CarePlus

Category: Care for Seniors

  • Springtime: Let’s Declutter, Reset & Take a Healthy Step

    Springtime: Let’s Declutter, Reset & Take a Healthy Step

     

    Declutter

    Slipping on a rug, navigating a cluttered hallway, or missing a step are common ways independent older adults experience falls, often becoming the moment that shifts someone from independence to needing support.

    Most families don’t notice the risks until something happens. Being proactive can make a big difference. Spring is a smart time for a simple safety reset.

    A safer, calmer home does not require a major overhaul. A few focused changes can reduce fall risks, make daily routines easier, and help older adults feel more confident moving around at home. Small adjustments can help keep Mom or Dad safer.

    Start with the “high-traffic” areas — the paths your parent uses every day. Falls are not a normal part of aging, and CDC guidance includes removing trip hazards such as throw rugs and keeping floors clutter-free.

    If you only have an hour, focus on clearing walkways, moving cords out of the way and creating a simple “drop spot” for mail and packages so they don’t end up on the floor.

    When the basics are handled, the home feels safer, more comfortable, and less worrisome.

    If this has been sitting on your “to-do” list for months and you simply don’t have the time, consider bringing in help. Sometimes a little support goes a long way.

     

    Reset

    Take a moment to consider other areas that may be creating stress including transportation to medical appointments, housekeeping, meal preparation, or medication reminders.

    Companionship is another important consideration when aging in place, especially after the loss of a spouse. Isolation can quietly impact both physical and emotional health.

    CarePlus supports families with a variety of care levels designed to adapt as needs change. Having a caregiver provides hands-on, consistent support, often exactly what busy families need. A reliable presence can help manage daily tasks that keep both the home and your loved one safer.

     

    Healthy Steps

    Next, look at routines that build strength and confidence.

    A short walk outside , especially with a caregiver or family member, can be a simple way to add movement without feeling overwhelming. The CDC notes that regular physical activity helps prevent many chronic diseases, lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke, and supports independent living longer. “Moving Matters for Aging Adults”.

    Nutrition is also important, MyPlate has Unique Needs of People Ages 60+ and recommends:

    • Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy (or fortified soy alternatives)
    • Choosing options lower in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium

    Maintaining good nutrition and a healthy weight becomes increasingly important as we age.

    If you or a family member is aging in place and could benefit from support in maintaining a safe home, balanced meals, and healthy movement, CarePlus is here to help.

    Call 301-740-8870 or visit CarePlusInc.com.

  • Talking to Your Loved One About Getting Help at Home

    Talking to Your Loved One About Getting Help at Home

    The beginning of the year is a good time to reset and refresh. For our older adults aging in place, it is a good time to reassess their safety and their own ability to live independently in their current home. During the holidays, you may have noticed that a loved one was having difficulties with housekeeping, daily chores and/or every day activities. If life seems a bit overwhelming for an aging relative it may be time to consider support in the home.

    Approaching the Support Subject

    Your older loved one may be among the 75% of older adults who would prefer to stay in their home and continue to age in place. However, after a lifetime of managing for themselves, it can be hard for your loved one to admit that they need additional help. The emotional aspect of losing their independence along with the physical ability to manage a home, prepare meals, take out the trash, shower every day can be stressful. It is important to start the conversation — remember to meet your loved one where they are and begin the conversation by exploring your feelings and theirs. Approach the topic with care, concern, and curiosity. Listen to their responses and validate them before sharing your own feelings. Express a willingness to work with them on a list of priorities to support them so that they feel comfortable discussing. It starts with a conversation.

    Conversation & Consideration

    When observing an aging adult, what key considerations can help determine whether additional support at home is appropriate?

    • Health: Review your loved one’s medical needs, and assess whether they need help with medication, getting to doctor’s appointments, and other additional support
    • Safety: Do a 360 degree review of the home and identify specific ways that safety can be improved by installing grab bars, moving frequently used items to more accessible shelves, decluttering, or other changes that can make a real difference
    • Isolation: Considering the danger of isolation, discuss how much socializing your loved one is doing, and consider ways to prevent the mental and emotional drain of isolation
    • Daily activities: As we age, everything from bathing and dressing to cooking and cleaning can become more difficult. Assess whether immediate help is needed or talk about some eventual options when the time comes

    What’s next?

    Begin by creating a list of current concerns and prioritizing what feels most urgent. Focus first on the issues that affect safety, health, and overall well-being. Once priorities are identified, develop thoughtful solutions for the top concerns and introduce small changes gradually. Making too many adjustments at once can feel overwhelming, especially for an older loved one, so it’s important to move slowly.

    As changes are introduced, schedule regular check-ins to evaluate how things are going. Some ideas may seem right in theory but prove less effective in practice, making it necessary to adjust the approach. At the same time, new concerns may surface as routines shift. This ongoing evaluation allows you to modify the plan in a way that remains responsive and supportive.

    While rolling out changes over time can feel challenging, stability is essential for older adults, and sudden disruptions can increase stress or resistance. If your location or personal commitments make it difficult to be consistently present during implementation, working with a home care organization can help ensure the plan is carried out smoothly. Professional support can provide consistency, reassurance, and an extra layer of care—helping your loved one adjust while giving you reassurance.

    For more than 30 years, CarePlus has been providing home health care services including skilled nursing care, chronic disease management, post-acute and transitional care, daily activities, companionship and ongoing support, as needed.

    Contact us today to learn more.

  • The Holidays Offer A Chance to Ensure Your Loved One’s Well-Being

    The Holidays Offer A Chance to Ensure Your Loved One’s Well-Being

    Life can get busy, and sometimes the holidays are the only certain time that families can come together, share traditions, and create lasting memories. Between busy work schedules, raising children, and daily responsibilities, the holidays may be the only time of the year to pause and prioritize time with those we care about most. For seniors who live alone or far from family, these visits can be especially meaningful. Not only do they help reduce feelings of isolation, but they also give families a chance to notice important changes that might indicate a need for extra support.

    Risks and Challenges Faced by Older Adults

    As our loved ones age, they can face a range of physical, emotional, and health-related challenges. Sometimes, these problems develop gradually and can go unnoticed without regular, close interactions. That’s why taking time during family gatherings to observe and engage with elderly relatives is so important. It can make a critical difference to catch the early signs that someone needs help before a serious problem arises.

    10 Signs an Elderly Person May Need Help

    Holiday visits are the perfect time to gently assess how your loved one is doing. Here are ten signs that may indicate an older adult could use additional support:

    1. Noticeable weight loss or gain
    2. Unsteady walking or frequent trips and falls
    3. Neglected personal hygiene or unusual odor
    4. Unpaid bills, unopened mail, or confusion with finances
    5. Expired or unused medications, missed doses
    6. Difficulty keeping up with housework or clutter piling up
    7. Changes in mood, withdrawal, or signs of depression
    8. Unexplained bruises or injuries
    9. Forgetting appointments or important dates
    10. Loss of interest in hobbies or social activities

    If you notice one or more of these signs, it may be time to have a conversation about their needs and how best to support them.

    How to Talk to Older Relatives About Their Needs

    The transition from being parented to caring for our parents can be difficult for everyone. After all, our aging relatives have a lifetime of competence to convince them that they do not need help, and they are used to being the advisors. In addition, discussing sensitive topics like health and independence can feel like an interruption of a time of celebration. Begin from a place of empathy and respect, and be prepared to listen. When you start by expressing your care and concern and use specific examples of what you’ve noticed, you can diffuse denial or defensive reactions. Offer reassurance that your goal is to support their wishes to remain safe and comfortable at home. Rather than making decisions for them, invite them to a dialogue in which they can share what kind of help they feel would be most beneficial to them.

    Many seniors prefer to age in place, and with the right resources, it’s possible to do so safely and comfortably. If your loved one could use extra support, there are many options available that allow seniors to continue living independently while getting the help they need. Home care services can provide assistance with daily tasks, medication management, transportation, and companionship, and these services can be customized the specific needs of each family.

     

    Contact CarePlus to learn more about how we can help.

  • The Key to Aging In Place is Awareness

    The Key to Aging In Place is Awareness

    A lifetime of memories builds up in a home, and people often prefer growing old where they raised their children and hope to spend time with the next generation. This rosy vision doesn’t always pan out when the challenges of aging arise, prompting older adults and their children to consider key factors such as home layout, health, and help available. These concerns could mean the difference between staying in the family home or making a late-in-life move.

    Look at the Layout

    Those doorframes with height lines are not the only legacy aspects of a family home. Most of the house was organized when young, strong adults moved in, and rearrangements were probably made to accommodate growing children. Aging in place requires a different design approach, including:

    • Cupboards need to be reorganized to make regularly used items more accessible. For example, cabinets that require a long reach or a stepladder should be avoided.
    • Furniture should be situated to allow easy circulation.
    • Clutter reduction can help make it easier to maintain cleanliness, which is safer for both balance and health.
    • Accessibility may include some minor remodeling (e.g., grab bar installation).

    The key is to identify safety, needs, access, and comfort for an older person with some infirmities. Additional reorganization may be needed for those with memory issues or other specific conditions.

    Healthy at Home

    Day-to-day living is a challenge for people with health concerns. Weakened physiques from heart conditions, arthritis, or osteoporosis may make it more difficult to manage household upkeep. Chores like cleaning, tidying, and grocery shopping require strength. An inability to keep up with these activities can lead to an unhealthy living environment, exacerbating the problem.

    Living in the family home has potential health impacts that increase over time.

    • Medications add up, and older adults often have a pharmacopeia to manage, and arthritis or memory issues can prevent the regular dosage most medicines require.
    • Appointments for medical visits can be difficult to get to when older eyes and reflexes should avoid driving, yet they are even more critical to attend.
    • Isolation becomes increasingly dangerous as people age, since mental health is impacted by loneliness, and minor accidents can be fatal.
    • Activity as simple as going for a walk requires more effort for a person impaired by health issues, but regular exercise, fresh air, and sunlight can promote well-being.
    • Daily Living becomes progressively harder with age, necessitating assistance with tasks such as dressing, hygiene, and cooking.

    Help is Available

    Despite the challenges, knowledge is power. Whether it’s a family member or home healthcare service, having support can make aging in place more feasible. Being strategic and proactive can allow an older person to live a safe and happy life in their home. CarePlus Home Health has been providing a comprehensive range of services customized to meet the needs of its clients in Montgomery County for 30 years. For its contributions to the community, CarePlus is the recipient of the Large Business of the Year award with the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce for 2024. Contact us today by calling 301-740-8870.

  • Is it Time to Assess Your Living Situation and Consider In-Home Care?

    Is it Time to Assess Your Living Situation and Consider In-Home Care?

    As the summer draws to an end and the days grow shorter, it’s natural to consider what changes might be needed to prepare for the coming seasons. This change can turn into a broader reflection on more significant changes that might be necessary in our lives, which is particularly important for people who are getting older and want to continue living comfortably and safely in their homes. As we age, our needs evolve, and adjustments to support our well-being and independence are essential. One significant step in this direction is considering in-home care.

    Recognizing the Need for In-Home Care

    Staying at home while growing older, or “aging in place,” is a priority for many older adults. Moving to new housing can mean giving up on memories, a familiar community, and proximity to a lifetime of cherished friends, services, and activities. However, aging in place can be a challenge since most people do not live in homes that are adapted to the needs of older adults. It is critical to identify these needs and recognize when additional support can help maintain a high quality of life. Consider some of the following issues:

    1. Difficulty with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Routine tasks like cooking, cleaning, or bathing may feel overwhelming or even impossible. They bring greater risk when a person is physically frail or has memory challenges. If you or a loved one is struggling with ADLs, in-home care can provide the necessary assistance to maintain independence.
    2. Frequent Falls or Mobility Issues. Balance and coordination can deteriorate with age, increasing the risk of falls, which can have severe consequences on older bones. In-home care providers can help with mobility and be there for immediate assistance if a fall does occur. They can also help identify ways to improve the home environment to make it safer and more accessible, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
    3. Chronic Health Conditions. Managing chronic illnesses requires medication management, regular monitoring, and specialized care. In-home caregivers can provide support tailored to specific health needs and transportation to medical appointments. By following medical routines and identifying changes in symptoms and overall health, in-home caregivers can make sure that health issues are properly and promptly addressed.
    4. Social Isolation. Aging in place may be preferable to moving, but loneliness and isolation are common challenges for older adults, especially those living alone. In-home care can offer companionship and social interaction, vital for mental and emotional well-being.
    5. Caregiver Burnout. If family members or friends provide care, they may eventually feel overwhelmed. Hiring a professional caregiver can alleviate some of this pressure, allowing loved ones to focus on spending quality time together rather than solely on caregiving duties.

    The Benefits of In-Home Care

    Choosing in-home care can bring numerous benefits, not only for the individual receiving care but also for their families. A trained caregiver can identify and mitigate potential hazards in the home, such as loose rugs or inadequate lighting, and assist with mobility, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. In-home care providers can help manage chronic conditions, see to it that medications are taken correctly, and provide assistance with daily activities, which can lead to better overall health outcomes. Regular visits from a caregiver can reduce feelings of loneliness and provide meaningful companionship, improving mental health and emotional well-being. Finally, knowing that a loved one is receiving professional care in the comfort of their own home can bring significant peace of mind to family members, especially if they live far away or have other responsibilities.

    Preparing for the Future

    As the seasons change, take this opportunity to assess your living situation or that of a loved one. Consider whether in-home care might be a beneficial addition to your current routine. By making proactive adjustments and embracing the support of professional caregivers, you can continue to enjoy the comfort of your home while addressing the evolving needs that come with aging. Whether it’s arranging for minor home modifications, enhancing social connections, or hiring in-home care, the steps you take now can make a significant difference in your ability to age in place safely and happily.

     

    For additional information call 301- 740-8870.

  • Bone and Joint Awareness in the Home

    Bone and Joint Awareness in the Home

    October 12-20 is the annual Bone and Joint Action Week; bone and joint issues can be painful, stressful, and debilitating for many older people. Taking charge of bone and joint health and understanding ways to cope with bone and joint issues can make a huge difference in the quality of life for a person at risk or suffering from problems with these parts of the body. Here are some considerations.

    Some Facts About Bone and Joint Health

    According to the United States Bone and Joint Initiative, “Bone and joint conditions are the most common cause of severe long-term pain and physical disability worldwide, affecting hundreds of millions of people.” Bone and joint conditions include back pain, arthritis, traumatic injuries, osteoporosis, spinal deformity, and childhood conditions, which are predicted to become more common as life expectancy and other risk factors change. Many musculoskeletal conditions can only be treated, not cured, and often, they become progressively worse over time. It is critical to consult with medical professionals if bone or joint pain becomes an issue to diagnose and seek early intervention.

    Taking Action to Deal with Bone and Joint Health

    Aside from medication, there are many ways to cope with bone and joint conditions, including:

    • Stay Active: Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining healthy bones and joints. Consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program.
    • Balanced Diet: A well-balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D should include dairy products, leafy greens, fortified foods, and supplements if necessary
    • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight puts added stress on the joints, particularly the knees and hips. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing joint problems or exacerbating existing ones.
    • Proper Posture and Body Mechanics: Practicing good posture and using proper body mechanics when lifting or performing daily activities can reduce the risk of strain or injury to the bones and joints.
    • Regular Check-Ups: Older individuals need regular check-ups with healthcare providers. They can monitor bone density and joint health and provide recommendations or treatments as required.
    • Medications and Supplements: If prescribed by a healthcare provider, medications or supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin may help manage joint pain and inflammation. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice regarding these.
    • Fall Prevention: Falls can be especially harmful to older individuals with fragile bones. Make necessary modifications to your home environment to reduce the risk of falls, such as installing handrails and using non-slip mats.
    • Pain Management: If you’re experiencing joint pain or discomfort, consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate pain management strategies. This may include physical therapy, over-the-counter pain relievers, or prescription medications.
    • Emotional Well-being: Coping with bone and joint issues can be mentally challenging. Seek emotional support from friends, family, or support groups to help manage stress and improve overall well-being.
    • Assistive Devices: If mobility is limited, consider using assistive devices like canes, walkers, or wheelchairs to maintain independence and reduce the risk of falls.
    • Stay Informed: Stay informed about the latest research and treatment options for bone and joint health. Knowledge is a powerful tool in managing these conditions.

    Be Strategic and Proactive About Getting Help

    When bone and joint conditions begin to impact ordinary activities of daily living, it is essential to work on ways to minimize the impact on your quality of life. In addition to fall prevention for older adults living at home, many issues can interfere with safety and comfort. From something as simple as opening a child-proof medication bottle to lifting heavier cookware in the kitchen, bone and joint pain can interfere with ordinary activities. If this is the case, it is a good idea to consider getting in-home assistance designed to alleviate these challenges. It can be as simple as assistance with cooking, shipping, and medications or more comprehensive full-time care if mobility and capacity are significantly diminished.

    CarePlus has been delivering various services to the Montgomery County area for people who want enough help to manage their challenges due to aging or medical conditions without sacrificing their independence and comfort. Our Flex Care program and other Home Care services offer a critical measure of safety, attention, and peace of mind to older people living with bone and joint issues. Contact us to learn more about how we can help.

  • Being Prepared for Parkinson’s Disease

    Being Prepared for Parkinson’s Disease

    April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and the theme for 2022 is preparing for the future. When you or a loved one are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, preparing for the future includes planning for and managing care related to this progressive disease. Here is some important information regarding Parkinson’s.

    What is Parkinson’s?

    Parkinson’s is a degenerative neurological disorder that affects movement. Symptoms of Parkinson’s include increasing tremors, particularly of the hands, rigid limbs, balance and gait problems, and slow movement or freezing known as Bradykinesia. Treatment options include medications and surgery.

    How Does Parkinson’s Affect Quality of Life?

    Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, which means that the symptoms manifest and change over time. Because of the interference with motor skills that occurs with Parkinson’s, people with the disease experience reduced capacity for activities of daily living. This can include operating machinery such as a car, and even simple activities like taking a walk can be difficult for someone with Parkinson’s symptoms. Other activities, like managing finances, can be impaired because there is a physical element to things like paying bills or simply making a phone call to a financial advisor. As the disease progresses, basic mobility, bathing, dressing, and feeding oneself become impossible without assistance.

    Planning for Parkinson’s

    Generally, a Parkinson’s diagnosis occurs after some symptoms have begun to show, but before the disease has progressed very far. This creates an opportunity to plan for the eventual degeneration of physical abilities that occurs in all people with Parkinson’s. Before reaching the critical phase, a person with Parkinson’s, or their loved ones, should consider where they want to receive care. If they want to remain at home, they will need to plan. This can include some basic or major remodeling that is best done before the need arises. Planning should also include identifying the care that is and will be needed with everything from getting to doctor’s appointments, basic housework, and physical care.

    Based in Gaithersburg, CarePlus Home Health is a Montgomery County home healthcare provider, working with clients in Maryland and Washington, DC. We have a team of experienced caregivers who work with people with Parkinson’s, and we understand the challenge of meeting the change in a person’s abilities as it progresses. We begin our work with a client with a thorough in-home assessment, and we revisit our client’s needs regularly to make sure that they are receiving the care they need. For more information about our special services for people with Parkinson’s, contact us today.

  • Holiday Wellness Check on Aging Relatives

    Holiday Wellness Check on Aging Relatives

    With the holidays comes a chance for families to gather together in celebration. Sometimes, this is a rare opportunity to see a relative who lives far away. If that person is aging and they live alone or with another aging person, it is an excellent idea to check out how they are doing. Phone calls, and even video calls, don’t tell the full story that an in-person visit might reveal about their needs for health, comfort and safety.

    Self-Neglect

    As people age, some ordinary life activities may become increasingly difficult or skipped altogether. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) identifies these signs of self-neglect that can be spotted during a short visit.

    • Hoarding
    • Failure to take essential medications or refusal to seek medical treatment for serious illness
    • Leaving a burning stove unattended
    • Poor hygiene
    • Not wearing suitable clothing for the weather
    • Confusion
    • Inability to attend to housekeeping
    • Dehydration

    If you see these signs, it is time to work with that parent to get some additional care.

    Cognitive Health

    One of the biggest challenges to aging is the failure of cognitive health – the ability to think, process, and remember. Dementia from Alzheimer’s disease or another cause can severely impact the health and safety of a loved one, so it is important to look for signs of impairment. Memory loss, change in mood, taking longer to complete daily tasks, losing items or placing them in odd locations, and repeating questions are among the early symptoms that the NIH warns to look out for. There are many potential causes of these issues, so getting a proper medical assessment is critical for early treatment and intervention.

    Mental Health

    Older people suffer from mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. As they slow down and become frailer, they may limit their social activities, and isolation can both increase mental health challenges and make them harder to identify. Where a relative may perk up for a phone call, their overall mental health might be in decline and need attention. In person, they might be more willing to open up about their struggle.

    Don’t Do it Alone

    Checking in with your loved one’s health care provider, minister and other sources of support is an excellent way to get a clear picture of the situation that your loved one may be reluctant to reveal. If they aren’t available during your visit, you may want to consider working with a professional to do an assessment. Trained social workers and other professionals with experience working with the elderly can help identify red flags and offer suggestions and solutions that may make life easier for your loved one.

    At CarePlus Home Health, we begin all of our relationships with clients by conducting a thorough in-home evaluation. We do not charge for this service, because we think it’s critical to establish trust and assess the situation to propose the right solution. If your loved one is located in Montgomery County, Howard County or Prince George’s County and you would like to schedule an in-home evaluation while you are in town, contact us today.

  • Understanding Bone and Joint Challenges

    Understanding Bone and Joint Challenges

    Our bones and joints become a source of potential serious injury as we age, and because last week was Bone and Joint National Action Week, everyone should be thinking about ways to care for these important body parts. Of course, a diet high in calcium and vitamin D are great for growing kids, but older adults need to continue to take these issues seriously. Here are some facts and tips to consider. 

    Bone and Joint Injury and Disease Facts

    According to the National Bone and Joint Initiative half of adult Americans suffer from musculoskeletal complications and many of these people require medical intervention for care. The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of health, identifies Osteoarthritis, falls and fractures, and Osteoporosis are among the most important health topics related to aging. Currently, there are some basic treatments for bone and joint injury and disease, but these conditions are often cumulative and degenerative, and the best that can be done is treatment of the pain and other symptoms.

    Prevention

    In addition to diet and supplements, the most significant way to prevent and alleviate bone and joint conditions is through a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise strengthens muscles, which eases the strain on bones and joints. Luckily, it’s never too late to start, but if exercise hasn’t been a part of daily activities, it is important to consult with a physician before starting a new program. 

    Treatment and Care

    Individuals with debilitating bone and joint problems, including severe pain, can find their lives impacted in many ways. Simple tasks like laundry, cooking and cleaning can become major hurdles. In order to maximize independence and minimize pain, it is important to follow doctor’s orders about medication and treatment like physical therapy. Where an extra pair of hands can help with things that require dexterity like folding laundry or dicing vegetables, home health care can make a huge difference in continued life enjoyment. 

    At CarePlus Home Health, we work with clients to help them feel able to stay in their homes as long as possible. We do this by assessing their needs and providing trained, professional assistance to round out their lives in the ways that make the most meaningful impact. For clients with bone and joint challenges like arthritis, we can assist with meal preparation, laundry and other household activities that may be impacted. For more information about how we can help, contact us today for a free assessment. 

  • Living At Home With Alzheimer’s

    Living At Home With Alzheimer’s

    For adults with memory impairment like Alzheimer’s, change can be difficult, so it is no surprise that the prospect of moving out of the home and into a care facility is met with resistance. According to research published in the Journal of American Geriatrics, there has been an increased trend for people with dementia to prefer staying at home for as long as possible. However, staying at home presents some significant challenges, particularly for people who live alone. With some awareness and forethought, it is possible to stay at home. Here are some important considerations.

    Managing Activities of Daily Living

    As dementia progresses, many activities of daily living (ADL) become increasingly difficult. From grocery shopping to cleaning, household chores become confusing, and often they are neglected. In addition, personal care like bathing, dressing, and grooming can be forgotten or avoided. As dementia progresses, individuals require increasing assistance with ADLs, which may be beyond the capacity of family, especially if they don’t live together. It’s important to regularly assess the status of ADL abilities and make adjustments to meet increased needs. 

    Assuring Safety

    Individuals with Alzheimer’s suffer from progressive cognitive decline, which impacts many aspects of their safety. Something as simple as remembering to turn off a stove can be a major hazard for someone with memory and focus impairment. Since Alzheimer’s affects older adults, there can be physical challenges that are exacerbated by dementia, such as an inability to problem solve in the event of a medical emergency like a fall or a kitchen accident. Also, dementia can lead to “wandering” – where a person gets lost in their own neighborhood because they simply can’t remember where they live. With care and planning, each of these and many other safety elements can be addressed, and measures can be taken to adapt to increasing impairment as the disease progresses.

    Avoiding Isolation

    Loneliness and isolation are a problem for all people who live alone, but for people living with Alzheimer’s the consequences can have a real, negative impact on their continued ability to live in their own home. A recent Washington Post article identified a significant increase in individuals with Alzheimer’s who experienced isolation due to the COVID-19 protocols. Since dementia can make even simpler technologies difficult to manage, in-person contact is critical to the continued health and well being of people with Alzheimer’s. 

    In order to take care of these and other issues that impact people with Alzheimer’s living at home, we recommend beginning with a thorough assessment by a specialist in geriatric and memory-care concerns. The assessment should look at all of the factors in the home that might pose a difficulty or even a threat. Once the assessment is complete, there are a number of ways to address the findings. In-home care offered by trained specialists like our team at CarePlus Home Health can be an important part of the solution. Located in Montgomery County, our team is highly trained in the care, dignity and safety of our clients with Alzheimer’s. We offer in-home assessments as well as a wide range of customized services to best address the needs of each individual. Contact us to find out how we can help.