At Ideal Home Care Services, we know that caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can be challenging. We provide compassionate Alzheimer’s and dementia care in Long Island, and are committed to helping patients and their families make smooth transitions to home care services. If your loved one needs Alzheimer’s home care in Long Island, it’s important to help them adjust by making it as positive an experience as possible. These tips can help both you and your loved one feel safe and supported and make the transition easier.
Introduce Care Gradually
Alzheimer’s disease affects memory, behavior, and daily functioning, so it’s essential to provide care that is structured, supportive, and compassionate. Bringing in skilled nurses or caregivers suddenly can feel overwhelming to someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Taking things slow and introducing Alzheimer’s home care gradually can minimize stress and promote comfort. Some ways to help your loved one adjust include:
Start with short visits. Invite a caregiver to visit for an hour or two before transitioning to all-day Alzheimer’s in-home care.
Ask the caregiver to observe your loved one first. Having home care professionals observe and learn your loved one’s behavior and routines before fully engaging and performing tasks can be helpful to everyone involved.
Build familiarity. Caregivers often engage in light conversation and fun, easy activities to establish trust and rapport with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
Communicate with Your Loved One
Even if your loved one has trouble with their memory, keeping them informed and involved in the transition to Alzheimer’s home care can lessen their confusion and resistance. If they express frustration, anger, or discomfort about having someone come in to care for them at home, acknowledge their feelings and reassure them that they are valid.
Explain that their caregiver is a trusted professional who’s there to support them, not take away their independence. Make sure to let them know their daily schedule will stay the same as much as possible and that you welcome their input about any changes that may happen.
Maintain Familiar Routines
People with Alzheimer’s and dementia find comfort in routine. Our caregivers understand that fitting into the existing routine and making adjustments as needed will likely work better than making immediate, drastic changes. Keeping daily personal care activities like bathing, meals and bedtime consistent, encouraging participation in tasks and activities they enjoy can provide a sense of security.
Create a Comfortable and Organized Environment
A calm, familiar, well-organized home environment can make it easier for your loved one to adjust to Alzheimer’s home care. Minimizing clutter and providing a simple, organized space can reduce agitation and confusion. Keeping familiar, cherished objects like photographs, blankets, and clothing they like can also be comforting. Proper lighting can help prevent falls and disorientation, especially in the evening. Loud noises and distractions like a blaring television can overwhelm them, so try to keep the environment as serene and peaceful as possible.
Choose the Right Caregiver
Finding a caregiver whose personality is a good match for your loved one is a critical element of a smooth transition to Alzheimer’s and dementia care. We understand that home care services are about more than just competent medical care. Whether your loved one is just entering the early stages of dementia or dealing with progression, our experienced caregivers know how to communicate and care for patients in a calm, compassionate way that builds trust.
You can also help your loved one bond with their caregiver and facilitate meaningful conversations by sharing their interests, past experiences, and favorite topics with them. Whenever possible, it’s also a good idea to have the same caregiver come as much as possible to provide consistency and stability.
Practice Patience
It’s common for people with Alzheimer’s to be resistant to new home care arrangements at first. If your loved one becomes agitated, respond in a quiet, soothing tone and validate their feelings. Gently shifting their focus to an activity or another topic can also help.
It’s important to take good care of yourself as well. Lean on our Alzheimer’s in-home caregivers, friends, and family for support. Taking some time for yourself by using respite care can allow you to recharge and adapt to your loved one’s evolving needs and give you peace of mind.
Learn More about Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care in Long Island
At Ideal Home Care Services, we’re dedicated to providing quality Alzheimer’s home care that keeps patients happy, healthy, and comfortable. If you need assistance with Alzheimer’s care in Long Island, contact us or call 631-509-5600 today.