Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease that robs many older adults of their memories, their self-awareness, and their independence. The progressive loss of cognitive function Alzheimer’s patients experience requires an escalating level of care. This can cause a real hardship for family caregivers.
Home health and hospice agencies help families care for their loved ones in the comfort and safety of their home. Home care enables Alzheimer’s patients to avoid the anxiety and confusion that comes with an office visit. Home health provides a multitude of services for the patient and their overwhelmed family caregivers:
Education about disease progress
Individual and family counseling
Management and evaluation of patient care
Observation and assessment
Medication and home safety education
Assistance with ADLs
Restorative therapy
Medical social services
Once a patient’s condition deteriorates to a six-month life expectancy, hospice can step in and take over. Alzheimer’s patients are often unable to report their symptoms, leaving them vulnerable to pain and various other conditions. Hospice nurses are trained to care for people who have lost some or all cognitive function and are excellent providers of palliative care for those nearing the end of life.
November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Here are some ways your agency can plan now to get involved:
Partner up with local Alzheimer’s support groups. Provide refreshments and information on your company’s respite services and in-home support for those caring for Alzheimer’s family members at home.
Sponsor local awareness events like the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s .These walks raise awareness and money for Alzheimer’s research.
Forgetfulness vs Alzheimer’s: Tweets that you can copy and paste, courtesy of the National Institute on Aging:
How can you tell the difference between mild forgetfulness & serious memory problems? Find out in this infographic: http://bit.ly/2nvUbLZ
What’s normal aging and what may be a sign of Alzheimer’s? Check out this infographic to see what’s typical: http://bit.ly/2mQj4Fp
Read and share this infographic about normal memory problems vs Alzheimer’s disease. http://bit.ly/2nhqeh1
Visit tagwebstore.com for Home Health and Hospice Educational and Marketing Materials.
Related: Find the Alzheimer’s Association in your community: https://www.alz.org/local_resources/find_your_local_chapter