People with Alzheimer's disease have varying degrees of cognitive deficits. While some Alzheimer's patients may simply have mild memory lapses, especially with their short-term memory, others may have profound cognitive deficits and total memory loss. If your aging loved one has Alzheimer's disease and suffers from cognitive deficits, consider the following benefits that an in-home memory care provider can offer.
Stand-By Assistance And Redirection
Many people with Alzheimer's disease prefer to do things themselves. Their independence is very important to them, and because of this they may try to perform their daily tasks independently. While independence should be promoted in those with memory problems and other cognitive deficits, unsupervised elderly Alzheimer's patients may be at risk for falls or other accidents.
To help the individual maintain both their independence and safety, the in-home memory care provider can offer stand-by assistance and redirection cues. This way, your loved one can maintain their self-esteem while safely performing their tasks while under the supervision of the caregiver. Maintaining independence may play a role in better brain function which may help protect both long and short-term memory function in those with Alzheimer's and other neurological conditions.
Medication Monitoring
Another benefit you and your senior loved one may enjoy as a result of hiring an in-home memory care provider is medication monitoring. Medication errors may be more likely to occur in people who have memory and cognition problems. This may be the result of the person forgetting to take their medication or even taking a too-large or too-small dose. The in-home memory care provider can also monitor the person while they take their medication and make sure that they have swallowed it.
Some aging adults who have Alzheimer's disease may "pocket" their pills or not swallow their liquid medications, which could result in dangerous adverse reactions. If the in-home care provider is a licensed practical nurse or a registered nurse, they may also be able to administer injections such as insulin. Unlicensed home caregivers are typically not allowed to administer injectables. The provider can also monitor the Alzheimer's patient for medication side effects, and if noted, can call the attending physician.
If your loved one has Alzheimer's disease or is otherwise cognitively impaired, contact an in-home memory care agency to learn about their services. The agency representation will address your concerns and answer your questions as they relate to payment options, scheduling, and whether or not they offer live-in caregivers or only "come and go" staff.
For more information about in-home memory care, contact a local company.
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