3 Tips For Dealing With Behavior Changes In Dementia Patients

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be an overwhelming and emotionally draining experience. As the condition progresses, managing their behavior changes can become increasingly difficult. However, it is essential to remember that while the person may not be able to control their actions or emotions, they still deserve respect and dignity.

When caring for a loved one with this horrible condition becomes too much, working with Phoenix dementia care professionals is vital. These professionals can lighten your load and help you deal with behavioral changes in your loved one.

Here are some things to keep in mind when dealing with behavior changes in a dementia patient.

Identifying Triggers is Crucial

One of the most critical steps to managing behavior changes in dementia patients is understanding their behavior and trying to identify triggers. This can help to minimize episodes and create a more consistent environment for the patient.

Common triggers that may lead to behavioral changes in dementia patients include:

• Changes in routine or environment – Dementia patients are often confused and disoriented, so changes in routine or environment can be highly distressing.

• Stress – Stressful situations such as loud noises, crowded areas, or even having too many visitors can cause distress for dementia patients.

• Fatigue – Lack of restorative sleep combined with increasing physical needs can lead to fatigue which may contribute to anxiety and agitation.

• Hunger – Going too long without eating can cause irritability and frustration in dementia patients.

With the help of a Phoenix dementia care professional, you can identify these triggers and develop strategies to avoid them.

Stay Calm and Be Patient

When dealing with behavior changes in a dementia patient, it is essential to remain calm and patient. It can be overwhelming to witness a loved one behave erratically or unpredictably, but maintaining a sense of composure is key to handling the situation effectively.

By remaining calm and patient, you can respond more calmly and appropriately when faced with challenging behavior. This can help to de-escalate the situation and create a more calming environment for the patient.

Getting help from a service that provides in-home care for dementia patients can also help you immensely. These professionals know how to deal with people with this condition and can give you tips on avoiding certain problems.

Support and Reassurance

Reassuring people living with dementia that they are safe, loved, and respected can help to reduce distress and anxiety. It is also important to provide comfort when a person with dementia has difficulty expressing their needs or feelings.

Providing support in other ways, such as helping them stay engaged in meaningful activities, can also benefit their physical and mental health. This could include walking, playing card games, or engaging in meaningful conversations with them.

Hire Phoenix Dementia Care Professionals Today!

Are you struggling to care for a loved one with dementia? If so, it's time to hire Phoenix dementia care professionals to help you out.

Know Your Senior!

At Like Family Home Care, we make a significant effort to improve how our seniors live day to day and the level of confidence that families have in us.

Here's one thing that's part of that overall work that companies overlook at their peril. 

It's about knowing the person's needs. How does that happen?

Well, for one thing, you listen. You listen to the elderly person who needs care and their family members. Also, you observe. You note the elderly person's situation and what they are likely to need.

Another best practice is putting together files or dossiers for each client. That's your go-to resource for the information you need to determine what kinds of care to provide and how to provide it. In a way, it's like some of the new software services companies use to track clients and customers. But there's also a prominent human element to it in this business. 

We're not "all about computers," but instead, using technology thoughtfully and deliberately.

Transportation

The more you know about your senior's routine, the better you know how to work around appointments and needs for transportation.

So having a detailed itinerary in the file helps in a big way. Remember that frequently a caregiver is collaborating with a family on some sort of scheduled routine, which will be useful in that regard.

Diet

We spend a lot of time with this one. A person's diet has quite an impact on their life and lifestyle. It's a question of sourcing the right food items. Still, it's also useful in looking at medications, recreational or fitness activities, and more.

In many cases, the diet is linked to conditions that an elderly person may have. Diabetes is one, but there are many others as well.

In fact, looking at blood sugar is another key component of caring for a senior well.

Home Safety

Another key part of the observation is looking at where accidents would be most likely to happen around the home.

Then you actively plan to prevent those by implementing systems that will help with senior mobility.

People are familiar with older items like stair lifts and bathroom bars.

However, a lot of exciting new technology is coming down the pike here, and that's another thing to think about when collaborating with families. People might not know how to safeguard their senior family member's safety. So that's an opportunity to explore new options. 

All of this contributes to a care model that's second to none. We're proud of our work in helping seniors to age in place. Talk to us about getting assistance!

Why In-Home Care Is Beneficial For Seniors With Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that can be both emotionally and physically challenging for seniors and their families. To ensure that Alzheimer's patients receive the best possible care, in-home care services are often recommended.

Approximately 6 million senior citizens in the United States have Alzheimer's. If you have a loved one with this disease, your main goal should be providing them with top-notch care. 

In-home Alzheimer's care in Gilbert, AZ, provides an array of benefits for seniors living with Alzheimer’s, including personalized attention, comfort, safety, support, and companionship.

In-home care is beneficial for people living with this memory disease and here are some reasons why.

Beneficial For Family Caregivers

In-home Alzheimer's care in Gilbert, AZ, is beneficial for family members who are caring for Alzheimer's patients. It can help reduce the stress, weariness, and fatigue that often come with providing round-the-clock care to a loved one with Alzheimer’s.

Family caregivers can take advantage of respite care services, which provide temporary relief from the demands of Alzheimer’s care.

Alzheimer's Patients Can Get Assistance With Daily Tasks

In-home caregivers can provide comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer's. These professionals understand the symptoms and progression of Alzheimer's disease, which enables them to tailor their care to the individual needs of the senior.

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Professional caregivers can assist Alzheimer's patients with activities of daily living, such as:

• Bathing

• Dressing

• Eating

• Taking medication

In-home Alzheimer's care in Gilbert, AZ, can provide compassionate assistance while promoting safety and well-being. With the help of professional caregivers, individuals living with Alzheimer's can remain in their homes longer and enjoy a better quality of life.

Professional Caregivers Can Deal With Challenging Behaviors

Caregivers who provide in-home Alzheimer's care in Gilbert, AZ, are highly experienced in managing challenging behaviors associated with the disease. They have extensive knowledge and experience in understanding the confusing behavior that often accompanies it.

The types of behaviors associated with Alzheimer's can include:

• Agitation

• Aggression

• Wandering

• Sundowning Syndrome

Caregivers can create strategies to help manage these behaviors and make living with the disease more bearable for seniors and their families.

Allow Elderly Love Ones To Retain Their Independence

For elderly individuals living with Alzheimer's, in-home care services can provide a safe and comfortable environment for them to remain independent for longer periods of time. Homecare services are tailored to meet the individual needs of seniors with Alzheimer's and take into consideration the progressive changes associated with the disease.

The longer a senior citizen can live in their home, the happier they will be. If you want to provide an elderly loved one with the opportunity to age in place, working with professionals that provide in-home care to Alzheimer's patients is crucial.

We Provide Alzheimer's Care in Gilbert, AZ

Caring for a senior citizen with Alzheimer's is extremely challenging. If you need help caring for a loved one with this memory disease, reach out to the team at Like Family Home Care.

How To Explain The Benefits of In-Home Care To a Senior Citizen

Explaining the benefits of in-home care in Gilbert, AZ, to a senior citizen can be challenging. It is important to be mindful of their concerns and provide honest answers that address their worries. In-home care provides seniors with much-needed assistance to maintain independence while still receiving quality care in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes.

Currently, over 15 million senior citizens receive in-home care in the United States. Before you approach your elderly loved one about receiving in-home care, work on getting your ducks in a row. Having a list of benefits in hand can be extremely helpful.

Here are some benefits that in-home care can provide to a senior citizen.

Explain the Help an In-Home Service Provides

In-home care can help seniors with their daily activities like bathing, getting dressed and making meals. Caregivers come to the senior's home and help them with these activities, so they can maintain their independence.

Bathing and dressing can be especially difficult for seniors to manage. In-home care services are tailored to meet each senior's individual needs, and caregivers help them with these daily tasks in a comfortable way.

A Safer Environment

An in-home care provider can also ensure that the senior is safe and secure. Caregivers are trained in safety and emergency protocols, so they know how to respond in any situation. This can provide peace of mind for seniors and their families, knowing someone is watching them while they're at home.

The Social and Emotional Benefits of In-Home Care

In addition to helping with daily tasks, in-home caregivers can provide companionship and emotional support. A caregiver can help with mental stimulation by playing games or engaging in conversation, providing comfort in difficult times and just being someone for them to talk to.

An in-home caregiver also allows seniors to stay connected with their loved ones who may live in other parts of the country. Caregivers can help them keep in touch through video calls and emails, helping them feel less lonely and isolated.

Medication Management and Transportation to Appointments

In-home care providers in Gilbert, AZ, can help seniors with medication management and transportation to doctor’s appointments. This is particularly important for seniors with chronic conditions or frail health.

Senior citizens often need to take medications at set times to maintain good health. In-home caregivers can help ensure that medication is taken in the correct dosage on time. They can also remind seniors of upcoming doctor’s visits and help them get to and from appointments safely and promptly.

In-Home Care Provides Peace of Mind

Finally, remind the senior in your life that in-home care can provide peace of mind regarding health and wellness. Caregivers are trained in basic healthcare and can monitor the senior’s condition, provide feedback to their doctor and alert the family in case of an emergency.

In-home care is a great way for seniors to maintain their independence in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. With in-home care in Gilbert, AZ, seniors can gain access to personalized care and support.

Your Guide To Senior Living Options

As people age, it's important to consider the different types of senior living options available. Whether you are a senior citizen looking for an independent lifestyle or a family member researching care for your elderly loved one, various housing choices offer various levels of support and assistance.

An estimated 50 million senior citizens call the United States home. An entire industry has sprung up around providing senior citizens with safe and accessible places to live. Are you trying to find the right senior living options for yourself or a loved one? If so, consider the useful information below.

Assisted Living Facilities Are a Good Option

Assisted living facilities are one of the most popular senior living options. They provide residents with care and support services, while still allowing them to maintain some degree of independence. Assisted living facilities offer a wide variety of services, including help with activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating.

Medical services like therapy and medication management are also offered in these senior living establishments. These facilities also provide social activities and recreational opportunities that help keep residents engaged in the community.

Nursing Homes Can Be a Good Fit For Some Senior Citizens

Nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities provide more comprehensive care for seniors who need specialized medical attention or help with daily living activities. These senior living options are designed to meet the healthcare needs of residents and offer 24-hour monitoring by registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, and other medical professionals.

Nursing homes typically have separate units for those who require long-term care, such as individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia. Skilled nursing facilities are good for those needing rehabilitation services after a hospital stay, such as physical or occupational therapy. Both options provide medical and residential support to seniors in a secure environment.

The Specialized Care Offered By Memory Care Facilities

Memory care communities are specialized senior living options that focus on providing comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals with cognitive impairments such as dementia or Alzheimer's. These communities are designed to help residents live safely and comfortably while allowing them to maintain some independence.

Memory care communities offer the same range of services as other senior living options, such as assistance with daily living and social activities. In addition to these services, they also provide specialized care plans tailored to each resident's individual needs.

This may include additional staffing and programming designed to address issues related to dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Independent Living Facilities Are Growing in Popularity

Independent living facilities are a good option for seniors who want to maintain an independent lifestyle. These communities provide supportive services like transportation, maintenance, and housekeeping but give residents the freedom to come and go as they please.

Most independent living facilities offer social activities that help keep residents engaged in the local community. These may include fitness classes, educational courses, and religious or cultural events.

It's Time To Find The Right Senior Living Option

When it comes to senior living, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on an individual's needs and preferences, different types of housing options can provide the best fit for their lifestyle. Like Family Home Care is here to help you find the best senior living options.

Three Techniques for Senior Care and Support

Since we’re in the business of supporting seniors living at home, let's talk about some of the strategies that our people have found effective in helping to plan for the future, and manage the challenges of the present.

Some of these methods can help professionals and family members alike to support a senior through a difficult time.

Overcoming and Eliminating Obstacles

Overcoming obstacles means solving challenges that seniors have at home, but it also means looking out for physical obstacles that can compromise a person’s safety.

We talked about that in the blog last month, starting with looking for things that seniors could stumble over on the floor, or things like fallen branches outside.

In general, obstacles and other safety hazards are big problems for seniors, and a key part of evaluating their home life is to look for the warning signs as they occur.

Increasing Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a good tenet for anybody in today's society, but it's also helpful for many seniors.

As they become vulnerable to senility and dementia, seniors can keep their minds active to try to promote those healthy brain patterns that will keep them more mentally limber. But mindfulness is more than that, too – it's thinking about your situation and how to improve it, and understanding the reality that you're in, which is in some ways a philosophical struggle and something that caregivers have to do, as well. In other words, something that everyone has to do. 

Combating Isolation

We talked about this a couple of months ago, where visiting seniors is critically important for helping them to maintain a positive outlook. 

We also talked about the helpful synergy between professional staff and visiting nurses, and family members, who all do the same sort of work, in a way, to keep seniors supported and surrounded by care.

Whether that's an activity log book, helping with day-to-day routines, or anything else, these types of efforts build and combine to offer a better safety net for a senior at home.

Again, you can see more about this on the website, and talk to us about a good place for a family member to be.

Having these conversations early is really good for your family, for a number of reasons. Early planning prevents some of the challenges mentioned above, or makes them easier to overcome. But then you can also choose the parties that you're going to be working with, and when you choose Like Family Home Care, you get an active partner in taking care of your loved ones.

In other words, we take this responsibility seriously and work toward best practices and the best principles of support for elderly residents.

That’s something that's going to benefit your family in the long run!

Look Around!

What should you be looking for as you visit a senior in their home?

There are certain red flags that you should observe and note when you're doing wellness visits for someone who is aging at home. Many of them have to do with the maintenance of the property. It's hard for anyone to maintain a property, even a set of working adults in their prime. It's yet another thing for an isolated elderly person to be trying to keep a property in safe and serviceable condition!

Visitors can keep an eye out for some of the warning signs that indicate professionals need to be called to help handle maintenance of the home.

Water Issues

You might spy water damage on a wall, or a loose faucet with water continually running into a sink. Or a broken toilet.

Any of these can become quite a major problem without correct and proper intervention.

The stray water can cause things like mold and mildew, and basically make a property unlivable over time, so you want to catch them early and correct them.

Bare Wires

Any time you have compromised electrical systems or appliances, there's a danger to this elderly person who is often living alone. He or she can come into contact with electricity and get injured. Look for bare wires and be sure these types of problems are quickly dealt with. 

Loose Floor and Stair Areas

In so many cases, a loose floor stair issue starts small and gets worse over time.

If it's a traditional carpentry installation, there may be a nail or screw loose that leads to an uneven or canted surface.

For linoleum, this often happens when the edge of a piece of flooring crimps up and curls up over time.

These are the things to keep in mind for seniors, whether they are walking with assistive devices or getting around in a wheelchair.

Obstacles

Anything can become an obstacle inside or outside of the home.

Large downed branches are one of the best examples for exterior obstacles. Interior obstacles often involve items that have fallen and could not be picked up. Again, you are also looking for deterioration of interior materials in a home.

It only takes a few minutes to do a quick walk around, but that few minutes could save a life. Visitors should make this a common practice to just briefly look around the property and make any notes necessary. All of this helps everyone to keep someone who is aging at home in safe environments and safe care. Talk to us about the logistics of caring for a senior at home, with effective visit care that is based on best practices and the highest standards promoted by states and other agencies. We’re here for your family!