Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and irreversible condition that attacks the central nervous system and destroys brain cells. People with the disease slowly develop dementia, a loss of memory and reduced intellectual and social skills. The result is confusion, disorientation and the inability to think, reason and understand. We train our in-home caregivers to recognize these symptoms, and to know the difference between normal forgetfulness and possible signs of dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease varies from person to person. After being diagnosed, some individuals continue their usual activities for an extended period, while others do not. Still, some people function at a reduced level than before or in a different way. Those who have had the disease longer, deteriorate in the areas of speech, eating, walking, toileting, judgment, and social behavior—all of which occur at different rates for different people.
After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, many people feel angry, depressed and worried about the future. Freedom Eldercare understands and knows how to help.
Specialized Caregiver Training
We provide specialized training for our caregivers so they better understand how to care for clients with Alzheimer’s disease. They are trained t
- Better communicate by using validation therapy
- Calm behavioral issues with reminiscing, music and repetitive tasks
- Reduce anxiety by practicing patience and using cueing and redirecting
How Our Trained Caregivers Can Help
Our professional in-home caregivers are taught to identify the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and how to best manage them. They are taught how to differentiate between unkind behavior and the loss of a social filter or impulse control challenges. This knowledge helps them understand outbursts and not take them personally, which they in turn teach the patient’s family.
How Our Registered Nurses and Social Workers Can Help
- Explain in detail the disease and its progressio
- Educate client and family on the reasonable expectations and side effects of medication
- Discuss the importance of nutrition and tracking weight changes
- Describe tests that have been or will be conducted, why they are given and how they help rule out depression and delirium as diagnoses
- Encourage compliance with physician prescribed treatment plan and medications
- Assist with referrals to other health care professionals
How Our Geriatric Care Managers Can Help
- Determine whether your loved one will continue driving and discuss how the disease affects this skill and the risks associated with staying behind the wheel
- Refer client and their family to the necessary legal and financial professionals for planning
- Help your loved one designate a health care proxy and compose a living will
- Suggest treatment options including counseling, exercise, mental stimulation, and music, light and art therapy
- Discuss behavioral issues to expect and how to handle them
- Offer access to support groups, resources, websites, and reference materials
