We are passionate about supporting older adults and their families through the journey of Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia (from a stroke), Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s, or any one of the many, many conditions that cause memory and cognitive problems.
Many of our Life Care Managers are certified dementia practitioners. This means they have been through the comprehensive training provided by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners.
Our certified dementia practitioners give your loved one the care of a professional who is up to date on the latest treatments and research.
If you are concerned about a loved one with memory problems, give us a call at 386-864-2304 or schedule a free initial consultation.
Comprehensive assessment
To begin, we conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify your relative’s strengths and the areas that are giving them problems. We look at medical history, medications, and treatments. We assess their memory and reasoning abilities. We look at how well they manage with daily life tasks and whether there are hazardous elements in the home and outdoor environments. We talk with your loved one about what brings meaning to their life, and with relatives to get perspective on changes they have been noticing.
It may be that further testing is warranted—perhaps some blood tests, a PET scan, or work with a neurologist to determine exactly what the cause of the dementia may be. Guided by the findings of our assessment, we will talk with you about our recommendations for care and support moving forward.
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Finding treatments
There are over 100 conditions that result in “cognitive impairment,” the memory and thinking disorders we associate with dementia. The good news is that your loved one’s problems may be curable, caused by something as simple as dehydration. We will explore all treatment options and even help you find clinical trials if that’s a direction you wish to pursue. Your loved one will receive the care that is best known to relieve the symptoms and maybe even resolve the problem altogether.
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Aging in place
Your loved one probably wants to continue living at home. No doubt this is the easiest for people with dementia because all the routines are in place that they already know and are comfortable with. But it isn’t always safe.
After assessing your relative’s current abilities, we will recommend changes that ensure the home environment is safe. That could mean installing a device on the stove that will turn off any burners if there’s been no movement in the kitchen for fifteen minutes. Perhaps you need an automated pill dispenser that flashes and beeps when it’s time to take the next set of pills. Or it might mean arranging for in-home care to be sure your loved one gets fed and bathed, has some companionship, and receives adequate mental stimulation. (Even people with dementia get bored and depressed and need to keep their minds active and engaged.)
If you suspect your relative is in need of more support, give us a call at 386-864-2304 or schedule a free initial consultation. You’d be surprised how much can be done to allow them to live safely at home.
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Coaching for families
There’s a reason stress researchers work with family members of persons who have dementia. Caregiving is stressful! And heartbreaking. And frustrating. And exhausting. The person you have known for so long seems to be slipping away. And in their place may be someone who behaves completely differently. Perhaps your gentle dad is now prone to angry and emotional outbursts. Maybe normally tidy mom is now not bathing or changing her clothes.
Through our coaching sessions, you can learn about the stage of your loved one’s condition and strategies to make life easier for all of you. There are also local services available to give you a break and give your relative the mental and social stimulation they need that is tailored specifically to their current abilities.
You don’t have to go through this alone! The journey is much easier with a knowledgeable and caring expert by your side. Give us a call at 386-864-2304 to learn more. Or schedule a free initial consultation.
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Finding the right care setting
Caring for a person with dementia can be overwhelming. It’s simply too much for one person to do. Perhaps mom’s health is declining because she is so busy caring for dad she is unable to manage her own medical needs. Maybe you are completely fried because long-distance caregiving is taking a toll on your mental and physical health, jeopardizing your job or your marriage. Sometimes it takes a scare, such as a wandering incident where your loved one gets lost. Other times an issue like incontinence or the hospitalization of a spouse makes it clear that the current situation simply can’t continue.
Let us help you through this emotional decision, keeping the needs of all family members in perspective. We can help you decide which care setting is the best fit for you, your loved one, and the family budget. (There may even be programs you are eligible for that you did not know about.) We can help with the physical part of the move and getting your loved one settled in. We are also well skilled at assisting with the emotional transition, for both of you.
You want to move your relative only once. Let us help you make sure the match is a good one so you can ease into this new situation and find your new family normal as quickly as possible. Schedule a free initial consultation, or give us a call at 386-864-2304. You don’t have to go through this alone.
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