Home to over 7 million people, Long Island is an island in the Atlantic Ocean that includes the southeasternmost part of New York. The island’s low rate of unemployment and crime with improved infrastructure contribute to its excellent standard of living and expanding economy, including the healthcare industry.
Statistics showed that one in seven people on the island was 65 years old and above, and by 2035, the ratio is anticipated to be one in five. While some live out to enjoy their retirement, some tend to struggle with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Hence, this calls for a higher demand for Alzheimer’s in-home care in Long Island and age-friendly community support.
Caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s diseases can be daunting and stressful, especially as the illness develops. Managing these changes, along with the need to balance your personal, family commitments, may take a toll on your body. Getting in-home care can ease some of these loads and allow your loved ones to live a better life. Here are three other critical benefits of opting for Alzheimer’s in-home care in Long Island.
Familiar Environment
One of the significant values that home care provides is that it allows the elderly to remain cozy in their homes for as long as possible. This opportunity is far less disorienting for patients with Alzheimer’s compared to having to move to an assisted living institution, a memory care facility, or a nursing home. Being forced into a new place can be extremely overwhelming and scary for this delicate age group.
The familiar territory provides a higher level of security and peace of mind for Alzheimer’s patients. Keeping the patients in a comfortable and stable environment help promotes positive behavior. If the agency is well-versed in Alzheimer’s care, home care can be the optimal starting point. This holds true especially for individuals who need an extra hand in taking care of their loved ones but do not want to delay placement in a long-term care institution.
Personalized Care and Specialized Training in Alzheimer’s Care
Patients with Alzheimer’s have distinct needs, with these needs changing as they progress through the different stages of the disease, namely, the early, middle, and late stages. Hence, the level and services that the Alzheimer’s in-home care in Long Island offers are tailored to the patient’s needs. As the senior’s needs change, so does their care.
Aside from offering assistance with daily life activities (ADLs), companionship, and other core assistance, home care agencies also provide professional training in dementia and Alzheimer’s care for their workers. Common aspects of the training include techniques to stay engage with a senior, how to handle unpredictable behaviors via validation and redirection, and effective communication. Safety training is also part of the professional caregivers’ initial and ongoing education, as patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s are prone to roaming around and other risky conducts.
Symptoms and Behavioral Monitoring
Since Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that worsens as time goes by, in-home care helps monitor the symptoms and habits of patients, conduct check-ins, offer constant communication and decrease preventable hospital readmissions. Home care in Long Island also monitors the behavioral changes of patients, particularly in the form of depression or irritability. Some even help in cleaning and running errands, enabling the seniors to remain calm at all times with less worry.
As people age, most of them want to stay in their houses and communities. The familiarity of being at home provides a sense of security, comfortability, and stability for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Aside from allowing Alzheimer’s patients to remain in a familiar environment, in-home care in Long Island has knowledgable and skilled caregivers who provide personalized care and help monitor their symptoms and behaviors.