June brings us the longest day of the year, the one with the most light. The Alzheimer’s Association honors The Longest Day to raise awareness and funds in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
Across the globe, there are 55 million people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. As the symptoms progress, it’s important to find the right care, including healthcare services, can help to improve their quality of life.
Many people do not know that Alzheimer’s disease is actually one form of dementia and that it’s the most common. Other examples of dementias include Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Lewy Body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is an umbrella term that describes a group of symptoms. The most common symptom widely known is memory loss. Those with dementia can also suffer from increasing confusion, difficulty problem-solving or doing routine tasks, misplacing things, difficulty speaking, mood changes, and withdrawal from social settings.
Additional Symptoms of Alzheimer’s:
- Day-to-day memory problems
- Losing/misplacing items
- Incontinence
- Depression
- Anxiety/fearfulness/frustration
- Difficulty sleeping
- Confusion
- Frequent falls
- Communication issues (inability to follow conversations or speak clearly and loudly)
- Wandering/becoming lost
- Difficulty chewing/swallowing/frequent choking episodes
Home Health to Support Alzheimer’s Disease
As physical and cognitive changes set in as a result of this disease, patients may not be able to safely complete the care they need each day to remain healthy. Many with Alzheimer’s will require 24-hour care and supervision to stay safe. Combining daily support with home healthcare services can help support a good quality of life.
Home Health Services Offer:
- Skilled Nursing
- Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy
- 24-Hour On-Call Availability
- Medication Education & Management
- Patient & Family Education
- Wound Care
- Edema Management
- Case Management
- Dietary Consulting (by a registered dietician for diabetes and other conditions)
- Care Planning (for short and long-term needs)
Benefits of Home Health for those with Alzheimer’s Disease:
- Continuity of Care (nurses and therapists will be the same during treatment)
- Education for Patients, Families, & Caregivers
- Decreased Anxiety & Depression
- Improved Communication
- Enhanced Quality of Life
- Reduced Hospitalization Rates
- Better Management of Symptoms
- Improved Overall Health
- Maintain Independence
- Consistent Routines for Predictability
- Safety & Security in Familiar Surroundings
- Reduced Travel
Those with Alzheimer’s disease can benefit from routines. Even though they may not recall each day or visit by our providers, continuity of care matters. When the same providers see patients, they can get to know each patient’s patterns to identify changes in their demeanors and abilities.
Not having to travel or schedule transportation is very helpful for anyone, but for those with dementia, it’s even more beneficial! Those with dementia cannot easily take transport alone or even attend a medical appointment on their own to report their needs effectively.
When healthcare providers see patients right where they live, each visit is more efficient. A combination of regular and routine on-site healthcare gives those with dementia a wraparound level of support to set them up for better outcomes.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed or suspected of having Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, check in with us! As you plan for the future, we can help. Reach out to us at info@caringedge.com today for a consultation!