You want what is best for your loved one. Unfortunately, however, conditions like Alzheimer’s can make that a difficult question to answer. The best solution often depends on the individual. In-home care is a popular choice that offers many advantages, but also many disadvantages and risks. Here, Serenity Home Care covers the benefits, difficulties, and other questions to consider while deciding on home care for Alzheimer’s.
Benefits and Risks of Alzheimer’s Home Care
When possible, there are many benefits to aging in place with Alzheimer’s. Familiar surroundings feel comfortable and safe, counteracting the anxieties that patients with dementia often experience. Consistent companionship prevents loneliness and low moods, while meaningful mementos around the house can help reinforce important memories.
Aging in place, however, does present difficulties. Safety is a major concern for Alzheimer’s patients at home. They might turn on a stove burner and forget, or leave sharp objects where they may become hazards. Other health concerns are complicating factors as well. In addition, many families are untrained in handling Alzheimer’s and may struggle to meet their loved one’s basic needs.
When deciding a care plan for your loved one with Alzheimer’s, it’s important to consider all factors. Evaluate your loved one’s condition, and weigh the benefits of in-home care against the risks and challenges. We’ve also introduced some additional questions to consider while making the decision.
Is The Home Prepared?
Not all homes are well-suited to elder care. Many basic features, such as doorknobs and stairs, are challenging for seniors with limited mobility, especially for those with Alzheimer’s. Before considering in-home care, make sure your space is comfortable and navigable. Here are some measures you can take to prepare your home for a family member with Alzheimer’s:
- Install safety bars in your shower or bathtub.
- Minimize clutter and keep necessary items accessible.
- Remove throw rugs, cords, and other tripping hazards.
- Keep cleaning products and other toxic materials locked.
- Improve lighting for clear visibility throughout the house.
- Place photos and mementos in highly visible areas.
- Label objects and leave written reminders.
- Exchange standard doorknobs for levers.
- Establish and follow predictable daily routines.
If possible, make these changes early. This will allow your loved one to adjust before their condition worsens, and ensure a more seamless transition.
Is Quality of Life Decreasing?
Next, consider your family member’s quality of life. Aging and Alzheimer’s can interfere with an individual’s ability to complete daily tasks, such as bathing and hygiene, laundry and housekeeping, nutritious meal preparation, basic mobility, or pet care. The inability to complete these tasks will impact your loved one’s health and quality of life.
Weigh your family member’s needs and ability level against your ability to help out. Remember to keep the long term in mind. While you may be able to provide every need for a short time, extended efforts may become exhausting, and you may have other obligations.
If your family member requires more support than you can reasonably provide, it’s time for in-home memory care. A professional caretaker will assist with daily living, including any tasks and activities your loved one can no longer complete alone. They will help your loved one maintain a high quality of life while granting you peace of mind.
Is Your Loved One Safe?
Finally, consider your loved one’s safety. Memory loss and dementia can create potentially dangerous situations. If the stove is turned on, they may not remember to turn it off. They may leave knives and other sharp objects in hazardous locations. They may go for a walk and get lost in their neighborhood, or forget that cold temperatures require warm outdoor clothes.
If a person with Alzheimer’s poses a potential danger to themselves, it may be time to consider in-home care. A professional caretaker will provide extra supervision. In-home care service may also help meet basic needs, like food preparation and transportation, so your loved one can avoid situations that might become dangerous. If their condition is severe enough, however, in-home care may be insufficient. You might consider foster care services or a memory care community to keep your loved one safe.
Enroll for Alzheimer’s Home Care
When selecting an Alzheimer’s home care provider, it’s important to choose an agency you trust. Serenity Home Care is a family-owned agency in Oregon with a commitment to providing high-quality care to all clients. Our caregivers are certified nursing assistants (CNAs) with long-term experience or state training, so you can be certain that your loved one is in excellent hands. Contact us to learn more or get started.
