It can be hard to see a loved one suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. The progressive neurological disorder causes memory loss and affects a person’s ability to think, communicate, and complete everyday tasks.

If you have a loved one who is battling Alzheimer’s, you may be wondering if in-home care is the right option for them. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of in-home care for Alzheimer’s patients and help you decide if it is the best choice for your loved one.

What Is In-home Care?

In-home care is a broad term that includes a variety of services provided in the home to keep seniors safe and healthy. These services can be provided by family members, friends, or professional caregivers, and can range from light housekeeping tasks to more complex medical care.

In-home care is a popular option for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease because it allows them to age in place. Plus, it gives family members of Alzheimer’s patients the peace of mind that their loved ones are being cared for by someone who is trained to deal with the unique challenges of the disease.

Types of In-home Care

There are several types of in-home care that can be beneficial for Alzheimer’s patients. These include:

Personal Care Services

These services can help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, walking, transferring, personal hygiene, and eating. They can also provide transportation to and from doctor’s appointments, run errands, and provide medication reminders. With this type of care, the focus is on the individual needs of the client.

Companion Care Services

This type of care focuses on providing social interaction and companionship for the patient. It can also involve activities such as cooking, light housekeeping, errands, and shopping. This type of care can help to improve the quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients.

Respite Care Services

This type of care is designed to provide relief for caregivers. It can involve providing overnight care, weekend care, or even just a few hours of respite during the week. This type of care can help to reduce caregiver burnout and improve the quality of life for both the patient and the caregiver.

Homemaker Services

These services can help with light housekeeping tasks such as laundry, vacuuming, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and changing linens. This can be a great relief for caregivers who are struggling to keep up with everything.

How to Choose the Right Provider

When it comes to choosing an in-home care provider for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, you want to be sure you are making the best decision for their health and well-being. Here are a few factors to keep in mind when meeting with potential providers:

Services Offered

It’s very important to determine what services the provider offers and if they are a good fit for your loved one’s needs. For instance, some in-home care providers may only offer basic assistance with companion and homemaker services, while others may offer Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) or Home Health Aides (HHA) to provide assistance with hands-on personal care and activities of daily living along with light housekeeping.

Some providers offer nurses if skilled services are required, such as managing a feeding tube, colostomy bags, tracheostomies, medication administration, wound care, filling a pill organizer, etc. These services are not within the CNA or HHA scope of practice. 

Cost

The cost of in-home care can vary greatly depending on the type of care you need and where you live, but it is generally much cheaper than nursing home care depending on the number of hours required.

Companion/homemakers are often less expensive than Certified Nursing Assistants or Home Health Aides. Registered Nurses or Licensed Practical Nurses are much more expensive due to the skilled professional services they provide. 

Make sure to verify if the provider is licensed as required by the Florida Statutes before making a decision. 

Convenience

Make sure to choose an in-home care provider that can be reached 24/7. This way, you can easily get in touch with them if you have any questions, need to make any changes to your schedule, or there is a change in your loved one’s status. You should also be able to schedule appointments and visits easily.

Flexibility

It’s also important to consider the flexibility of in-home care. This type of care can be adapted to the changing needs of the person with Alzheimer’s.

For example, if the individual’s condition deteriorates and they need more help with activities of daily living, in-home care can be increased. On the other hand, if the individual experiences a temporary improvement in their condition, in-home care can be reduced.

Schedule

Make sure to discuss the care schedule with the in-home caregiver. It’s important that the caregiver is available when needed, but also has time off to rest and recharge. A good care schedule will take into account the needs of both the individual with Alzheimer’s and the caregiver.

Compatibility

Last but not least, it’s important to find an in-home caregiver who is compassionate and compatible with the individual with Alzheimer’s. This means finding someone who is patient, understanding and has a good sense of humor. It’s also important that the caregiver is physically able to meet the demands of the job.

How Much Does It Cost?

In-home care for Alzheimer’s patients can be costly, with monthly bills averaging around $4,500. However, there are many ways to offset the costs.

One way is to use in-home care services through the Medicaid waiver program. This program provides financial assistance to help cover the cost of in-home care for those who qualify.

Long-term care (LTC) insurance policies help to cover the costs. There is usually an elimination period prior to LTC paying for the visits. Contact your LTC company to verify daily benefit coverage as it varies per policy. 

Often in-home care is privately paid for by the client or family. 

No matter how you choose to pay for it, in-home care can be a valuable resource for Alzheimer’s patients and their families. The care and support provided by a professional caregiver can help improve the quality of life for both the patient and their loved ones.

If you are considering in-home care for an Alzheimer’s patient, be sure to talk to your doctor or case manager about all of your options. They can help you determine what type of care is best for your situation and how to find the resources you need to make it happen. You may also reach out to a provider that can send a nurse to do an in-home consultation and assess the needs.

Benefits of In-home Care For Alzheimer’s

There are many benefits of in-home care for Alzheimer’s patients, including:

Maintaining Independence and Quality of Life

In-home care can help Alzheimer’s patients maintain their independence and quality of life by allowing them to age in place. This is because in-home care can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual.

For example, if an Alzheimer’s patient is having difficulty with activities of daily living, in-home care can provide assistance with tasks such as:

  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

In addition, in-home care can also help Alzheimer’s patients by providing transportation to doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, and other errands.

Guarantees Social Interaction

In-home care can also provide much-needed social interaction for Alzheimer’s patients. Professional caregivers can engage seniors in conversation, play games with them, and help them participate in activities they enjoy. This social interaction is important for maintaining cognitive function and preventing loneliness and isolation.

Reduces Stress for Family Caregivers

Perhaps the most important benefit of in-home care for Alzheimer’s patients is that it can help reduce stress for family caregivers. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be emotionally and physically draining, and many family caregivers find themselves feeling overwhelmed.

In-home care can provide respite for family caregivers, giving them a much-needed break from the demands of caregiving. This can help reduce caregiver burnout and prevent negative health effects such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Providing Companionship

Professional caregivers can provide Alzheimer’s patients with the companionship they need. This is especially beneficial for seniors who live alone or whose family members live far away. Caregivers can help seniors with Alzheimer’s disease stay connected to the outside world and prevent them from feeling isolated and lonely.

If you are considering in-home care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to choose a reputable, experienced, and licensed home care agency. This way, you can be sure your loved one will receive the best possible care.

Recap

In-home care is an important option to consider for your loved one with Alzheimer’s. There are many benefits of in-home care, including that it can help clients maintain their independence and quality of life, provide social interaction, reduces stress for family caregivers, and can provide companionship.

If you are considering in-home care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you must start by considering the specific needs of your loved one to ensure that in-home care is the best option. 

You should also consult with a doctor, social worker, or other professional to get started. In-home care can be an excellent option for those with Alzheimer’s, providing many benefits that help one maintain their quality of life.

Please Note:

The posts published on the ACareConnection.com blog are strictly for educational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the type and scope of home health and care services that we, or our nurse registry referred professionals, provide to clients. If you have any questions about the types of services provided by our HHA and NR licensed companies, please feel free to reach out through our contact page.