I've been a caretaker of an elderly woman with dementia for over two years. I've seen the effects of this mental affliction, and how devastating it can be to loved ones. This is why I am a firm believer in seeking a professional diagnosis, so the patient may receive necessary care and treatment. Once diagnosed at the onset of symptoms, a plan can be devised. Through social interaction and daily care, my charge has achieved a higher quality of life. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you can make a difference. Love will find a way.
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Dementia and Your Loved One
What Is Home Care? What Kind Of Services Does It Provide?
Vickie Armstrong
In general, home care is used to refer to services that provide non-medical, in-home care to people. This covers a fairly broad range of mostly practical services. With most of these services, you can pick which services you need to get the care that is best for you and your family. Here's a short list of some of the types of services offered.
Companionship
This is exactly what it sounds like. Someone who just spends time with the client. Talking with them, maybe doing puzzles, watching television together. It may seem like an odd thing to pay for, but one of the difficulties that people face when they are disabled or aging is loneliness.
Groceries/Errands
Home care services will also provide people who can help the client do shopping or go on other errands, like going to doctor appointments or even hair appointments. Because these are scheduled and set, the client will know when they're going to be doing what, and maybe it will help them feel a little less trapped in the house.
Moving/Bathing/Dressing/Going to the Bathroom
This is for those who have trouble moving around. Home care can provide someone who can help make sure that the client does these things safely. Even for those who are still doing that fairly well for themselves, it might just be really reassuring to have an extra hand to steady them.
Making Sure they Take their Medicines and Eat
Especially when dealing with someone who is dealing with dementia or other mental awareness issues, knowing that they are taking the necessary medications and remembering to eat when they should can take a lot of pressure off of you and your family.
Overnight Care
If you and your family are kind of handling things during the day, you may still worry about what happens at night. If you have a beloved senior who sometimes gets up in the middle of the night or may even be prone to wandering, having someone on hand during the night to make sure that your loved one doesn't take a walkabout can be really reassuring.
Respite For You
If you and your family have been handling all the care your loved one needs, it can take a lot of your time and energy. Especially if you're also working and have a spouse or children that you don't get to see very often. Burnout can be a problem, and having these care specialists come in and give you a few weeks off while you take a break can be extremely valuable to everybody's overall mental health.
For more information, speak with a professional who provides home care.
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