Home Care for Alzheimer’s in Harrisburg

We all have heard that famous phrase “There is Light at the End of the Tunnel.” For individual and families facing the challenges of caring for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia that light is sometimes too dim to be visible.  Fortunately, there are options for home care for Alzheimer’s dementia patients in Harrisburg that provide a light of hope to their families.

What is Alzheimer’s?

The National Institute of Health defines Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with the disease—those with the late onset type symptoms first appear in their mid-60s.  Early onset Alzheimer’s occurs between a person’s 30s and mid-60s and is very rare. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s?

One of the first symptoms that most people report is memory loss. NIH researchers have also found that a decline in other aspects of thinking, such as finding the right words, vision/spatial issues, and impaired reasoning or judgment, may also signal the very early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

As anatomy and physiology tells us, the human brain is the central nervous system of our entire body.  When our brain goes through injury or is faced with a disease, it affects our everyday functions. For individuals with Alzheimer’s our daily tasks are affected such as cooking a meal or driving a car. The progression of loss of daily abilities progresses to anger and violence as the disease progresses.

You Are Not Alone.

According to the Alzheimer’s association an estimated 6.2 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2021. Seventy-two percent are age 75 or older.  One in nine people age 65 and older (11.3%) has Alzheimer’s dementia.

It’s a good feeling to know that you are not alone, and many are facing the same challenges caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia.  We all can help one another overcome the challenges and burdens that we face when caring for our loved ones.

We at HomeCentris sponsor and work closely with The Alzheimer’s association they have great resources to help educate you on the disease and connect you to various support groups.  You can find local community groups, virtual support groups and other resources on this link.

Who can help me care for my loved one?

As we know there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s or dementia.  One might ask how can we change our own experience as we care for those who face this challenging disease? The answer is in the support and caregiving those individuals receive.

Home care for Alzheimer’s Dementia patients by family caregivers has its challenges and can be burdensome; one must seek help and support as this is a necessity. Joining different support groups, connecting with different social media platforms builds support for the caregiving individual.

As one who directly cares for the individual going through Alzheimer’s/ dementia, it can be easy to neglect your own health and go through caregiver burn out. It is important to take time away to rest, reflect and be able to gain more energy to provide better care. No one can do this alone.  It will take family members, friends and a caregiver such as those at HomeCentris who understand the disease to help and support you.

The Alzheimer’s Association has a guideline for Respite Care services. Respite care will help you as a caregiver relax and take the much-needed time for yourself. Respite care can be provided at home by a friend, other family member, volunteer or paid service or in a care setting, such as adult day care or residential facility.  Please follow this link below to learn more about Respite Care and its great benefits.

Home care for Alzheimer’s Dementia patients

One of the most important things an individual with Alzheimer’s dementia needs is good home care that has structure and various methods that ease anxiety.

• It is important for caregivers to first create a routine.  Establishing a constant daily routine with care without significant changes creates a pattern and reduces confusion.
• Caregivers should plan different activities to keep the individual engaged and active is important.  Listening to music, dancing, exercising and folding laundry are great ways to keep the individual active.
• Alzheimer’s disease affects a person’s ability to communicate.  Caregivers can communicate easier by using eye contact, using the other person’s name, using relaxed body language and trying to remain calm.
• A healthy diet is also important.  Caregivers should provide foods that rich in nutrition and provide proper hydration.
• Caregivers can assist with hygiene and grooming.  This boosts the self esteem and confidence of the individual with Alzheimer’s and can alleviate anxiety.
• Safety is very important and caregivers can ensure the following steps are taken.  Medical News Today has a good list of safety measures that include the following:
  • making sure Alzheimer’s patients have sturdy, comfortable shoes,
  • putting brightly colored tape on the edge of steps,
  • padding any sharp corners on furniture,
  • limiting mirrors in the house,
  • placing “hot” and “cold” stickers near taps,
  • turning the boiler temperature down to avoid burns,
  • installing safety locks on the stove,
  • making sure they take their medication correctly.

Conclusion

Alzheimer’s dementia patients can receive good care at home.  At HomeCentris, we have Alzheimer’s dementia care specialists who can help care for your loved one.  Our specialists understand the disease process and know how to handle the different challenges that come with the disease.  In addition, our caregivers illustrate HomeCentris Core Values: compassion, excellence, integrity, empowerment and accountability.

To “Care” is the provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance, and protection of someone or something.” At HomeCentris we “Care” and we ensure our care team gives your loved one the ability to age in place with integrity and compassion.  If you or your loved one needs home care for Alzheimer’s dementia or a free consultation on how we can help with a family member, please call our office at 717-409-5367 or email us at [email protected].