Caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease is a full-time job. Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating form of dementia that causes a person’s cognitive decline. The decline often comes to a point where they lose all awareness and find it difficult to perform daily activities.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, more than 16 billion Americans provide up to 17 billion hours of unpaid care to their loved ones. This means that a large proportion of caregivers work without any outside assistance.
Today, various professional services that offer round-the-clock care for loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s. There is no single solution for selecting the best professional care. It all comes down to determining what is best for you and your loved ones. Here are a few things to consider when weighing your options for Alzheimer’s care in Grapevine, TX.
Adult Day Care Options
As a caregiver, if you’re unsure about confining your loved one to home care all day and night, combining two care solutions may be a good idea. This is feasible if your loved one is still in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and can function relatively independently. By enrolling them in an adult daycare program during business hours, they can expand their social circle and stay active throughout the day.
After hours, you may consider enlisting the help of an overnight health aide to stay with your loved one. This is a winning combination that provides the best of both worlds. However, depending on the progression of your loved one’s illness, this may only work in certain situations.
24/7 In-Home Care
This is one of the most convenient and cost-effective care options for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. It entails the presence of a professional healthcare aide throughout the day and night, or in some cases, two aides who work in rotational shifts.
As Alzheimer’s patients lose their ability to perform simple tasks, these healthcare aides provide seamless care by assisting with these responsibilities. They look after your loved one’s ablution requirements, meal preparation, feeding, medication assistance, and daily exercise and activities. This kind of care also adds a sense of structure and familiarity to your loved one’s environment, an essential factor in alleviating individuals with Alzheimer’s.
Round-the-Clock Nursing Home Care
Many people opt for skilled nursing home care. While having your loved one cared for by a team of experienced professionals and therapists may be desirable, you should consider this a last resort.
For starters, this option is ideal for those with advanced Alzheimer’s, as they require more medical attention. Second, this is an expensive option, so consider whether it is financially viable for you. Finally, nursing home care involves an abrupt transition from the comfort of home to an unfamiliar environment, which may present some challenges.
Memory Care and Assisted Living
Memory care might be a suitable compromise for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, as it allows them access to the kind of care and comfort they would receive at home. Memory care communities take a resident-centered approach and provide personalized care. They also have a trained staff to assist around the clock with daily activities, facilitate meaningful social interactions, and provide security and medical assistance.
