Care at Home in Bangor, ME Can Still Be A Good Choice if Your Loved One Has Alzheimer’s

For many families, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can feel like your loved one will be forced into assisted living or a memory care facility. And while live-in facilities can work for some, each of us deserves a choice for how we receive care in our elder years. Visiting Angels of Bangor can provide the necessary care at home services to make loved ones feel secure and safe in their own home rather than at an assisted living facility.

One of the most common symptoms for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia is different dominant emotions. Generally, those with Alzheimer’s can be prone to frustration, irritation, depression, and anger. Feelings of constant confusion or an inability to remember can cause negative reactions in even the most loving of people, so it is important to remember that anger is a symptom of the disease, not a personality change.

If you decide to have Visiting Angels of Bangor provide care for your loved one, they’ll be matched with a specialized caregiver who understands the best practices in caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Adhering to a daily routine and establishing safety throughout the home environment can help every client, and for those with Alzheimer’s, these simple steps can also provide a feeling of comfort or clarity.

Understanding where the anger comes from is important for every caregiver, whether that’s a Visiting Angel provider or a family member. Anger might stem from:

• A Physical Trigger: Other illnesses, chronic fatigue or pain, discomfort in movement or mobility, being hot or cold, and even hunger can cause anger.
• An Emotional Trigger: Being reminded of something that happened long ago can be disorienting and more recent memories can be confusing or hard to recall. It’s important to know that people with Alzheimer’s still experience internal dialog just like the rest of us, and when memories are challenged or stirred up it can insight anger.
• A Social Trigger: Social interactions can be particularly confusing, even with simple conversations about the day or the weather, which can be hard for them to follow or remember.

Understanding these triggers can help at home caregivers avoid activities, environments, or interactions that has the potential to cause an angry reaction.

Caregivers will also try to build an environment where your loved one can be physically safe (through mobility assistance and upkeep in the home), as well as mentally and emotionally safe (like managing triggers, stimulation, or sensory support). When they receive care at home, they tend to be more comfortable with their environment and are more likely to feel safe.

Above all, what people with Alzheimer’s need most is patience. A caregiver’s job is to encourage health, safety, and happiness, and for folks with Alzheimer’s, that means never responding with anger to an upset client.

If you’re struggling to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, you don’t have to provide care alone. Visiting Angels of Bangor is a home care agency that can help provide assistance to your loved one, and make sure they remain in good health and good spirits for as long as possible.

Call Visiting Angels of Bangor to learn more about our care at home services and how we can help your loved one feel safe and comfortable in their own home.