Senior Home Care Services For Cognitive Deficit Patients
If you have a senior loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or another condition that is causing cognitive deficits, then you may be concerned for their safety. It is unsafe for elderly people who have cognition problems to live alone, and because of this, senior home care services should be considered. Here are some ways a senior home care services provider can help keep your loved one safe and healthy while still living in their own home.
Promoting A Safe Environment
One of the most common causes of accidents and injuries in seniors with cognitive deficits is falling. Individuals with memory loss or dementia may be unaware that their pathways are obstructed by items such as shoes, small robotic vacuum cleaners, tools, dog toys, or even pets.
The senior home care provider can make sure that the person's pathways and stairs are clear and safe so that the senior does not accidentally trip and fall. The provider can also make sure that your loved one is wearing safe, proper-fitting, and non-slip shoes when walking, to further enhance stability, good posture, and optimal ambulation.
The provider will also monitor the individual for wandering behaviors. Many seniors with cognitive deficits develop a condition known as "sundowning," which refers to when people with dementia become confused when the sun goes down. In addition to changes in behavior such as anxiety, agitation, increased confusion, and even combativeness, people with sundowning syndrome may also wander about the house aimlessly. This can lead to falling down the stairs or even leaving the house and wandering away from home.
Medication Safety
The senior home care professional can also make sure that your loved one is taking the correct medication and the right dosages. Many elderly individuals rely on prescription medications to stay healthy and missing a dose or taking too much or too little can result in problems such as unstable blood glucose levels, cardiac arrhythmia, and blood pressure problems.
Although many home care providers are not permitted to actually administer medications unless they are nurses, they can still remind the person to take their medication and ensure that they are taking it per the physician's prescription orders.
If your elderly loved one is challenged by cognitive deficits and is not ready to relocate to an assisted living facility, contact a senior home care agency. The representative will discuss the services offered, costs, payment options, and staff schedule availabilities. For more information, contact a company like Specialty Home Care.