In-Home Memory Care Services

In-Home Memory Care Services:

Alzheimer’s Disease vs. Dementia Care

Memory care is a specialized form of in-home assistance and support for individuals with memory loss or dementia, providing them with the care they need in a comfortable and familiar environment. In addition to providing physical assistance, in-home memory care services help seniors remain as active and independent as possible while safely managing their condition in their homes. These services enhance the quality of life by promoting mental stimulation, socialization, and overall well-being through activities tailored specifically to individual abilities.

In-home caregivers find ways to encourage clients in activities they can do while emphasizing safety in their home environment. This can include movement/exercise, board games and puzzles, art, music, reminiscing, storytelling, and providing the critical social interaction needed to help stave off further cognitive decline.

While based on similar principles in providing support and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), there can be differences between the two types of care. While both focus on providing loving companionship to the client in a safe environment, Alzheimer’s care can include challenging behavior monitoring and targeted emotional support. With both types of care, caregivers must be trained to meet clients’ specific needs to ensure a safe, healthful, and comfortable environment.

At Encore Caregivers, our nurse is certified by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners and sets the standard for our caregiver training, which is very high. All caregivers receive basic dementia training at employee orientation and train throughout the year at hands-on skill labs, in-service training, and through directed online training.

Memory Care Img

What is Alzheimer’s Care?

Alzheimer’s care is a type of memory care focusing on the long-term needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease, specially designed to help improve quality of life, safety, and comfort. Caregivers can offer various services, including medication assistance, making light meals and snacks, light housekeeping, and assisting with shopping and errands. Alzheimer’s care also focuses on connecting families by providing comfort and support in communicating with loved ones who may have difficulty speaking or understanding due to dementia.

Local memory care professionals are skilled and trained to provide in-home memory care services tailored to meet each client’s needs. As the disease progresses, local memory care professionals offer comfort and support throughout the day, helping families better manage their loved ones’ increasing changes in cognition and the possibility of changes in behavior. In addition to helping maintain stability in the home, caregivers from a local provider create peace of mind for the family and the client living with this debilitating disease.

At Encore Caregivers, our nurse is certified by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners and sets the standard for our caregiver training, which is very high. All caregivers receive basic dementia training at employee orientation and train throughout the year at hands-on skill labs, in-service pieces of training, and through directed, online training.

What is Dementia Care?

Dementia care is a specialized form of memory care that provides help to those experiencing any form of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s Disease. Dementia care is often experienced in the familiar environment of a senior’s home, where seniors often desire to remain. This form of care is tailored to each client to meet the individual’s specific needs.

This care can include making light meals and snacks, helping with grooming and hygiene, medication assistance, mobility, or supervising activities to ensure safety. Ultimately, dementia care focuses on enabling the client to continue living in their own home and experience relationships in an enriching and meaningful way, surrounded by the love and support of family members and caregivers.

A local memory care provider can be invaluable in assisting families in navigating their loved one’s dementia journey. When checking with an in-home care agency, be ready to ask questions about training.

At Encore Caregivers, our nurse is certified by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners and sets the standard for our caregiver training, which is very high. All caregivers receive basic dementia training at employee orientation and train throughout the year at hands-on skill labs, in-service training, and through directed online training.

Everyday Memory Care

Everyday memory care can be a challenge, and finding solutions that work best for your family is essential. Since most seniors desire to stay at home, a family’s best bet for care is a qualified, accredited local in-home care agency.

Convenient and tailored specifically to fit individual needs, services provided by a local caregiver can include activities designed to engage memory, medication management, making light meals or snacks, movement/exercise, companionship, and help with any activity of daily living. Acting as the eyes and ears of the family – searching for “a caregiver near me” can pay off with significant benefits when that caregiver is skilled and trained and the caregiver’s agency is licensed, bonded, and insured.

Memory care providers are specially trained and uniquely qualified to understand memory loss and memory-related issues. This can minimize many of the existing difficulties and provide much-needed support.

At Encore Caregivers, our nurse is certified by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners and sets the standard for our caregiver training, which is very high. All caregivers receive basic dementia training at employee orientation and train throughout the year at hands-on skill labs, in-service training, and through directed online training.

Dementia Care Img

Caregivers and Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are research studies conducted with human volunteers to determine whether treatments are safe and effective. Without clinical research and the help of participants, there can be no treatments, prevention, or cure for any disease, including Alzheimer’s.

Many types of clinical trials exist. The following are listed on The Alzheimer’s Association website, alz.org

  • Treatment trials to test new drug and non-drug based dementia treatments
  • Diagnostic studies that find new tests or procedures for diagnosing a disease or condition.
  • Prevention trials that investigate ways to prevent the onset of diseases.
  • Quality of life studies that explore ways to improve quality of life for individuals who have a chronic illness, their caregivers and family members.
  • Online studies, which are web-based research conducted entirely online.

The Alzheimer’s Association encourages those whose lives have been impacted directly or indirectly by Alzheimer’s Disease to act. As it states clearly on alz.org, “Don’t just hope for a cure – help us find one.”

The Association will help you get involved through their TrialMatch service. TrialMatch is a free clinical trial matching service that connects individuals with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, and healthy volunteers to current research studies. Make a difference:

VOLUNTEER! LET’S PUT AN END TO ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE!

Changes in Communication

Taken directly from The Alzheimer’s Association Website, alz.org

With Alzheimer’s Disease, changes in the ability to communicate can vary based on the person and where he or she is in the disease process. Problems you can expect to see throughout the progression of the disease include:

  • Difficulty finding the right words
  • Using familiar words repeatedly
  • Describing familiar objects rather than calling them by name
  • Easily losing a train of thought
  • Difficulty organizing words logically
  • Reverting to speaking a native language
  • Speaking less often
  • Relying on gestures more than speaking

Communication in the Early Stage

In the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease, sometimes referred to as mild Alzheimer’s in a medical context, an individual can still participate in meaningful conversation and engage in social activities. However, he or she may repeat stories, feel overwhelmed by excessive stimulation or have difficulty finding the right word. Tips for successful communication:

  • Don’t make assumptions about a person’s ability to communicate because of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The disease affects each person differently.
  • Don’t exclude the person with the disease from conversations.
  • Speak directly to the person rather than to his or her caregiver or companion.
  • Take time to listen to the person express his or her thoughts, feelings and needs.
  • Give the person time to respond. Don’t interrupt unless help is requested.
  • Ask what the person is still comfortable doing and what he or she may need help with.
  • Discuss which method of communication is most comfortable. This could include face-to-face conversation, email or phone calls.
  • It’s OK to laugh. Sometimes humor lightens the mood and makes communication easier.
  • Don’t pull away; your honesty, friendship and support are important to the person.

Communication in the Middle Stage

The middle stage of Alzheimer’s sometimes referred to as moderate Alzheimer’s, is typically the longest and can last for many years. As the disease progresses, the person will have more difficulty communicating and require more direct care. Tips for successful communication:

  • Engage the person in one-on-one conversation in a quiet space that has minimal distractions.
  • Speak slowly and clearly
  • Maintain eye contact. It shows you care about what he or she is saying.
  • Give the person plenty of time to respond so he or she can think about what to say.
  • Be patient and offer reassurance. It may encourage the person to explain his or her thoughts.
  • Ask one question at a time.
  • Ask yes or no questions. For example, “Would you like some coffee?” rather than “What would you like to drink?”
  • Avoid criticizing or correcting. Instead, listen and try to find the meaning in what the person says. Repeat what was said to clarify.
  • Avoid arguing. If the person says something you don’t agree with, let it be.
  • Offer clear, step-by-step instructions for tasks. Lengthy requests may be overwhelming.
  • Give visual cues. Demonstrate a task to encourage participation.
  • Written notes can be helpful when spoken words seem confusing.

Communication in the Late Stage

The late stage of Alzheimer’s disease, sometimes called severe Alzheimer’s, may last from several weeks to several years. As the disease advances, the person with Alzheimer’s may rely on nonverbal communication, such as facial expressions or vocal sounds. Around-the-clock care is usually required in this stage. Tips for successful communication:

  • Approach the person from the front and identify yourself.
  • Encourage nonverbal communication. If you don’t understand what the person is trying to say, ask him or her to point or gesture
  • Use touch, sights, sounds, smells and tastes as a form of communication with the person.
  • Consider the feelings behind words or sounds. Sometimes the emotions being expressed are more important than what’s being said.
  • Treat the person with dignity and respect. Avoid talking down to the person or as if he or she isn’t there.
  • It’s OK if you don’t know what to say; your presence and friendship are most important.

Common Changes in Behavior

Many people find the changes in behavior caused by Alzheimer’s to be the disease’s most challenging and distressing effect. The chief cause of behavioral symptoms is the progressive deterioration of brain cells. However, medication, environmental influences, and some medical conditions can cause or worsen symptoms.

In the early stages, people may experience behavior and personality changes such as:

  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
In later stages, other symptoms may occur including:
  • Aggression and Anger
  • Anxiety and Agitation
  • General emotional distress
  • Physical or verbal outbursts
  • Restlessness, pacing, shredding paper or tissues
  • Hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not really there)
  • Delusions (firmly held belief in things that are not true)
  • Sleep Issues and Sundowning

Encore Caregivers can help. That’s what we do. Our skilled, trained, professional caregivers bring peace of mind to families throughout the Metro Area. Need help with any of the above symptoms in your loved one?

At Encore Caregivers, our nurse is certified by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners and sets the standard for our caregiver training, which is very high. All caregivers receive basic dementia training at employee orientation and train throughout the year at hands-on skill labs, in-service training, and through directed online training.

Healthy and Active Lifestyle

A healthy and active lifestyle has numerous benefits, particularly for those with memory care needs. Keeping on the move can help delay cognitive decline and increase the functionality of memory-related skills.

Exercise not only helps improve memory but also promotes overall physical health. An in-home memory care program is an excellent way to ensure daily exercise and activities that stimulate memory, such as board games and puzzles. Together, exercise and memory stimulation can help keep memory care seniors as active as possible and promote a strong sense of independence.

What the Alzheimer’s Association says:

Physical Activities

Consider physical activities that may also be mentally or socially engaging, such as walking with a friend, taking a dance class, joining an exercise group, or golfing. Incorporate activities you enjoy so you will continue engaging in them—for example, bike riding, gardening, or walking the dog. Adopting healthy exercise habits today will allow you to enjoy the lifelong benefits of regular physical activity. However, it’s never too late to start — making healthy choices at any age benefits your well-being. Always consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program.

Take Care of Your Health

For the first time, a large, randomized clinical trial has demonstrated a significant reduction in the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment and dementia through the treatment of high blood pressure. Keep your heart healthy to help keep your brain healthy. Growing evidence suggests that many factors that increase the risk of heart disease also may increase the risk of dementia. These factors include smoking, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

  • Visit your doctor regularly.
  • Get your “numbers” checked, including weight, blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. Actively seek treatment to keep yourself within healthy ranges.
  • If you have diabetes, manage it properly.
  • Stop smoking. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.
  • Take action to minimize stress. Studies have found that regular physical activity decreases stress, increases your ability to manage stress and leads to better mood overall.
  • Get enough sleep. Inadequate sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea can result in problems with memory and thinking.
  • Avoid excess alcohol.
  • Seek professional assistance to address anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns.

Regardless of the stage of memory impairment, Encore Caregivers can help. That’s what we do. Our skilled, trained, professional caregivers bring peace of mind to families throughout the Metro Area. Need help with any memory loss symptoms in your loved one?

At Encore Caregivers, our nurse is certified by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners and sets the standard for our caregiver training, which is very high. All caregivers receive basic dementia training at employee orientation and train throughout the year at hands-on skill labs, in-service training, and through directed online training.

Alzheimers Care Img

Home Safety

Home safety is an important consideration when a family works to provide the best environment for a loved one. With memory care challenges, some notable changes must be made to the living environment to make it a safe and secure space, free from hazards. This can help to let your loved one feel comfortable and supported.

From alz.org

Home Safety Tips

Evaluate your environment.

A person living with dementia may be more prone to safety hazards in certain areas of the home or outdoors. Monitor garages, work rooms, basements and outside areas, where there are more likely to be tools, chemicals, cleaning supplies and other potentially hazardous items.

Be prepared for emergencies.

Keep a list of emergency phone numbers and addresses for local police and fire departments, hospitals and poison control helplines.

Install locks out of sight.

Place a latch or deadbolt either above or below eye level on all doors. Remove locks on interior doors to prevent the person living with dementia from locking themselves in. Keep an extra set of keys hidden near the door for easy access.

Consider removing guns and other weapons from the home or storing them in a locked cabinet.

If someone in the home is living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, firearms can pose a significant risk for everyone. For example, as the disease progresses, the person may not recognize someone he or she has known for years and view him or her as an intruder. With a gun accessible, the result could be disastrous.

Remove tripping hazards.

Remove throw rugs, extension cords and excessive clutter.

Assess bedroom safety.

Closely monitor using an electric blanket, heater, or heating pad to prevent burns or other injuries. Provide seating near the bed to help with dressing. Ensure closet shelves are at an accessible height so that items are easy to reach, which may prevent the person from climbing shelves or objects falling from overhead.

Avoid injury in the bathroom.

Install grab bars for the shower, tub, and toilet to provide additional support. Apply textured stickers to slippery surfaces to prevent falls. Consider installing a walk-in shower.

Assess safety hazards in the garage and/or basement.

Limit access to large equipment such as lawnmowers, weed trimmers, or snow blowers. Keep poisonous chemicals, such as gasoline or paint thinner, out of reach. Install a motion sensor on the garage door.

Avoid safety hazards in the kitchen.

Use appliances that have an automatic shut-off feature. Prevent unsafe stove usage by applying stove knob covers, removing knobs or turning off the gas when the stove is not in use. Disconnect the garbage disposal. Discard toxic plants and decorative fruits that may be mistaken for real food. Remove vitamins, prescription drugs, sugar substitutes and seasonings from the kitchen table and counters.

Make sure safety devices are in working order.

Make sure carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are available and inspected regularly. Replace batteries twice a year during daylight saving time.

Keep walkways and rooms well-lit.

Changes in levels of light can be disorienting. Create an even level by adding extra lights in entries, outside landings, and areas between rooms, stairways, and bathrooms. Use night lights in hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms.

Place medications in a locked drawer or cabinet.

To help ensure that medications are taken safely, use a pill box organizer or keep a daily list and check off each medication as it is taken.

Watch the temperature of water and food.

It may be difficult for the person living with dementia to tell the difference between hot and cold. Consider installing an automatic thermometer for water temperature.

Secure large furniture.

Check that book shelves, cabinets or large TVs are secured to prevent tipping. Ensure chairs have armrests to provide support when going from a sitting to standing position.

Improve laundry room safety.

Keep all cleaning products — such as liquid laundry packs and bleach — out of sight, secured, and in the original (not decorative) storage containers to discourage someone from eating or touching harmful chemicals. Consider installing safety locks on washing machines and dryers to prevent inappropriate items from being put in or taken out too early. Clean out lint screens and dryer ducts regularly to prevent fires.

Support the person's needs.

Try not to create a home that feels too restrictive. The home should encourage independence and social interaction. Clear areas for activities.

Regardless of the stage of memory impairment, Encore Caregivers can help. That’s what we do. Our skilled, trained, professional caregivers are bringing peace of mind to families throughout the Metro Area. Need help with any memory loss symptoms in your loved one? Need eyes and ears to make sure your loved one is safe?

At Encore Caregivers, our nurse is certified by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners and sets the standard for our caregiver training, which is very high. All caregivers receive basic dementia training at employee orientation and train throughout the year at hands-on skill labs, in-service training, and through directed online training.

Planning for the Future

Planning for memory care needs to be done now. So often, a family gets embroiled in the day-to-day surrounding a loved one and the global plan is pushed to the side and forgotten.
Planning for the future is critical, especially when a loved one has dementia. Planning is necessary through many aspects of the loved one’s life:

  • Financial (including the cost of care)
  • Legal (including end-of-life planning)

A family working to give a loved one what they most desire might choose in-home memory care. Memory care facilities might be the best option. Sorting through the details and selecting the most workable options for the family can reduce stress and allow a feeling of security.

At Encore Caregivers, we see it every day: good daughters and good sons, good aunts, nieces, and grandchildren taking care of their loved ones in the most compassionate of ways. They face the future, plan for it, and gift their family peace of mind.

And we are here to help. That’s what we do.

At Encore Caregivers, our nurse is certified by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners and sets the standard for our caregiver training, which is very high. All caregivers receive basic dementia training at employee orientation and train throughout the year at hands-on skill labs, in-service training, and through directed online training.