Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by loss of memory, disorientation, misinterpretation of spatial relationships, and difficulty in thinking, reasoning, and planning. It occurs due to the death and degeneration of brain cells, and it’s most commonly seen in elderly people. Currently, more than five million Americans are living with the condition. Families of seniors with Alzheimer’s often worry about the future and contemplate the choice between moving their loved ones to assisted living facilities and helping them continue to live at home. Both options come with their own sets of advantages and disadvantages.
Assisted Living Facilities
Most assisted living facilities have apartment-style units that allow seniors to live with some independence. The staff at these types of facilities can offer help with everyday activities such as cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, and medication management, and they can be a great resource for seniors who need a helping hand. However, the ratio of staff members to seniors can range anywhere from 1:4 to 1:8, leaving seniors in the later stages of the disease without the higher level of supervision and assistance they need.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading in-home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
In-Home Care
In-home care allows seniors with Alzheimer’s to live in the comfort of their own homes. They can stay close to their family members and enjoy their independence as well. Specialized professional home caregivers provide seniors with the personalized care and support they need to effectively manage the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. When working with reliable care providers, families also enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing their caregivers are licensed and experienced.
A recent study has also revealed that in-home care promotes healing in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Study participants who received in-home care made almost 50 percent fewer trips to the doctor compared to their counterparts who were in assisted living facilities. Experts believe familiar surroundings, close ties with friends and family members, and the reduced risk of infection within a cozy and confined environment may contribute to this positive trend. Staying at home also reduces the stress associated with relocation and acclimatization.
Experienced home caregivers can be a fantastic source of support for seniors with Alzheimer’s as well as their loved ones. Families looking for top-rated Fair Oaks elderly home care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Making a Care Decision
Choosing the right type of care for an elderly family member can be overwhelming. It’s important to look at all the options objectively and go with the one that meets your older loved one’s needs and expectations in the best possible way.
If your elderly loved one is living with Alzheimer’s and needs help managing the symptoms, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Alzheimer’s care. Fair Oaks seniors can rely on our revolutionary Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program that promotes cognitive health and delays the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. CTM also encourages seniors to engage with others in an enjoyable way and helps them build new routines to look forward to. To learn about our revolutionary in-home care plans, call us at (916) 485-4663 today.