Yes, You CAN Keep Your Parents at Home Even if They Have Alzheimer’s
By Brenda Enright
Owner of Home Instead Etobicoke
As parents age, they may discuss where they want to spend their later years. Many seniors want to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Their children often want to see that happen. Yet, receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease threatens to put a kibosh on everyone’s idea of Mom and Dad’s retirement happiness. There is excellent news for all parties. Your parent can remain in their home, even if they have Alzheimer’s disease. You and your family have options to ensure your parent can continue to live in their home, starting with hiring a professional senior caregiver.
4 Steps to the Best Senior Care for Individuals with Alzheimer’s
As you enter this new phase of life with your mom or dad, being proactive will become your mantra. You will want to stay abreast of the changes to your mother’s cognitive state as the disease progresses. A senior caregiver can help with Alzheimer's care in various ways. Utilize these tips to find an outstanding elder care home helper:
- Make a List of the Kinds of Tasks and Services Needed: Before you start your search, you need to know what kind of assistance Dad will need. Maybe he currently only needs some companionship during the day while you are at work. Start a list of the services you would like to have handled so you know what you need.
- Understand the Different Types of In-Home Services: You may be surprised at the different kinds of services your mom has available to her.
- Companion Services to keep her from loneliness and provide a level of supervision.
- Personal Care to ensure she gets bathed, dressed, and eats well.
- Household Duties to help with cooking nutritious meals from recommended menus, and light housekeeping.
- Ask for Referrals: More and more adults are finding they need additional assistance from caregivers. Dad’s primary physician may offer recommendations. You may have some friends that can relate to the situation. Look for community resources that can point you in the right direction.
- Do Your Research Carefully: As you gather your list of companies, start with a phone call to find out the types of care they offer. This cuts your list down. Have a list of questions ready for the person or agency. You may ask if they are trained in first aid and CPR or trained in dementia care. You also need to know what the backup plan is if a caregiver cannot make it to your loved one’s home for their shift.
Let Mom and Dad Age in Place – Choose Home Instead
Enlist the services of the best senior caregiver for your loved one when you do your research and talk with Home Instead Etobicoke / North York. We provide a wide range of home care services tailored to fit your family’s needs and your budget. Your parent will benefit from having a capable home care professional, and you will rest easier knowing things are handled on the home front. The best first step you can take is to contact us today.
Call us at (416) 239-2200 to schedule a no-obligation, in-home consultation. Learn more about the compassionate, quality senior care we deliver, every day, to families in All Etobicoke including: Kingsway, Mimico, Long Branch, Islington, Richview, The Community of Humber Heights, Rexdale, Markland Woods North York West including: Willowdale, Rexdale, Downsview, Humberwood, Weston, York University Heights, Humber Summit and areas in between.