For families dealing with an Alzheimer's diagnosis, the goal is almost always the same: keep their loved one safe, comfortable, and at home for as long as possible. But many families have to put their loved ones in a nursing home, not because the disease has gotten worse and they can't care for them at home anymore, but because a crisis that could have been avoided happened first. Alzheimer’s care providers are trained to spot safety issues in the home and offer solutions that help keep seniors safe.
Fall Prevention at Home
Falls are one of the most common risks for seniors in general, but seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s might be at an even greater risk. This is because the disease impacts their ability to recognize hazards, depth perception, and spatial awareness.
Alzheimer’s care providers are able to look at the home with fresh eyes and assess what modifications are needed. For instance, they might suggest better lighting in frequently used spaces, grab bars in the bathroom, a different furniture layout, or less clutter overall. Additionally, they watch for small changes in balance or gait that could mean a higher risk of falling and help to ensure changes are put in place before an accident happens.
Safety Outside the Front Door
About 60% of people with Alzheimer's will wander at some point during the disease. This can be scary and frustrating for loved ones, not to mention endanger the senior’s life. Professional caregivers can suggest and help implement a variety of different safety measures that go far beyond just locking the front door. They use environmental cues, like putting cloth over door handles or stop-sign stickers at exits, to redirect seniors without scaring them.
They also incorporate structured daily routines that help calm the anxious restlessness that often comes before wandering. In addition, they are trained to understand what causes seniors to wander: boredom, too much stimulation, sundowning, or the urge to do something they used to do, like going to work. With that information, they’re able to deal with the trigger, which is usually more effective than just putting up a physical barrier.
Getting Medications Right Every Time
Mistakes with medications are a serious problem in Alzheimer's care. Many seniors can't manage their own medications as cognitive decline comes with confusion and memory loss. Trying to do so is also dangerous and could result in a trip to the emergency room.
Trained caregivers use systematic methods to manage medications, such as organized dispensing systems, detailed medication logs, and working with doctors and pharmacists. They also keep an eye out for side effects that the senior might not be able to reliably report on their own, like increased confusion, changes in appetite, or unusual tiredness, and report these things to the care team right away.
Early Intervention Is Key
One of the best things about Alzheimer’s care is that caregivers can identify issues before they become a bitter problem. Early intervention—like catching the telltale signs of a urinary tract infection, changing a care plan before agitation gets worse, or spotting early signs of depression—keeps small problems small.
For families, the difference between a trained and untrained caregiver can mean the difference between being able to care for the disease at home and having to make a placement decision they weren't ready to make. Thankfully, with the help of Alzheimer’s care, loved ones can continue to age in place where they feel most comfortable.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer's care in Holladay, UT please contact the caring staff at Home Instead today! (801) 266-9444
Home Instead provides exceptional home care in Salt Lake City, Murray, Holladay, Cotton Wood Heights, Sandy, Draper, Park City, Mt Olympus, Millcreek, Midvale and surrounding areas.
Sources:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-changes-behavior-and-communication/alzheimers-caregiving-managing-personality-and
https://ldi.upenn.edu/our-work/research-updates/why-people-with-dementia-prefer-aging-in-place-despite-all-the-missing-supports/
https://www.mentalhealthandaging.com/how-to-age-in-place-with-alzheimers-and-dementia/
