Dementia and Alzheimer’s care
The homecare needs for Alzheimer's clients differ considerably in the early, middle and late stages of the disease. Some key goals of ElderSafe are to plan for care at each progressive stage of the disease.
Early Stage of Dementia: Quality of Life
The primary care goal in the early stage of Alzheimer's is to improve the client's quality of life and to keep the client as mentally active as possible by:
• Reducing periods of isolation.
• Offering opportunities for socialization either one-on-one or in group activities.
• Supervising and support for outings, hobbies, music, movies, pet care, reading and so on.
• Giving feedback, praise, answers and validation of decisions during times of disorientation.
Middle Stage of Dementia: Supervision
• Encouraging, reminding and supporting as needed for daily activities.
• Helping when vision and/or mobility are affected.
• Engaging in cooking, baking, cleaning and doing laundry.
• Re-directing behaviours into purposeful activities.
• Giving comfort measures - gentle massaging, foot care, personal grooming.
• Providing a personalized routine that gives structure for daily living.
• Ensuring safety and security, especially for home appliances, electrical outlets, smoking, door locks and valuables.
Late Stage of Dementia: Personal Care
For care provided either at home or in a long-term care residence:
• Ensuring attendant care during peak busy periods: morning or evening, meals, bath day.
• Giving skin care, mouth care, bathing, nutrition and hydration.
• Offering reassurance during periods of restlessness, challenging behaviours, and anxiety.
• Providing end-of-life care.
The Best of Care for Alzheimer's Clients and their Families
ElderSafe serves both clients and family members with trained and experienced home care staff. Our caregivers are available for duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We make every effort to find the right caregiver for each client whether in our client's home or in a long-term care residence.
Respite is Essential for Family Caregivers
Respite for family caregivers is a vital part of an on-going Alzheimer's care program. It is common for family members to have feelings of loss and helplessness. ElderSafe Support Services offers families a program of regular respite support. We work to maintain continuity in our staff so that the client and family become familiar and comfortable with every member of their care team.
Listening... Perhaps the Most Important Part of Alzheimer's Care
At ElderSafe we have come to understand the importance of taking the time to listen so that we can work to understand everyone's needs. Our goal is to bring the best possible quality of life to both our clients and their families.
