How Home Care Assists in Caring for a Loved One living with Alzheimer’s Disease

‘Dementia’ is an umbrella term used to describe various medical conditions that affect memory and cognition. The most common of these is Alzheimer’s disease.

While the exact number of people living with dementia in Australia is unknown, estimates indicate that more than 400,000 Australians live with dementia. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for up to 70% of those cases.

If someone in your life has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, here is what you should know about dementia care at home.

Dementia Care at Home

Carers of loved ones living with dementia face many unique challenges, ranging from wandering to maintaining nutrition and engaging them in meaningful activities. By working with an in-home care agency, you will gain a partner to help you overcome those challenges.

In-home care can be beneficial if your loved one is in the early stages of the disease and wants to remain in their own home for as long as possible. It can also be helpful if a family member living with Alzheimer’s disease has moved in with you.

In-home carers can assist with personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming), medication reminders, domestic tasks, grocery shopping, and cooking meals. An in-home carer can also help keep a watchful eye on a loved one who feels the need to keep moving. More specifically, a home care agency can be ideal for providing support with security, nutrition and life enrichment.

• Security: Wandering is a challenging yet common behaviour among older people with memory impairment. Family members often say that it feels like their loved one can go days without sleeping - requiring monitoring around the clock. Having an extra set of eyes can minimise the risk of your loved one walking out of the home unassisted and becoming lost.
• Nutrition: As Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia progress, people who live with the condition can experience more difficulty preparing meals and eating independently. Busy family carers may find it helpful to have a caregiver assist with these tasks. It can ensure your loved one is eating a well-balanced and fulfilling diet.
• Life enrichment: Another advantage of employing a caregiver is getting help with life enrichment activities. Participating in activities your loved one enjoys can allow them to feel successful and empowered. Examples include reminiscing, music, and their favourite hobbies like knitting or crochet, gardening, lawn bowls and more.

Dementia Care in a Thoughtfully Designed Environment

If a loved one’s care becomes too challenging to manage safely at home, it may be time to consider an aged care home. Mayflower creates aged care communities with the safety and security of people living with memory loss in mind.

At Mayflower, our experienced team members provide specialised dementia care in our Memory Support Units. Experienced carers offer support to people living with dementia, while also facilitating various activities and therapies to help them enjoy life.

Residents living with dementia benefit from our sensory gardens, creative arts activities, and music therapy. Some people living with dementia also respond well to doll therapy, so we offer that as well.

To learn more about home care or aged care for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or any other form of cognitive impairment, call Mayflower at 1300 522 273 today.