A Portrait of In-Home Care for Memory Impaired Adults

With over 5.5 million Americans living with dementia-related health conditions that affect memory, like Alzheimer’s, in-home care services are becoming a popular choice for families who require assistance for their loved ones, but want to stay in the comfort of their own homes. Here’s some insight into how these care services work, from one of New Jersey’s leading home health agencies.

What services can a home health aide provide?

This will depend on the agency you choose, but it’s recommended that you look for one which can offer caregivers skilled and experienced in dealing with dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. Their senior care services should include:

• Memory care. These routine-based therapeutic programs are based around your loved one’s mental strengths, requirements and unique needs. They can include everyday routines, fitness programs, music therapy and sensory stimulation by trained caregivers and therapists.
• Companion services. These services focus on providing your loved one with company, assistance in socializing and general supervision.
• Personal services. These can include all personal hygiene and grooming activities that your loved one may need help with, like bathing, dressing and more.
• Home services. This can include light housekeeping, shopping, meal preparation and managing appointments.
• Skilled nursing care. This includes medication management, wound care, physical therapy, health monitoring, coordinating between medical specialists and more, as required by your loved one.

A typical day of home healthcare for the elderly with dementia

Because these conditions affect memory and patients can easily become confused and distressed, a typical day of home care focuses on routine. By approaching the day step-by-step from setting the table and eating food to setting aside certain times for socialization, therapy and other activities, caregivers can work with patients and prioritize their quality of life. In their supervisory role, caregivers encourage patients to hold onto and exercise a comfortable level of independence while ensuring their physical safety and wellbeing. Your home health aide will also monitor and report changes in health and wellbeing, and communicate between family and medical specialists, if required.

Speak to the specialists at United Methodist Communities for expert dementia home care

At United Methodist Communities in New Jersey, we strive to offer the very best quality senior care options, from assisted living to in-home care through our HomeWorks program. This program assists the elderly in the comfort of their own homes and provides their families and caregivers with personalized, compassionate care that prioritizes health, happiness and independence. We can assist you with respite care, overnight care, hourly or live-in care, as well as provide experienced care for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.

For more information on our home health aide services, please contact us today at https://umcommunities.org/homeworks/.