September 17, 2013
Routine and familiarity have long been proven to help people with dementia feel safe and calm, which is why many families prefer to keep their loved ones at home for as long as possible rather than move them to a facility. And now, a new care system for people with dementia is proving that caring for a loved one at home actually improves quality of life as well.
The program begins with a home visit by a care team made up of a nurse, a psychiatrist and a care coordinator. The team determines the person’s specific needs, such as fall-proofing the bathroom or keeping track of medications, and counsels the person and his or her caregiver. The care coordinator follows up at least once a month, depending on the person’s needs. Researchers tested the effectiveness of this program for 18 months in more than 300 people over the age of 70 who had mental impairments, most commonly dementia. Among the people who received counseling and follow-up, 70 percent were still living at home at the end of the 18 months. In contrast, about 50 percent of a usual care (“control”) group had moved into a nursing home, hospital or assisted-living facility, or passed away. Learn more in this article from MedicineNet.com.
Continuum has long believed that family caregiver education is key when it comes to providing long-term in-home care for people with Alzheimer’s. We can train family caregivers in successful Alzheimer’s communication techniques, and we also have professional caregivers who can give family members respite to relieve stress and care for themselves. Plus, our caregivers are skilled in the art of patient Alzheimer’s care. Contact us to learn more!