Keeping your loved one with Alzheimer’s or Dementia safe at home may sometimes be overwhelming. There is help for your loved one and you and your family.
Remaining at home with Alzheimer’s has been shown to help our loved ones stay healthier and happier and live longer.
When looking after a loved one that you are close to, who suffers from Alzheimer’s or Dementia, it can bring you even closer. You have the opportunity to resolve any differences and create new memories together.
Caregiving can teach younger family members the importance of caring, compassion, and acceptance. Despite the stress, demands, and heartache, it can bring out the best in us to serve as role models for our children.
It isn’t always easy for family members and friends to be caregivers. Although they want to be there, it can cause burn out if there is not a good support system in place.
There are local organizations that can offer support for Alzheimer’s patients and their families. They may have a list of practitioners in the area or other helpful information as well.
To make helpful changes in the home, you can look into putting grab bars in the bathroom or areas where your loved one travels throughout the home. Be sure that if there is carpet, it is tacked down, or if you fear your loved one may fall, remove the carpet from the home. Falls can be very debilitating, and we want to keep our loved ones home and out of nursing homes for as long as possible.
Caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can feel like full time work so it is important to find ways to take breaks. Speak with other family members to see if they can help at times, so as the main provider, you can go for a walk or get some rest.
If that doesn’t work, consider getting in-home care services to lessen the work. You may feel guilty about being unable to do everything within the family but think of asking for help as focusing on what’s important.
If you hire someone to do the day-to-day tasks, such as getting groceries or doing work around the house, you can focus on spending quality time with your loved one and making good memories together.
What kind of in-home help is available to home caregivers?
Caregiving help comes with many options.
- Skilled nurses can help with medical needs such as giving injections and other medications, caring for wounds or monitoring blood sugar.
- Personal Support workers can help with activities of daily living, such as assistance with bathing, toileting, and personal hygiene.
- Home care companions or helpers can provide support, including preparing meals, light housekeeping, and dog walking. They can also engage patients in activities such as games, crafts and reading.
To help alleviate any anxieties that arise, Promyse Home Care Nurse Case Managers will meet with you and your loved ones to determine initial needs and support. Services provided by our Nurse Case Managers are at no additional charge. We will always be there for you as time goes on and as needs change. We will work with you and your loved ones to make short-term and long-term care management plans for their in-home care needs.
