A staggering number of 203,000 seniors in Michigan are living with Alzheimer’s, a type of dementia that causes as many as 380,000 family members to have to care for them. However, what you should know is that caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia is certainly not easy. Often, family caregivers put their physical and mental health aside when juggling between the role of caregiving and personal life.
That’s why Alzheimer’s in-home care comes as a solution, or even a lifeline, for families struggling to care for their loved ones.
Understanding the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Before delving into the role of specialized care for your loved one, one widespread misconception must be addressed: Alzheimer’s is just one of the types of dementia, although it’s the most common one. On the other hand, dementia is the umbrella term covering all kinds of dementia, which is a cognitive disorder affecting memory, thinking, and the ability to do daily activities.
Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
A person with Alzheimer’s will undergo a gradual transformation toward a more severe condition over time. Here are the three stages:
Early Stage: The early signs will be subtle, including forgetting where one puts things and finding it hard to find the right word to say. These minor memory lapses will come and go at first. However, they indicate early changes in the brain.
Middle Stage: Confusion becomes worse in this stage, with signs of repeated questions and confusion, even in familiar places. This stage is often the longest, making Alzheimer’s in-home care a necessity to help families navigate the worsening condition.
Late Stage: Finally, people with Alzheimer’s will end up in this stage. During this stage, communication becomes significantly impaired, and many even lose awareness of their surroundings and loved ones, making it extremely difficult. Eventually, full-time Alzheimer’s in-home care is required for basic daily activities.
The Challenges of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care at Home
Managing behavioral challenges
One of the most challenging aspects of Alzheimer’s and all kinds of dementia, in general, is dealing with behavioral changes that can be extremely unpredictable and emotionally exhausting. Agitation is very common, often triggered by confusion, frustration, or inability to communicate needs and feelings.
Another major concern is the infamous wandering. People with dementia may leave home without warning, putting themselves in danger. In the afternoon or evening, confusion and restlessness may worsen, known as sundowning, leading to increased anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Without proper support from Alzheimer’s In-home care, managing these behaviors can be very overwhelming, causing burnout for family caregivers.
Ensuring safety in the home
Creating a safe home environment so someone with Alzheimer’s can safely live in it needs a thorough and continuous assessment, which can be difficult for family caregivers who also have to juggle their own lives. Almost every household item, such as sharp objects, electrical appliances, or cleaning chemicals, can become hazardous if not properly secured with no constant supervision since the ability to make a sound judgment, be aware of the environment, and remember things are all impaired in these conditions.
Providing emotional and physical support
Behavioral changes can be distressing for families dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia loved ones, making it challenging to respond calmly out of frustration and helplessness. The physical demands will also progress with constant help with daily activities and dealing with mobility challenges, incontinence, and sleep patterns. Without proper training and experience dealing with individuals with dementia, assisting these needs is not only exhausting but also potentially dangerous for both the person with dementia and the caregiver.
What Alzheimer’s In-Home Care Looks Like
Personalized care plans
The first major benefit of Alzheimer’s in-home care is that it allows for personalized care and flexibility. The customized approach means the care plan is made to fit each person’s unique needs and preferences, as there’s no such thing as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution for someone with dementia. Since the condition is rather complex and dynamic, this kind of care also allows changes as the needs evolve. For example, the care may be limited to medication reminders and meal preparation initially but may shift to hands-on support with self-care and mobility assistance as the disease progresses.
Daily assistance and supervision
Since dementia-related symptoms, such as confusion and wandering, can occur anytime, daily help and monitoring is a must-have component in Alzheimer’s and dementia in-home care. The constant assistance and supervision will reduce the risk of getting lost, falls, or worse, injuries that may easily happen when people with dementia live by themselves or are being cared for by family caregivers who have lives outside of caregiving. The 24/7 support will also enhance peace of mind for families, knowing their loved ones are safe.
Memory care supports
Keeping the mind active will help it become healthier and slow its decline, just like the body. The easiest way to do that is by having Alzheimer’s in-home care that provides memory care support. Caregivers may incorporate fun exercises through memory games that will improve the seniors’ quality of life, use reminiscence therapy by recalling past events through old photos of familiar music, or simply engage in conversations to help slow mental decline and achieve some sense of accomplishment.
Companionship and emotional support
When individuals with dementia become familiar with their caregivers, their presence alone can bring a sense of calm and security. Through gentle conversations, soothing activities, or simply being there, Alzheimer’s in-home care helps reduce anxiety and confusion while feeling less alone. This consistent support and companionship will eventually foster trust, creating a stable environment where they can feel safe, comforted, and, more importantly, emotionally supported in their daily lives.
End Note
While caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s comes from the purest intentions, the constant demands of 24/7 monitoring and assistance can become exhausting as the condition progresses. Memory loss, mobility issues, and difficulty with basic tasks can make caregiving increasingly challenging, often leading to burnout. Considering Alzheimer’s, in-home care is not a weakness—it’s a responsible choice that ensures your loved one receives the specialized care they need while allowing you to maintain your well-being.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that help is available. Contact Sunny Days In-Home Care Great Lakes today to learn how our expert caregivers can provide the support and peace of mind your family deserves.
