Alzheimer’s patients can maintain their independence longer than many people might think possible, even in the advanced stages of the illness. The key is for them to have the support necessary to remain confidently independent. Alzheimer’s home care providers can do a lot to help seniors maintain dignity, independence, and quality of life.
Here’s how they accomplish this feat.
Empowering Seniors
Seniors with cognitive illnesses like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease often feel incredibly disempowered. Even before they experience significant cognitive changes, they may feel their life and decisions are no longer their own. Alzheimer’s home care providers who understand how seniors are feeling can work with them to simplify tasks and encourage them to participate in what they can still do. These are easy ways to help seniors continue to feel connected and empowered.
Preserving Autonomy
It’s vital for seniors with cognitive illnesses to maintain autonomy for as long as possible. And the reality is that this is possible for a lot longer than many family caregivers and seniors think possible. Any time seniors have a choice, they should be able to make it. Whether that means choosing treatment options or a piece of clothing for the day, that choice is incredibly important. It reminds them that they do have autonomy, even on difficult days.
Adapting Care Routines
As Alzheimer’s and dementia progress, it’s important to adapt care routines to meet changing needs. It’s possible to do this while also maintaining dignity and privacy. Alzheimer’s home care providers know how to do this easily without disrupting existing routines. Keeping routines consistent, especially around personal care tasks, is helpful and soothing for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. Using a calm and gentle approach to transitions is another technique that has positive results. Seniors with cognitive illnesses may not consciously remember their routines without help, but they do rely on them for comfort and stability on a daily basis.
Prolonging Independence
Having help from Alzheimer’s home care providers can sometimes feel to seniors as if they’re not truly independent, but caregivers help to prolong independence in so many ways. Using memory aids, calendars, and notes can help for a long time, for instance. Reassurance and support encourage seniors to take small risks, even when they’re experiencing more confusion around daily activities. And continuing to have as many choices as possible makes a real difference for a lot longer than many family caregivers expect. The confidence this inspires has positive benefits, even for seniors who are dealing with the later stages of cognitive illnesses.
Alzheimer’s home care offers a variety of ways for seniors with cognitive illnesses to preserve their independence even as they battle issues with memory and thinking. Offering opportunities to make decisions and supporting seniors as they continue to do what they still can provides a layer of support that truly does make a difference. Seniors can still have very full lives, even when they are dealing with the changes that Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can bring into their lives.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Home Care in Tampa, FL, please contact the caring staff at Family First Healthcare Services today at (813) 461-8000.
Family First Healthcare Services is a top provider of in-home health services in Tampa, Bradenton, Brandon, Riverview, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Haines City, Lakewood Ranch, Palmetto, Town ‘n’ Country, Florida, and surrounding areas.
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