• Increased Comfort Level: Home care includes companionship, comfort and a sense of security for seniors who are dealing with memory loss issues due to dementia or Alzheimer’s.
• Personalized Care Plan: An experienced home care agency will develop a customized care plan tailored specifically for each senior that addresses all of their individual needs.
• Medication Management Assistance: A licensed home care provider is trained to manage medications so the senior receives the appropriate dosage at the right time while eliminating any potential risks associated with incorrect dosing.
• Accompanied Social Outings and Activities: Many seniors living with dementia or Alzheimer’s become isolated when left alone; however, having an experienced companion can give them confidence and encourage socialization as well as physical activities such as going on walks outdoors, which helps stimulate brain function.
• Support for Families and Caregivers: A home care team can help reduce stress, allowing family members to focus on taking care of themselves while providing the best possible care for their loved ones.
• Professional Training and Resources: In-home caregivers are trained professionals who have access to a variety of resources and educational materials on dementia and Alzheimer’s, allowing them to provide the best possible care for seniors.
• Safety and Security: Seniors living with dementia or Alzheimer’s are often at risk of wandering away from their homes; hiring an in-home caregiver provides extra security and peace of mind for both seniors and their families.
• Long-Term Care: An in-home caregiver can provide the long-term care seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s need to remain safe and healthy. This is especially important for those who are not able to live in an assisted living facility or nursing home.
• Specialist Assistance and Services: A home care agency comes equipped with specialist help and services that are tailored to the individual’s needs, such as using special tools like assistive technology.
• Promotes Independence: Home care support allows seniors to continue to do activities they enjoy, while having the assurance that someone is there to help if needed.
• Transportation: An in-home caregiver can provide safe and reliable transportation for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s so they can attend appointments and other necessary errands. This provides them with the freedom and independence necessary for a good quality of life.

In addition to providing the practical care and support seniors need, home care gives families peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are safe and well taken care of. With a knowledgeable and experienced companion, seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s can remain independent and engaged in life’s activities while still receiving the best possible care.

Ben Adel is founder of Luxe Homecare, a Pacific Palisades-based home care, home health and hospice agency offering Medicare-approved services in Los Angeles, Orange County and Riverside. They offer round-the-clock support, including at-home caregivers, registered nurses (RN and LVN), and more. Background checks are required for all staff to give you and your loved ones the peace of mind you deserve. Contact the Luxe team at 310-459-3535 or visit luxehomecare.com.