Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

How to determine if a loved one is still safe at home

Most of us want to stay in our own homes for as long as we can, and we also wish this for our aging family members. Unfortunately, remaining at home is sometimes more dangerous to all involved.

So, when is it right to move or hire in-home care? How do we broach this sensitive subject with our loved ones? How do we convince ourselves (and our loved ones) that moving out of the traditional home environment could actually be a better option?

None of us make the best decisions when in crisis. So, waiting for your loved one to have a dangerous event before you consider care options is not optimal.

Making decisions about when to arrange for care, where to find it and how to continue to keep up with changing needs, can be stressful and overwhelming. However, making some decisions about future care will also lessen your worry about it in the future.

Educate yourself on the options and start interviewing various home care agencies, tour assisted living facilities and day care providers. Find what is available in your community and help yourself prepare for the inevitable changes your loved one will experience.

1) At home

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease at home is often where families start. A home environment may be preferable if socialization, comfort and security are available to keep the individual with the disease content and engaged. The presence of family and friends can be very important for quality of life.

However, safety may become an issue and lack of stimulation may lead to apathy or depression. Licensed home care agencies provide screened, trained and supervised home care aides that can provide the companionship, safety and household support needed to keep your loved one at home.

2) Adult day care

If your loved one with Alzheimer’s is living at home, there may come a time when adult day care is a good way to take a break as well as provide stimulation to the person with Alzheimer’s. Some day care facilities offer only whole day programs, while others may offer half-day care and overnight care as well.

3) Assisted living facility

Assisted living facilities may be an appropriate care option for people with Alzheimer’s in the early and moderate stages (and in some cases, through the late stages of the disease). When the effects of Alzheimer’s become severe and the individual is no longer able to make decisions, or stay safe when unsupervised, an assisted living environment for Alzheimer’s care may be an appropriate choice.

4) Skilled nursing

When a person with Alzheimer's deteriorates to a point where they can no longer live alone at all and they need a high level of medical care, a nursing home may be the most appropriate place for him/her.

Some examples of appropriate skilled nursing care include the necessity for assistance with an IV, g-tube, tracheotomy, open wound, ventilator; care usually provided by trained, skilled nursing staff including registered nurses (RNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs).

These options are designed to allow people with Alzheimer's disease to receive the care they need while still maintaining their quality of life for as long as possible.

If you would like more information on this topic and others, sign up for our next “Aging during COVID-19” webinar on Oct. 8 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Register at https://bit.ly/AgingDurngCOVID or call 760-723-7570.

 

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