Navigating Alzheimer’s and Dementia Home Care
Providing compassionate and effective home care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia requires patience, understanding, and the right support strategies.
Experience Peace of Mind with Village Caregiving
- Exceptional, affordable, family-centered care
- Vetted, compassionate carers
- 11 years of experience
When you have a loved one who is living with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, determining how best to help and care for them can be a challenge. You want them to remain safe while also being able to maintain their independence for as long as possible.
At Village Caregiving, we understand the many emotions you may be feeling as you navigate caring for your loved one. As the largest privately owned home care company in the United States, we’ve provided compassionate assistance for thousands of families whose loved ones require care.
Vetted Caregivers
Trained Caregivers
Nurturing Caregivers
Village Caregiving
What Does Alzheimer’s and Dementia Home Care Involve?
Dementia home care includes daily support and nonmedical help for someone living with dementia. Caregivers from Village Caregiving can help with light housekeeping, such as washing dishes, vacuuming, or doing the laundry. Our caregivers also provide stimulating companionship and can help your loved one participate in recreational activities like visiting a nearby park or enjoying a favorite hobby.
A personalized care plan can also include assistance with everyday hygiene necessities, like bathing, toileting, and dressing. Dementia home care can help improve your loved one’s quality of life.
Benefits of In-Home Care for Someone With Alzheimer’s or Dementia
Here are some of the many benefits in-home care for Alzheimer’s and dementia can offer for your loved one.
1
Maintain the Comfort and Familiarity of Home
For individuals living with dementia, remaining within the familiarity of their home environment can significantly enhance their quality of life. It can be easier for them to maintain some of their independence since they know where things are and how things work, and being in their own home also promotes a sense of comfort and safety. They have familiar scenery and nearby locations outside the home as well. This creates an important foundation for those living with Alzheimer’s, as it facilitates a reliable and structured support system.
Some other ways in-home care can add comfort and familiarity include more emotional support, which helps to reduce loneliness and anxiety and increase flexibility in care plans and schedules. For example, you can have a caregiver with your loved one for just a few hours each day or 24/7. A customizable care option benefits family members and your loved one.
2
Develop a Personalized Care Plan
In-home care makes it easy to customize care specifically for your loved one. Personalized care plans are tailored to the individual’s medical, social, and physical needs, offering services aligned to their unique situation. With such a targeted approach, seniors receive the care best suited to them so they can get the most out of their home care plan.
You can expect the following when creating a personalized plan with us at Village Caregiving:
- We’ll sit down with you and your loved one to discuss the best approach for care.
- You’ll discuss essential details about your loved ones’ specific needs.
- Together, we’ll outline the extent of family participation.
3
2
3
Receive Emotional Support and Companionship
In-home caregivers can offer support and help with daily tasks, but they can also provide companionship. Whether it’s getting your loved one’s favorite ice cream, taking a walk, participating in a favorite activity, or just chatting, the companionship of our compassionate caregivers can provide emotional support for your loved one, improving their overall sense of well-being and helping them maintain cognitive function.
People with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia will experience bouts of memory loss, confusion, and general cognitive challenges. In-home care creates a stimulating and caring environment where the individual feels supported and engaged.
3
4
Establish Healthy and Familiar Routines
Remaining in a routine is vital for individuals living with Alzheimer’s. Being at home where they’ve created a routine allows them to feel more secure. Continuing a routine at home also helps people living with dementia have more confidence and a sense of dignity.
Emotional Well-Being and In-Home Care
Individuals who live with Alzheimer’s may experience various emotions, especially as the dementia progresses. When they’re at home, you and the caregiver can provide enriching support to help ease these feelings and assist your loved one in feeling more reassured and empowered. Whether through words or deeds, having seniors close during this time allows family and those in your support circle to:
Give Encouragement and Praise
Involve Them in as Many Activities as Possible
Assist Them in Realizing Their Purpose and Value
Safety Considerations for Those With Dementia
In-home care can be an enriching and safe journey for people living with dementia and their families if there’s adequate support and preparation, which includes making sure the home is as free as possible from potential hazards. Some guidelines to keep in mind include:
Brightly marking stairways for better visibility
Minimizing the use of mirrors
Creating contrast between walls and floors with solid colors and avoiding patterns
Removing rugs to reduce tripping hazards
Turning the water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding
Padding sharp corners and furniture edges.
Support for Caregivers
Caregivers play an essential role when it comes to caring for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s.
From managing the household to ensuring your loved one is well cared for, taking on these tasks alone can be challenging. Practicing self-care is beneficial for both you and your loved one. In-home respite care can be a safe and affordable option so that you can take a break and help prevent burnout.
Compassionate Home Care Services From Village Caregiving
Caring for loved ones who are living with dementia can be a fulfilling journey of hope and resilience. When it’s time for you to step back due to work or other commitments, the best you can do is give your loved one the care they deserve.
At Village Caregiving, caring is our passion. We take our responsibilities to heart and are proud of our family caregivers who go above and beyond every day. To discuss your options with us, fill out our online form. You can also find the Village Caregiving office near you for more information.
Dementia Home Care FAQs
What Are the Best In-Home Care Options for Seniors With Dementia?
The best in-home care options for older adults with dementia include a combination of services tailored to their needs, such as:
- Companionship care: Companionship care involves keeping your loved one company, interacting with them, offering emotional support and engaging in shared activities like reading and games.
- Medication management: We can help your loved one stick to medication schedules and take the prescribed dosage.
- Specialized dementia care: Our caregivers can use cognitive stimulation techniques, manage behavior and adapt to changing individual needs.
- Personal care assistance: We’ll help with bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting and other personal hygiene activities.
- Homemaker services: Running errands, cooking meals, assisting with eating and performing light housekeeping duties like doing laundry and vacuuming.
What Is Alzheimer’s and Dementia Home Care?
Alzheimer’s and dementia home care refers to specialized in-home services to support individuals with these conditions. It comprises:
- Offering cognitive and emotional support: Engaging in activities to stimulate the mind and provide emotional comfort.
- Maintaining a safe environment: Implementing safety measures to minimize injuries and falls.
- Managing behavioral symptoms: Using different strategies to address aggression, confusion, agitation and other Alzheimer’s and dementia behavioral symptoms.
- Helping with daily living activities: Assisting with hygiene, meal preparation, grocery shopping, housekeeping and other duties.
- Supporting primary caregivers: Giving primary caregivers temporary relief through respite services.
How Does In-Home Care Benefit Someone With Alzheimer’s or Dementia?
Benefits that in-home care offers individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia include:
- A familiar environment: Individuals can remain in their homes, promoting comfort and a sense of security.
- One-on-one attention: Family caregivers provide focused attention and care, which is essential in addressing unique needs and challenges.
- Family involvement: In-home care permits family members to remain involved in their loved one’s care without the entire scope of care falling on the family.
- Improved quality of life: Receiving care in their homes could enhance an individual’s mood and comfort.
- Customized care: Clients receive in-home care tailored to their needs, which gives family members peace of mind and facilitates proper Alzheimer’s or dementia management.
Why Are Routines Important for Individuals Living With Alzheimer’s or Dementia?
Routines are important for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or dementia because they offer structure and predictability, minimizing anxiety and confusion. Routines also help to:
- Boost memory: Routine activities may help reinforce memory, enabling individuals to navigate their daily lives easily.
- Minimize behavioral symptoms: Predictability could lower agitation, restlessness and other related symptoms.
- Enhanced sleep: Observing the same sleep routine may be able to help regulate sleep patterns and reduce nighttime wandering.
- Promote independence: Familiar schedules could help individuals maintain independence and a sense of control.
What Emotional Benefits Can In-Home Care Provide for Someone With Dementia?
In-home care offers various benefits to individuals living with dementia:
- Reduced anxiety: A familiar environment and routine could help individuals feel less anxious and agitated.
- Decreased loneliness and isolation: Family caregivers offer companionship, helping individuals feel more connected.
- Comfort and security: In-home care empowers individuals to remain in their homes where they feel secure and comfortable.
- Emotional support: Family caregivers offer understanding and patience, helping individuals manage the challenges of dementia.
What Safety Measures Should Be Taken at Home for Individuals With Dementia?
Family caregivers implement several in-home measures to ensure the safety of individuals with dementia:
- Removing clutter and objects along walkways to reduce falls and slips.
- Monitoring and regulating shower temperature to avoid burns.
- Keeping exits locked to minimize wandering outside the home.
- Regularly assessing the home for potential safety concerns.
- Storing medications and chemicals in secure locations.
- Supervising medication use.
- Staying prepared for emergencies.
Village Caregiving Is Here to Help
Fill out the form below to learn more about how we can care for you or your loved ones