Thursday, 8 December 2016

Improving the Lives of Patients With Alzheimer's Care

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Symptoms of Alzheimer's manifest themselves differently depending on the individual, but the amount of attention and care needed always increases as the condition advances. Planning ahead and crafting a tailored plan with a healthcare professional can make it possible to provide patients with quality care while ensuring flexibility for future needs. In-home Alzheimer's care is often the preferred option because it offers the patient a familiar environment while keeping them close to their family members.
Understanding the Needs of Alzheimer's Patients
It is important first to understand the needs of a senior with Alzheimer's before creating a plan. Needs can vary depending on the severity of their condition. Patients with mild cases may forget events or names of familiar people. They also tend to lose the ability to plan and organize properly. When the condition becomes moderate, confusion and memory loss become apparent. They may need help in doing tasks such as bathing and dressing. Sleep problems and inconsistency are also common health issues. They may start to wander, so they should never be left alone. When the condition becomes severe, seniors usually require help with almost all their needs. They may be unable to talk and recognize their close family members. Patients may also need help to sit or stand.
Benefits of In-Home Services
This type of care offers patients a familiar environment that they know and understand. Personalized routines and schedules can help seniors avoid the anxiety and confusion of new surroundings. Being close to family members also helps seniors to enjoy the company of their loved ones whenever they want. While at home, the patient may be more willing to open up and build positive relationships with the helpers.
Services Caregivers Offer to Alzheimer's Patients
The types of services the senior receives depend on the severity of the condition. The most common types of services include companion services, personal services, homemaker services, and skilled care. For mild cases, the professional can help with tasks such as bathing, dressing, medication reminders, basic personal hygiene assistance, light housekeeping, laundry, and meal planning. If the case is severe, many services can be available 24-hours a day, and a family can make these arrangements with the agency. The patient can have two or three caregivers every day working in shifts to offer consistent Alzheimer's care.
Working with a Professional Caregiver
It is important for families first to identify the needs of their loved ones to ensure a patient gets the correct support. Giving a professional caregiver all the necessary tools and resources they need to attend to the senior is essential. Keeping the lines of communication open is important and helps to improve the relationship between the helper and the family. Solid communication also allows families to feel comfortable speaking up about the type of Alzheimer's care that they expect from a helper.
To learn more about their options for Alzeimer's care, Sacramento, CA residents should visit http://www.californiacaregivers.net/services/alzheimers-and-dementia-care/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Andrea_Avery/663068

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9591861

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