When Things Have Changed
She’s not the same. Mom used to love to spending afternoons together, maybe shopping at the mall or just sitting and chatting. Now she has the same conversation with you six times and asks why you don’t take her shopping anymore—after you just returned home, as if the afternoon had never happened. She gets so upset when she can’t find something, and even accuses you and others she has always loved and trusted for stealing her things. That’s not like her at all. You’re afraid to think what these worrying behaviors could mean for her health and safety, and for you as her son or daughter.
Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is the diagnosis that can strike dread in the hearts of most family caregivers. If you’re living it now, you know all too well. If you’ve just received the prognosis for your senior, you’re likely scared and confused.
You Are Not Alone
You need to know that there is support for you and your loved one. Our Home Instead Senior Care
® office can help. The Home Instead Senior Care network's unique training program for Alzheimer’s and other dementias is part of its CARE: Changing Aging through Research and Education
SM program. Our CAREGivers
SM provide the highest quality of care, changing the way people live with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
Trained CAREGivers
Our trained CAREGivers bring the following skills and support to families of those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia:
- Capturing Life’s JourneySM – Gathering past stories and experiences helps the CAREGiver give comfort and customized care; all the while honoring who the senior was earlier in life.
- Techniques to Manage Behavior – CAREGivers use techniques such as giving simple choices and redirecting, allowing the senior to remain calm and safe at home.
- Encouraging Engagement – Engaging seniors throughout the day builds self-esteem, enhances physical strength and reduces behaviors that need to be managed. Using techniques and activities, CAREGivers focus on the seniors’ mind, body and soul.
- Supporting the Family – CAREGivers understand the struggles and challenges that accompany caring for a loved one. They are trained to work closely with the family and have open communication, which results in quality care for the senior.
Home Instead CAREGivers trained in the CARE program have a passion and desire to work with Alzheimer’s or dementia clients. They receive ongoing classroom training and testing prior to caring for a senior with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
CAREGivers receive this training in addition to a multi-phased safety and caregiving education program, so you can rest assured your loved one is with a trusted, well-qualified professional.
If you’d like more information about our Alzheimer’s program, please contact us.
Find more valuable Alzheimer's and Senior Care articles, web site links and resources in our Senior Care Resources section of this website.
