Last month Debbie, a family caregiver and mother of three in Wisconsin went to check on her elderly father, John. Debbie was concerned when there was no response at the front door and used her spare key to enter John’s home. She found him lying on the kitchen floor, unable to get up after falling. Luckily, Debbie found him a short time after his fall, and a trip to the hospital showed no broken bones. However, John’s right arm and leg were hurt, and we would need to stay in a wheelchair and wear a sling for a few days.
It seemed like a simple recovery process, but the difficult part was that John had Alzheimer’s disease. He didn’t remember his fall, or why his arm hurt. He kept trying to stand up and remove the sling. John’s doctor, case manager and nurses were all hesitant to let him go home alone, fearing the risk of another fall or further injury.
This story is like many that we hear at SYNERGY HomeCare. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are a big source of concern for healthcare professionals and family caregivers. Their concerns aren’t without validation. People with Alzheimer’s who live alone are more likely to be malnourished, have poor health, miss medication doses, and have poor hygiene. Loneliness and depression are also common among people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Instead of moving people with Alzheimer’s to nursing homes, more healthcare professionals and family caregivers like Debbie are choosing in-home care to ensure the safety, comfort and well being of their family member or patient.
SYNERGY HomeCare provides the attentive memory care needed for people with Alzheimer’s. Since home care offers customizable care plans, it gives people with Alzheimer’s and their family caregivers the ability to increase the frequency and length of visits over time. Caregivers also encourage social interaction and memory- building activities, which stimulate the mind and increase a sense of well being and self esteem.
Transportation from caregivers is also important for someone with Alzheimer’s, since oftentimes they can no longer drive. From medication reminders to meal preparation to ensuring home safety, a caregiver can help with the small things to that people with Alzheimer’s can safely remain in their homes.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, or has experienced the complications of memory loss, please contact SYNERGY HomeCare today. We can help these people and their families to be happier, healthier, more comfortable and more independent throughout their Alzheimer’s experience.
