In-Home Care for Younger Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Younger onset Alzheimer’s Disease occurs in people younger than 65. In-home Alzheimer’s Disease care can help you and your family navigate the changes ahead.
Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease is traumatic at any stage of life, but can be especially daunting for people in their 30s, 40s or 50s. These individuals are often in the midst of careers, raising families or pursuing other goals, and their family members are completely unprepared for the changes and challenges that the disease can bring.
An important part of addressing an Alzheimer’s Disease diagnosis is creating a care plan. Many people with younger onset Alzheimer’s don’t require a skilled-nursing level of care, but do need daily supervision and assistance.
It can be traumatic to send a loved one to an adult day care program or to a long-term care facility such as a nursing home or assisted living facility. In-home care, such as provided by Visiting Angels, is often the easiest and most compassionate option for people who have Alzheimer’s or other related dementia.
4 things you should know about the option of in-home care for Alzheimer's Disease
1. Specialized Alzheimer’s Care for Unique Needs
Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease have unique needs and require specialized care. Select home health aides who are trained in recognizing Alzheimer’s-specific behaviors, challenges, and tendencies, as well as trained in safety protocols for those who need extra help. This type of specialized care can provide peace of mind for family members and loved ones, especially those who live far away.
2. In-Home Care Provides Stability and Security
Alzheimer’s can cause disorientation and confusion, especially when entering new environments or meeting new people. For this reason, moving into a facility can be traumatic for individuals in the middle or late stages of the disease. Even individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s can feel overwhelmed or depressed by the transition to facility care.
As the disease progresses, it may become increasingly important for your loved one to remain in his or her own home. The comfort and familiarity of the home environment can provide the calm and stability your loved one needs to live a happy and healthy life.
3. In-Home Care Provides Relief for Family Caregivers
Alzheimer’s Disease can present a number of challenges for patients and their families. One of the biggest challenges for family members is balancing caregiving duties with working, running a household, and taking care of children.
Caregiver stress can surge when care needs increase or as a loved one’s Alzheimer’s progresses. This stress can lead to depression, anxiety, worsening physical health, and other negative outcomes for family caregivers. In-home care provides a much-needed break for primary caregivers, allowing them to rest, relax, and recharge.
4. Alzheimer’s Care Works With Medical Directives
It’s important to maintain your loved one’s nutrition, sleep schedule, and medication habits as directed by their medical team. Home care providers can help your loved one maintain these crucial instructions. For example, home health care aides can help your loved one with medication reminders, exercise schedule reminders and assistance, and preparing meals according to their nutrition plan.
Visiting Angels’ In-Home Care
Every person with Alzheimer’s is different and has unique needs. To meet these unique needs, Visiting Angels offers personalized care plans. Families may customize the care their loved one receives, such as daily personal care needs, assistance with walking, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and/or companionship, to name a few. Our caregivers provide care to meet a range of needs.
If you’re searching for Alzheimer’s care for a loved one, contact Visiting Angels of Mercer and Burlington Counties, NJ.