Friday 15 February 2019

Companionship Care For Seniors With Dementia

By Jerry Lee


Caring for the elderly and seniors can often be a challenging task, especially when the individual has a debilitating disease. As such, locating quality companionship care for seniors with dementia is essential. In order to do so, a number of organizations recommend researching companies and caregivers as well as acquiring and checking references before making such an important decision. For, there have been caregivers whom have taken advantage of, abused or stole from these clients, especially those with memory issues.

When it comes to home health aides, the Family Care Alliance or FCA and National Center On Caregiving can provide a number of resources. For, the alliance is a community based non-profit organization which addresses the needs of friends, families and caregivers caring for loved ones in the home. As such, the alliance provides a voice for those working in this area and provides advocacy, educational programs and services to those in need.

All programs, resources and services are designed and developed towards caregivers. In addition, there are a number of tailor made educational materials and tools which can provide assistance. These include, a FCA CareJourney which can provide information, support and resources aimed specifically at families providing care to a loved one and a Family Care Navigator which can assist caregivers in locating support services in each state.

The National Center On Caregiving also works to promote high quality programs and policies which are inexpensive. Whereas, the organization also host a Bay Area Caregiver Resource Center for individuals residing in the counties surrounding San Francisco. One of the most valuable resources offered by the organization is that of consultants whom work with family members caring for an ill or elderly loved one on a one-on-one basis.

The FCA website also offers resources and support. In one case, caregivers can read and provide stories or ask questions about varying experiences. Whereas, the site also host a calendar of events which can often be entertaining and informative for caregivers and at times, family members, seniors and the elderly.

When caring for individuals with dementia, it is helpful to know the seven stages of the disease. For, by understanding the symptoms associated with each stage, it can often be easier to recognize the needs of clients and the type of care which will most likely be the most successful at the time. When it comes to the seven stages, all individuals effected by dementia or Alzheimer's start at stage one in which there are no visible signs of impairment.

In stages two through seven, memory begins to decline slowly while other signs of Alzheimer's can often begin to appear somewhere between the second and third stage. The most dramatic changes begin to occur in stage 3, these include poor work performance, verbal repetition, poor concentration, difficulty solving problems, organizing and losing the ability to complete complex tasks. While, difficulty driving will often occur somewhere between the third and fourth stage.

Stages 4 through 7 often present with individuals becoming more isolated, anti-social and avoiding physical contact. It is also at this stage in which memory and problem solving skills begin to deteriorate more rapidly. At which point, it can often be impossible for the individual to recognize spouses, relatives, remember phone numbers and other pertinent information. In most cases, it is at this advanced stage in which physicians and families must decide the best options for treatment, housing or hospice care in the future.




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