Alzheimer's
and Dementia
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia is a source of stress and anguish for both the sufferer and their family members. As these conditions progress, a loved one’s ability to care for themselves is severely diminished, and it becomes increasingly difficult for family members to keep up with their needs. Eventually, many families seek outside assistance to provide needed care and assistance.
We help your loved one stay active and safe by providing the supervision they need
At ApexCare, we divide care of clients with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia into three core services:
Roughly half of ApexCare’s clients have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. We understand how devastating this disease can be to the sufferer and their families. Every individual suffering from these diseases has their own unique physical, psychological, and emotional needs, and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA CARE MAY INCLUDE:
Managing Disease-Specific Behaviors
Because so many of ApexCare’s clients have been diagnosed with dementia, we have made it a priority to ensure that every caregiver is familiar with these conditions, and is trained to manage disease-specific behaviors while providing homecare services.
Clients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia fall all across the spectrum progression and severity, with some requiring more intensive observation and moment-to-moment care. ApexCare’s caregivers are familiar with the changing challenges these diseases present, as well as the symptoms of onset. There are times where families are not certain whether their loved one is experiencing symptoms of dementia , or the inevitable consequences of old age. Our caregivers can recognize the earliest signs of these diseases, including short-term memory loss, lapses in communication or language, and increased inability to focus or pay attention. If our caregivers identify potential symptoms, we will communicate with family members in order to get the client properly tested and diagnosed by a doctor.
Social and Mental Engagment
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia does not mean that your loved ones cannot or should not be allowed to maintain social lives. But as these diseases worsen, the sufferer can lose the interest with the world around them.
Our caregivers can help your loved one stay active by helping plan social gatherings with friends or family. We also strive to encourage behaviors that defined our clients’ lives and personalities in their younger years. For instance, if the client previously placed great value on organization, we’ll help them organize around the home, and provide the gentle encouragement to accomplish as much as they can on their own.
We’ve found through experience that with patience and respect, our caregivers have been able to significantly improve the quality of life for clients suffering from these diseases.
Staying Active and Safe
Many clients experiencing the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia are still able to live productive, fulfilling, and active lives. Families can often initially provide the support their loved ones need, but as these diseases progress, it can be difficult to keep up with the increasing complexity of the challenges presented.
We have long recognized that one of the most important aspects of elder care is that they are allowed, and encouraged, to participate in physical activities, social events, meals they enjoy, and relaxing hobbies. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia does not change this, but they can make these activities more difficult, and potentially dangerous.
Research has shown that physical activity can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, and even help slow the progression of the disease. This is why we encourage our clients to do as much as they can for themselves, while also being on hand to provide support when needed. Whether it’s simple companionship, assisting with household activities, or providing physical aid while in or out of the house for exercise and errands, we can be there for your family member.
ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA FAQS
While our caregivers are not doctors, we do train them to recognize early symptoms. Many clients turn to ApexCare due to uncertainty about their mental health, and it can be easy to misconstrue normal age-related memory loss for Alzheimer’s or dementia. Rest assured, we will communicate any concerns to you, and recommend a doctor for a formal diagnosis if necessary.
Our caregivers are trained to handle clients who are suffering from cognitive degeneration associated with dementia. And while your loved ones may be under our care, you can still help by learning as much as you can about the disease. You can also consult our care managers, as well as other health professionals, to learn more about how the disease progresses, how this will affect your family member, and how you can respond to these changes to better manage your parents.
ApexCare is absolutely capable of providing assistance and support even to late-stage Alzheimer’s sufferers. The disease can make hygiene and toileting difficult, if not impossible without assistance. It can even make their client’s own home a dangerous place to move about. Our caregivers can provide the physical support these clients need.
Unfortunately, as Alzheimer’s or dementia progresses, in-home care may become unfeasible. In such circumstances, ApexCare will help you with the process of transferring your loved one to an appropriate facility.
WHAT CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING
