Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care in Lyndhurst, NJ

Alzheimer’s Disease vs Dementia

The terms “Alzheimer’s disease” and “dementia” are often used interchangeably, but it’s crucial to distinguish between the two.  Dementia is a broad term for various conditions that impact cognitive abilities and memory, while Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia.  It’s worth noting that Alzheimer’s is the most prevalent form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of all cases and ranking among the leading causes of death in the U.S.  At the onset, all forms of dementia have mild symptoms that progressively worsen over time, affecting long-term memory, cognitive abilities, and overall awareness.

It is easy to miss the initial symptoms of dementia because they resemble typical aging, but it is important to recognize the symptoms in your loved ones so they can receive care as soon as possible.  You should look out for the following early signs of dementia:

• Problems with short-term memory
• Difficulty holding conversations
• Mood swings and irrational behavior
• Impaired reasoning
• Visual and spatial misjudgments

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Home Care

Our caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care can provide effective memory care for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  We can help dementia patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, bathing, dressing, and transferring, and we will react to common behaviors with positive reinforcement.  Having our caregivers present will provide your loved ones with a familiar and trustworthy face, helping to minimize mood swings and agitation.

We begin our memory care services by meeting with you and your loved ones to determine their care needs as well as their current condition.  We will then create a personalized care plan that can be adjusted as their condition progresses.  Our memory care includes personal care and assistance, medication reminders, transportation, and help with household tasks.

Our caregivers can also do the following to react to common behaviors of dementia patients and engage them in stimulating activities:

• Accompany your loved ones when they start to wander to prevent them from falling or leaving the home
• Respond to agitation and mood swings with positive reinforcement
• Do craft projects and play simple games
• Stimulate past memories by looking through family photo albums
• Watch their favorite movies and TV shows, listen to music, and read books
• Take them on fun, safe outings

The Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) services we offer for seniors with Alzheimer’s are tailored to address the unique challenges they face, ensuring their safety, comfort, and quality of life:

• Transportation and Errands: Alzheimer’s can make it unsafe for seniors to drive. Our caregivers provide transportation to important appointments, family gatherings, and community events. We also assist with grocery shopping and errands, ensuring your loved one stays connected and their daily needs are met.
• Meal Preparation: Our caregivers handle meal preparation for those unable to cook, ensuring meals meet specific dietary restrictions. We take care of the cleanup as well, making mealtimes easier and safer for individuals with Alzheimer’s.
• Light Housekeeping: A clean and organized home is essential for well-being. Our caregivers assist with light housekeeping tasks, including vacuuming, laundry, dusting, and taking out the trash, ensuring your loved one’s living space remains safe and comfortable.
• Alzheimer’s Fall Prevention: Falls are a common risk for those with Alzheimer’s. Our caregivers work with families to create a secure environment, removing hazards and helping seniors move safely around their homes. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help prevent falls and protect your loved one.
• Grocery Shopping: We assist with grocery shopping, ensuring your loved one’s home is stocked with nutritious food, so they don’t have to worry about this task. We make sure the kitchen is filled with healthy options that meet their dietary needs
• Grooming Assistance: Personal grooming can become difficult for those with Alzheimer’s. Our caregivers offer gentle grooming services, helping seniors maintain their hygiene and appearance, which boosts their confidence and well-being.
• Hobbies and Engagement: Staying engaged in favorite hobbies is important for mental stimulation and emotional well-being. Our caregivers encourage participation in activities that bring joy and help seniors stay active and connected to their interests.
• Incontinence Care: We provide compassionate incontinence care, helping your loved ones manage this sensitive issue with dignity and respect. Our caregivers ensure their comfort and well-being throughout the day.

5-Star Rated Home Care

Our goal at Assisting Hands is to offer the best possible home care to all our clients. As an Assisting Hands Home Care provider, we’ve gone above and beyond the Assisting Hands Home Car National 5-star standards to ensure that our caregivers are exceptionally trained and our care is top-notch. These standards include:

1. CPR certification for all caregivers
2. Comprehensive Safety Assessments for every client
3. Background checks for caregivers
4. Quarterly supervision of clients by an Administrator
5. Completion of Assisting Hands® University training or its equivalent by each caregiver

In-Home Care Assessment

When you reach out to us for in-home care, we will arrange a consultation to evaluate the specific care requirements of your loved ones. This assessment will enable us to create a personalized care plan that suits their needs best. Additionally, we will carefully select a caregiver who is well-suited to address their unique needs and establish a schedule that accommodates everyone involved. Should the care needs of your loved ones evolve over time, we are flexible to make adjustments to the care plan as needed.