One of the most difficult things about taking care of a senior parent with Alzheimer’s is knowing when they need more help than you can give on your own. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, so over time, your mom or dad will start needing more help. However, it can be challenging to know if your mom or dad is having a bad day or needs more experienced care.
Alzheimer’s home care is something that your mom or dad can benefit from at any stage of the illness. Even if your mom or dad was just diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, a care provider can help them manage their symptoms and adjust to their new way of life.
Alzheimer’s home care is specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The care providers who work with seniors who have Alzheimer’s have experience and training, so they can help your mom or dad in ways that you can’t.
Care providers who specialize in Alzheimer’s home care know how to spot signs of distress or anxiety in seniors with Alzheimer’s. And they know how to effectively communicate with seniors who are struggling with late-term Alzheimer’s.
There is no right or wrong time to get Alzheimer’s home care for your mom or dad. But if you’re noticing any of these signs, now is the time to find out more about Alzheimer’s home care:
1. Not Recognizing Hunger or Thirst
Alzheimer’s can cause seniors to not recognize basic body cues like hunger or thirst. Your parent might skip meals or forget to drink water. This can lead to dehydration or malnutrition, which can make their health worse.
If you notice them losing weight, feeling weak, or showing signs of dehydration like dry skin or confusion, they may need an Alzheimer’s home care provider to remind them to eat and drink during the day.
2. Difficulty Sleeping or Staying Awake
Seniors with Alzheimer’s often struggle with sleep. They might stay awake all night or wake up multiple times. Your mom or dad also may feel restless and sleep during the day instead of at night.
Poor sleep can make memory loss and confusion worse for your mom or dad. It can also leave them feeling tired and irritable. If your parent is not getting enough rest, they may need help managing a healthy sleep routine.
3. Wandering or Getting Lost
Wandering is a serious concern for seniors with Alzheimer’s. Your parent may leave the house and forget where they are or why they left. They might also get lost in familiar places, like their own neighborhood. Wandering increases the risk of injury, accidents, or exposure to dangerous conditions.
If your mom or dad starts wandering or forgetting where they are going, they need Alzheimer’s home care so they are never alone.
4. Aggressive or Confused Behavior
Alzheimer’s can cause changes in mood and behavior. Your senior parent might become aggressive, irritable, or frustrated, especially when they feel confused. They could yell, lash out, or refuse help. These behaviors can be hard to handle and may put them or others at risk.
If aggression or confusion becomes frequent, having extra support at home can help them stay calm and safe.
5. Forgetting Important Tasks
Memory loss can cause seniors with Alzheimer’s to forget daily tasks. They may forget to pay bills, take medications, or turn off appliances like the stove. They might also neglect personal hygiene, leaving them unwashed or wearing the same clothes for days.
Neglecting their hygiene, not doing household chores, not taking their medication, and leaving essential tasks undone can be dangerous for seniors living at home. If your mom or dad is forgetting important things, they need help from a professional caregiver to keep them safe at home.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Home Care in Lakewood, CO, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Denver, CO, today. Call (303) 647-1800
At Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Denver, CO, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Denver, Englewood, Lakewood, Aurora, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Centennial, Lone Tree, Castle Pines, Castle Rock and surrounding areas in Colorado.
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