Alzheimer's patients have highly specific medical needs, but can experience great mental benefits from staying in their familiar surroundings. With the right equipment and measures in place at home, quality of life may be greatly improved for Alzheimer's patients. Positive daily experiences can delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and increase overall longevity, in some cases. It is important to make sure that homecare is optimized, however, as certain risks are often present in homes.
Hire a Caregiver
Depending on the stage of disease progression and specific Alzheimer’s symptoms that are present, patients may need round-the-clock care or may need supervision for the majority of the time. While family members often start out helping their loved one, there are many benefits to hiring a professional caregiver. Professional caregivers generally have training regarding specific ways to help Alzheimer’s patients. Caregivers may also assist by providing respite so family members do not get burned out.
In-Home Medical Care
In-home medical care can be administered by licensed health professionals, saving patients the stress and risk of going out of the home for medical appointments and services. Professionals may help patients with medications and injections, or may offer physical therapy services, depending on the nature of the patient’s symptoms. Licensed health professionals may serve alongside caregivers as part of a service package offered by a homecare company, but medical services are generally separate from other types of homecare assistance.
Mitigate Home Risks
Alzheimer’s patients that remain in their homes face certain injury risks because of the disease. Wandering behaviors and falls are the two most common factors that cause injuries. Clearing the open areas of the home and keeping walkways well lit can reduce falls. Placing door locks out of sight may help to reduce wandering risks. Removing weapons, placing medications in locked cabinets and unplugging appliances may also help prevent injuries.
Purchase Home Medical Equipment
Having HME products at home can help keep Alzheimer’s patients safe. Equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs may help increase mobility and prevent falls. Medial alert/PERS systems and other technology may be helpful if an emergency occurs. Other types of medical equipment may also be helpful depending on the patient’s symptoms, such as respiratory assist devices if breathing conditions are present. If medical billing is done correctly, insurance may even cover some costs for home medical equipment.
Create Familiar Routines and Patterns
Unexpected changes and an inability to anticipate events can trigger emotional outbursts and other undesirable behaviors in Alzheimer’s patients. Creating a daily routine the patient enjoys can help reduce the frequency of outbursts. As the patient gets used to the routine, the familiarity may provide comfort and increase the number of good days.
Focus on Positive Daily Experiences
Focusing on creating a positive environment and providing uplifting daily experiences can have a constructive impact on symptoms. Research has shown that music, movies and other enjoyable activities can help Alzheimer’s patients to exercise positive cognitive functions and maintain their independence longer. Participating in these activities may also help to prevent depression and other emotional conditions from developing.
Provide Regular Social Interaction
Regular social interaction has shown to help delay and mitigate Alzheimer’s symptoms and improve quality of life for patients. Social interactions in which the patient is mentally stimulated, such as playing games or having conversations are much more beneficial than simply being in and around a group of people. It is also much more beneficial for patients to be around a smaller group of people than a larger group of people. Large groups and noisy crowds can become overwhelming, sometimes triggering symptoms.
Supply Healthy Meals
A diet that is high in essential nutrients and whole foods, (e.g., fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains) and low in salt, sugar, and processed foods can help to preserve both physical and mental health, which can be particularly helpful for Alzheimer’s patients. Patients in the later stages of Alzheimer’s may have trouble distinguishing food from the plate and may become distracted or disoriented by other items on the table, so it may be best to keep the table clear of clutter and provide a simple white plate with clearly identifiable foods.
Patients may be bothered by certain foods or smells and may begin to dislike foods they previously enjoyed. Sensory changes are common with Alzheimer’s disease and should be met with patience and compassion. Serving each food separately so that patients do not become overwhelmed and giving patients plenty of time to eat may help. Preparing soft foods and foods that can be easily picked up may also encourage independence in eating and reduce the stress of the eating experience for.
Ensure Adequate Hydration
Patients may forget to drink water or may not feel thirsty, which can result in dehydration. Serving patients many small glasses of water and other fluids throughout the day can help with tracking and maintaining proper hydration. Serving patients healthy, hydrating foods such as cucumbers, low-sodium soups and fruit may also help to ensure adequate hydration, especially if a patient insists that they are not thirsty.
Keeping Alzheimer’s patients at home can help patients to feel more comfortable than making the transition to a nursing home. Supervised homecare may also be just as safe, as long as precautions are taken to optimize care and ensure safety.
