When You Need Alzheimer’s Help and Senior Home Health Care

Alzheimer’s disease spares no one, even the best and brightest and affects both men and women in their 60s.  Without Alzheimer’s help, life would be intolerable for the family with a loved one afflicted with the disease. Fortunately, senior home health care providers have trained caregivers who can manage the care needed by the afflicted to make life easier for family members by providing a support system. 

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s Disease is a form of dementia that is incurable.  It is estimated that 26.6 million people worldwide have this degenerative disease.  It progresses to the point that the sufferers forget their names and past, including the people who love them. 

If they are living on their own, they can have accidents, miss their medication, and even wander off somewhere.  Alzheimer’s help for seniors with this disease can lessen the family’s worries about their loved one. The help they get includes initiating mind games like chess, exercise and dancing, and the preparation of balanced meals.   

Where Can One Get Alzheimer’s Help?

Agencies providing senior home health care services have trained caregivers to provide the assistance needed by the families. Because the care giving is done by shifts, it does not take a toll on the health of the care providers, but it does affect the physical and emotional health of a family member who cares for the patient all the time.

There are various reputable agencies online, which you can check out.  They must be fully licensed to operate, must be bonded, and have reliable staff.  If you need Alzheimer’s help, you have to inform the agency ahead of time or give them 24 hours notice.  They have to match the health caregiver with the needs of the client or the family members. 

Cost of Home Care

If the health insurance covers it, get a long-term care but if this is not feasible, you will have shell out $19 an hour for a home health aide.   For four hours, that will add up to $76 a day and $2,280 per month, or $27,350 a year.

If the patient has Medicare and health insurance, these will help lower expenses. Check out the agency’s policy on payments and if this is Medicare certified.  If home care is your doctor’s orders, Medicare will pay part of the cost for home care.  Contact your local government health agency about health benefits for the aged.

Going to a Senior Home

Alzheimer’s patients placed in nursing homes pay more for the service because the bill includes the use of the facilities and lodging and expert nursing care.  If you are placing your parents in a senior home, check out the following:

·         Location – Is it far from the noise of traffic and is it accessible?

·         Facilities – Are the facilities geared for the use of the elderly?

·         Staff – Is there a doctor on call 24/7?

·         Privacy – Do patients have privacy during treatment and care? Do workers knock on doors before entering patients’ rooms?

·         Atmosphere – Do the patients look happy?

·         Food – Does it look appetizing?

If you do not feel comfortable about the looks of the senior home, get Alzheimer’s help and still provide the best service for your loved ones. You can always check on them and have time for them everyday when you come home from work.