3 Care Services For Alzheimer's Patients
As Alzheimer's disease progresses, the ill person's abilities to function normally, both mentally and physically, deteriorate. Because of this, many people with Alzheimer's – or even other types of dementia – require in home care or to be placed in a care home dedicated to those with dementia and the elderly. However, care homes are not the only option.
Adult Day Care Centers
Adult day care centers are perfect during the middle stages of Alzheimer's. If you work during the day but are also a full-time caregiver for an Alzheimer's patient, then this is a solution. Adult day care centers provide counseling and therapy, have fun activities and games, give patients opportunities to socialize with others, provide health services (weighing, administering medication, etc.,), and manage behavior related to their condition. It is also worth noting that adult day care centers are not exclusively for Alzheimer's but also for other types of dementia.
In Home Care
There are different types of in home care:
- Personal care (the "usual" in home care service) – provides help with dressing, eating, bathing, using the bathroom, exercising, getting out of bed, walking, etc.
- Licensed health professional home care – this type of in home care is for those who require medical attention, meaning those who need physical therapy, injections, etc. This is the most expensive type of in home care, but necessary for many Alzheimer's patients. Usually the professional is a nurse or a physical therapist.
- Companions – literally a companion. Someone who speaks like a friend with the patient and takes them outside and does recreational activities with them.
A few more variations of these in home care services are available, but not very different. Those listed above are the most common. It is important to make sure that the person providing in home care knows how to perform CPR and first aid just in case of an emergency. Contact a professional in home care agency, like In Your Home Care, to see what services they offer.
Residential Care
Residential care comes in many different variations:
- Assisted living – a bridge between a nursing home and independent living. It is a residential home that provides assisted living with 24/7 staff. Patients have the choice of deciding whether they want help with certain activities or not, including administering medication. Assisted living is not tailored with dementia patients in mind, so it is not widely recommended.
- Nursing homes – the most common housing for middle and later stages Alzheimer's patients. They supply 24/7 staff, therapy, recreational activities, and comprehensive medical attention. These are regulated by the federal government unlike assisted living houses.
- Alzheimer's SCU (Special Care Unit) – this is made for people with Alzheimer's disease and are similar to nursing homes, but are for dementia patients exclusively. These are not common yet, but are slowly rising in popularity.
There are many different types of Alzheimer's care services that it is impossible to find one that is perfect.
Share
