There are many challenges that you will face when you care for a loved one with dementia. It is one of the toughest things you can do. As the disease progresses, your loved one will go through changes, some of which are rather unpleasant. They will not remember things as before, and might develop feelings like paranoia, confusion and anxiety. Being there with them, supporting them during these trying times is perhaps the most useful thing you can do. That, and perhaps arranging live-in care service for them. 

Live-in allows old people, as well as those suffering from conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, to get the help they require at their own home. There is an experienced live-in care professional, who will attend to their needs. As you opt for this kind of service, you want to make sure the care provider is the right one for you and your loved one with dementia. And there are a few tips that can help you in that regard: 

• Experience is essential – getting a company because they offer live-in care service is one thing; getting a company with experienced caregivers, who know how to look after people with dementia is something completely different. Any caregiver who has worked with seniors with dementia knows how to approach the task and the specifics of it. They are aware that seniors with such conditions require special attention and care. They will do everything they can to reduce the potential of angry outbursts, episodes of confusion and discomfort for the person. They must also be on the constant lookout for distressing symptoms and stressors in the environment, which can trigger anger and confusion. Any caregiver, who has experience with such matters, will do a much better job of looking after a person with dementia than a caregiver who hasn’t done any of it. Getting an agency with such personnel is very important. 
  
  
• They need to be very patient and empathetic – people that have dementia do things differently, in many cases. They slow down, and process information in a more difficult manner. The caregiver needs to be able to get on the same level and show patience and understanding. They must know the unique situation the senior is in, due to their condition. As a caregiver, it is their duty to preserve the other’s dignity to the highest possible degree, all the while managing to serve them well. To do this, it takes understanding and compassion. 
  
  
• The caregiver needs to be flexible – dementia has no cure. There are only certain treatments that manage the symptoms. Because of this, the needs of a senior with dementia are going to change rapidly. At first, they may be able to address takes like dressing on their own, but at a later stage, they may not be able to. Because of it, a caregiver must be able to show flexibility and address the new needs as they arise. 
  
  
• They must be reliable – a caregiver must be someone, who is reliable on the job. They must always be alert if the person with dementia shows signs of an outburst or confusion. They must know how to diffuse the situation and do what is best for the current situation. They must not only possess the skills needed to look after a person with dementia but to be able to tap into those skills at a whim. 
  
  

These are the essential aspects of a live-in dementia caregiver. A person needs to possess all of them, for them to be eligible for the job. 

© Home Care Preferred

Seniors nowadays have access to services and technologies, which can make their lives longer and fuller in every way. As such, more of them prefer to age in the comfort of their own home, without having to move to a care facility. One of the things that makes this possible is home health care. It enables better independence by introducing caregivers, who visit the seniors in their own home according to a predetermined schedule. If you are currently considering home care for an elderly loved one, you need to better informed of the benefits that it provides: 

• Better personal hygiene – homebound seniors need to maintain proper hygienic care, but as time goes by, they may not be able to. Many of them encounter various difficulties, such as showering and bathing, which were once mundane tasks for them. If they avoid such activities, this could result in developing certain health issues, which is problematic. A home health care aide can be of much help to such individuals, assisting them with their personal hygiene needs. 
  
  
• Doing some light household chores – a clean and safe environment at home is essential for the wellbeing of any senior. That is why a home care service will see to it that the caregiver engages in some basic cleaning tasks, such as dusting, vacuuming and laundry. The caregiver is not a housekeeper, but they can help that. 
  
  
• Safety in the home – safety is no minor issue for seniors, especially if they have mobility issues. Home care service enables a well-trained caregiver to provide support and guarantee the safety of any senior within their own home. It is essential to communicate potential hazards with loved ones and find suitable ways to implement the necessary changes. Whether it involves clearing out clutter or adding more light to dark areas, home care providers can make some valid recommendations for improving the safety aspect. 
  
  
• Meal preparation and proper nutrition – the elderly commonly have the problem of not eating right, since they cannot prepare their meals well. They cannot acquire the products, they cannot cook them well and generally experience poor nutrition. With home care, that is not going to be an issue, since the caregiver can assist with supplying the products and the cooking process. That way the senior can get the nutritious food they require for better health. 
  
  
• Transportation needs – whether it is to see the doctor, or just get outside, seniors often feel limited by their ability to do things. With a home caregiver visiting frequently, they can more easily do that. The caregiver provides better access to transportation and can easily take the senior where they need to be. 
  
  
• Companionship – one very important aspect of home care lies with the companionship and socialisation that comes from having a caregiver visit the senior. It is not a secret a lot of elderly individuals isolate themselves, which can be problematic in many ways. Without socialising, they can develop depression and anxiety. A caregiver can be the person who provides this so important socialisation aspect in the life of the elderly. They can be the companion that seniors need, someone to talk to and discuss topics. This is crucial for emotional health and wellbeing. 
  
  

As you can see, the advantages of home health care are many and you will do well to consider them all. Instead of moving the senior to a care facility, they can easily stay at home and receive the care they need professionally. 

© Home Care Preferred