Receiving an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be both overwhelming and empowering. While the initial reaction often includes fear and uncertainty, early diagnosis also opens the door to proactive planning. One of the most critical steps in this journey is preparing for case management, a structured approach to navigating the complexities of the disease.
Why Case Management Matters
Alzheimer’s is a progressive condition that impacts memory, thinking, and behavior over time. Each stage brings unique challenges, from managing medications and healthcare appointments to addressing safety concerns and financial planning. Case management provides a roadmap to anticipate and tackle these challenges effectively, ensuring continuity of care and enhancing quality of life for both the individual and their caregivers.
Benefits of Early Case Management
Personalized Care Plans: Case managers assess the individual’s needs, preferences, and lifestyle to develop a tailored plan. This personalized approach ensures that the care aligns with the person’s values and goals.
Resource Navigation: Alzheimer’s care often involves a variety of professionals, from neurologists to social workers. A case manager serves as a central point of coordination, helping families access community resources, support groups, and specialized services.
Crisis Prevention: By addressing potential issues early—such as home safety or legal matters like power of attorney—case management reduces the likelihood of crises that can disrupt care.
Caregiver Support: Alzheimer’s not only affects the person diagnosed but also places significant emotional and physical demands on caregivers. Case managers provide education, counseling, and respite care options to support the caregiving journey.
Taking the First Steps
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, consider consulting with a professional case manager early in the process. Begin by:
Assembling a Care Team: Engage healthcare providers, family members, and a case manager to establish a supportive network.
Discussing Long-Term Goals: Conversations about care preferences, living arrangements, and financial planning can help ensure decisions reflect the individual’s wishes.
Exploring Resources: Reach out to local Alzheimer’s associations, elder care organizations, and legal advisors to understand your options.
Conclusion
While an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is life-changing, early preparation for case management offers a path to navigate the challenges ahead with confidence and dignity. By planning proactively, individuals and families can focus on creating meaningful moments and maintaining quality of life throughout the journey.
Non-medical home care services are a valuable resource for families looking to support loved ones who want to age in place or recover at home. However, misconceptions about this type of care can deter people from exploring these options. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths about non-medical home care.
Myth 1: Non-Medical Home Care Is Only for the Elderly
While many clients are seniors, non-medical home care is not limited to older adults. These services can also benefit individuals recovering from surgery, managing chronic illnesses, or living with disabilities. Home care offers support for people of all ages who need assistance with daily living tasks.
Myth 2: It’s Only for People Who Are Seriously Ill
Non-medical home care is not solely for those with severe health conditions. Many individuals who are relatively healthy but need help with household chores, meal preparation, transportation, or companionship find these services invaluable. It’s about improving quality of life, not just addressing medical needs.
Myth 3: Family Caregivers Don’t Need Outside Help
Family caregivers often take on tremendous responsibilities, which can lead to burnout. Non-medical home care provides respite for family members, giving them time to recharge or focus on other obligations while ensuring their loved ones receive compassionate, professional assistance.
Myth 4: Non-Medical Home Care Isn’t Affordable
Non-medical home care is often more affordable than people realize, especially when compared to the costs of assisted living or nursing facilities. Many agencies also offer flexible plans tailored to fit individual budgets and needs.
Myth 5: Caregivers Are Not Qualified Professionals
Professional caregivers undergo thorough state certified training, background checks, and ongoing education to provide high-quality, personalized care. NursePartners staff is also specifically trained in dementia care, ensuring clients receive expert assistance. This training is applicable even for those not living with dementia.
Conclusion
Non-medical home care can be a flexible, affordable, and effective way to support individuals who wish to maintain independence at home. By addressing these myths, we can encourage more families to consider how these services can enhance the well-being of their loved ones.
If you’re considering non-medical home care for yourself or a loved one, we would love to hear from you: 610-323-9800 !
The holiday season is a special time to create meaningful moments with loved ones, including seniors living with dementia. Engaging in activities tailored to their abilities can foster joy, reduce anxiety, and strengthen connections. Here are ten activities to consider:
Holiday Music Sing-Alongs Music has a unique ability to evoke memories. Play familiar holiday songs and encourage singing along. Keep it simple with classics that resonate with the senior’s past.
Decorating Together Involve seniors in decorating the home or their personal space. They can hang ornaments, string garlands, or arrange holiday-themed decorations. Provide tasks suited to their dexterity and cognitive level.
Baking Holiday Treats Engage them in baking cookies or preparing simple holiday treats. Tasks like stirring, rolling dough, or decorating cookies can be fun and sensory-rich experiences.
Creating Holiday Cards Crafting homemade cards allows seniors to express themselves creatively. Provide pre-cut materials, stamps, or stickers to make the process easy and enjoyable.
Reminiscing Over Old Photos Bring out old family holiday photos and share stories. This activity can spark positive memories and provide an opportunity for connection.
Watching Classic Holiday Movies Choose lighthearted, familiar holiday films or TV specials. Watching together creates a cozy atmosphere and can bring comfort.
Sensory Activities Incorporate sensory-rich activities, such as arranging holiday-scented candles, touching soft decorations, or smelling spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. These experiences can evoke pleasant emotions.
Holiday-Themed Puzzles Large-piece puzzles or simple holiday-themed games like matching cards are excellent for maintaining focus and providing entertainment.
Hosting a Small Holiday Tea or Cocoa Party Organize a quiet, intimate gathering with seasonal beverages and soft holiday music. This offers social interaction without overwhelming stimulation.
Walking Through Festive Lights Take a leisurely stroll or drive through areas with holiday lights. The colorful displays can be mesmerizing and uplifting.
When planning these activities, always prioritize the senior’s comfort and preferences. Keep the environment calm and avoid overstimulation. By focusing on what brings them joy, you can create holiday moments they’ll cherish.
NursePartners has supported thousands of older adults in the Philadelphia area. We know that in order to provide care, we first have to connect. This enables us to build trusting relationships and are conducive to providing good care.
If you would like to learn more about home care or GEM (dementia) care services, call us today: 610-323-9800.
Teepa Snow, a renowned dementia care expert, developed the Positive Approach to Care (“PAC”) to provide compassionate and effective caregiving strategies, especially for those living with dementia. Bathing is often a challenging task for older adults, particularly those with memory or cognitive impairments, but Teepa’s approach offers valuable insights to make this experience more comfortable and respectful.
Key Principles for Bathing:
Create a Positive Environment: Teepa emphasizes the importance of setting the right mood before bathing. The environment should be calm, well-lit, and warm, reducing sensory overload that may trigger anxiety. Avoid rushing, as this can create unnecessary stress.
Use Hand-under-Hand® Technique: This method involves placing your hand underneath the older adult’s hand, helping guide them through the bathing process while preserving their sense of control. It fosters a sense of connection and reduces resistance by making the person feel they are part of the process, not just the recipient of care.
Focus on Comfort and Safety: Teepa advises caregivers to always prioritize the person’s comfort. Ensure the water temperature is appropriate, and consider using a washcloth for sensitive areas instead of directly using the showerhead, which can be startling. Providing towels for warmth and maintaining privacy also help the older adult feel secure.
Be Mindful of Language and Approach: Teepa recommends approaching from the front, making eye contact, and using a soft, reassuring tone. Avoid giving too many instructions at once, as this can confuse or overwhelm the person. Instead, guide them step-by-step and use visual cues to help them understand the process.
Adapt to Their Abilities: If the older adult can participate, encourage them to do what they can, such as washing certain parts of their body. This involvement can help preserve dignity and foster independence.
Conclusion:
By following Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care, caregivers can transform the often challenging task of bathing into a more comfortable, cooperative, and dignified experience for older adults. Her focus on empathy, communication, and person-centered care ensures that the needs and feelings of those being cared for are always respected.
A Professional, Non-Medical Home Care Company Can Help
As people age or face chronic health conditions, they need assistance with daily tasks. This can be done while they age at home, as independently as possible. Non-medical home care companies provide support for everyday activities like bathing, meal preparation, social engagement, and housekeeping.
What is Non-Medical Home Care?
Non-medical home care helps with activities like personal hygiene, cooking, light housekeeping, mobility assistance, and companionship. Caregivers focus on assisting with daily living while allowing individuals to stay in their own homes, wherever home may be.
When to Consider Non-Medical Home Care
Here are some signs it might be time to employ a non-medical home care service:
Difficulty with Daily Activities: When tasks like bathing, dressing, or eating become difficult, non-medical caregivers can help.
Chronic and Progressive Conditions: Those with conditions like arthritis, COPD, or dementia may need help keeping a routine.
Post-Surgery Recovery: After surgery, people might need support with daily tasks while they regain strength.
Caregiver Burnout: If family members are overwhelmed by caregiving duties, non-medical services offer respite.
Social Isolation: Non-medical caregivers provide companionship for individuals who may feel lonely.
Household Management Issues: Difficulty with cleaning or cooking is another reason to seek assistance.
Benefits of Non-Medical Home Care
Personalized Care: Services are tailored to individual needs.
Cost-Effective: Home care is often more affordable than assisted living.
Independence: Caregivers help people remain in their homes.
Support for Families: Caregivers ease the burden on family members.
Choosing a Provider
When selecting a non-medical home care company, consider their reputation, the qualifications of caregivers, the flexibility of services, and transparent pricing.
In summary, non-medical home care is an excellent option for those who need help with daily activities but want to stay independent. Recognizing the right time to seek this support ensures a safer, higher quality of life.
Want to learn more? Call us today at 610-323-9800.
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a progressive neurological disorder caused by the buildup of abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in the brain. This results in both cognitive and motor impairments, which worsen over time. Here, we’ll explore some of the extreme symptoms that can emerge as the disease progresses.
1. Severe Hallucinations and Delusions
A hallmark of LBD is vivid visual hallucinations, often involving people, animals, or objects. Over time, these hallucinations become more frequent and intense. Patients may also experience delusions, like Capgras syndrome, where they believe their loved ones are impostors. These false beliefs can cause paranoia, fear, and mistrust, making caregiving especially difficult.
2. Cognitive Fluctuations
Cognitive function in LBD patients can fluctuate dramatically, even within a single day. Patients may switch between near-normal cognition and extreme confusion. During severe episodes, individuals may not recognize familiar people or become completely unresponsive, leading to significant distress for both the patient and their caregivers.
3. Severe Parkinsonism and Mobility Issues
LBD often causes Parkinson’s-like motor symptoms, including tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement. In advanced stages, these symptoms worsen, leading to severe mobility impairment. Many patients eventually become bedridden, needing full assistance with daily tasks. The risk of falls also increases, making mobility challenges even more dangerous.
4. Sleep Disorders and REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
Patients with LBD frequently suffer from severe sleep disturbances. The most extreme form is REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), where individuals physically act out their dreams, sometimes violently. This poses a risk of injury to both the patient and their bed partner. Insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness are also common, worsening cognitive and emotional symptoms.
5. Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction
LBD often disrupts the autonomic nervous system, leading to extreme symptoms like:
Blood pressure fluctuations: Frequent dizziness and fainting due to orthostatic hypotension.
Bladder and bowel dysfunction: Incontinence or severe constipation.
Body temperature regulation issues: Difficulty feeling comfortable, leading to extremes of feeling too hot or cold.
These complications can worsen overall health, leading to additional challenges like dehydration and infections.
6. Medication Sensitivity
LBD patients are highly sensitive to certain medications, especially antipsychotics. These drugs can exacerbate symptoms, causing severe side effects like worsened motor control and even life-threatening conditions. Non-drug approaches are often preferred, though options for managing psychiatric symptoms are limited.
Conclusion
Lewy Body Dementia is a complex and severe condition marked by extreme symptoms such as hallucinations, cognitive fluctuations, motor impairments, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms make caregiving challenging and require comprehensive, specialized care. Awareness of the extreme nature of LBD’s symptoms can help families and caregivers better understand and manage this debilitating disorder.
NursePartners has helped thousands of families in the Philadelphia region, caring for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body disease, and other forms of dementia. Call us to learn more about how we can best support you, 610-323-9800.
Expertise and Experience Professional caregivers bring specialized knowledge and training in geriatric care, enabling them to address the unique needs of older adults. Their experience helps in managing chronic conditions, ensuring medications are taken, and recognizing early signs of health issues, ensuring a higher standard of care.
Personalized Support Professional caregivers assess the individual needs of each older adult on an ongoing basis, providing tailored assistance that can enhance their quality of life. Whether it’s help with daily activities, companionship, or specialized care, personalized support can lead to better outcomes for seniors.
Improved Safety Having a professional caregiver can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries at home. They can help prevent falls, ensure safe mobility, and manage medications properly, creating a safer living environment for older adults.
Emotional and Social Well-Being Professional caregivers often provide companionship, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. Their presence can foster social interaction, engage seniors in meaningful activities, and promote emotional well-being, which is crucial for mental health.
Relief for Family Caregivers Professional caregivers can alleviate the burden on family members, allowing them to take breaks, recharge, and manage their own lives more effectively. This respite can prevent caregiver burnout and maintain healthier family dynamics.
Caring for someone living with dementia is both a profound privilege and a significant challenge. As the prevalence of dementia rises globally, caregivers—often family members—are increasingly feeling the weight of this demanding role. Here are some of the key challenges they face.
NursePartners works with families every day to help alleviate these burdens.
Emotional Strain
Caregivers frequently experience a range of intense emotions, from grief over the loss of the loved one they once knew to frustration when faced with the individual’s cognitive decline. The unpredictable nature of dementia can lead to feelings of helplessness and anxiety, as caregivers navigate daily changes in behavior and mood.
Physical Demands
The physical toll of caregiving can be substantial. Many caregivers find themselves engaged in strenuous tasks, such as lifting or assisting with mobility, which can lead to exhaustion and even injury. The round-the-clock nature of care means that caregivers often have little time for their own self-care, leading to burnout and health issues.
Social Isolation
Caregiving can be an isolating experience. Many caregivers withdraw from social activities due to the demands of their responsibilities, leading to loneliness and a diminished support network. This isolation can exacerbate feelings of stress and depression, making it crucial for caregivers to seek social connections, even if it requires extra effort.
Financial Burdens
The financial implications of caregiving are significant. Many caregivers reduce their work hours or leave their jobs entirely to provide care, resulting in lost income. Additionally, the costs associated with medical care, therapies, and sometimes institutional care can be overwhelming, creating financial strain for families.
Navigating Healthcare Systems
Caregivers often find themselves acting as advocates for their loved ones, which requires navigating complex healthcare systems. This can involve coordinating appointments, managing medications, and communicating with multiple healthcare professionals—tasks that can be both time-consuming and stressful.
Lack of Training and Resources
Many caregivers lack the training needed to manage the specific challenges associated with dementia care. This includes understanding the progression of the disease, effective communication strategies, and coping techniques for difficult behaviors. Access to resources and training programs can help alleviate some of these challenges, but many caregivers remain unaware of available support.
Conclusion
The challenges faced by caregivers of individuals with dementia are multifaceted and deeply impactful. Addressing these issues through better support systems, access to resources, and community engagement is essential for improving the well-being of both caregivers and those they care for. By fostering a more supportive environment, we can help caregivers navigate their roles with greater resilience and compassion.
NursePartners supports older adults and their loved ones by uplifting the burden of caregiving. We would prefer loved ones enjoy their moments with their friends and relatives, while we take care of the hands on care.
As we know, often it is not what we say, but how we say it, that impacts our probability of success. It is no different than with caregiving.
Someone living with dementia is grappling with a loss of control. They are older adults who have lived their entire lives, led successful careers, raised families, and are used to being in control. It is not easy to accept the fact that they need help from others to carry on with basic tasks.
Therefore, consider the following phrases and how we might change them:
I want you to … –> May I help with that?
You need to … –> Can I do that with you?
That’s not what I told you … –> Would it be alright if?
No, not like that… –> How about we try it this way?
You can’t… –> How do you feel about this?
Let me do that for you… –> How about we do this together?
Why don’t you… –> Do you prefer this or that?
Don’t you remember? –> This is your (house/sister/son,etc.).
Please do this… –> Would you like to do that now or in a few minutes?
In addition to changing our phrases, we can also use new ones when we encounter difficult situations. If your loved one in angered or frustrated, acknowledge how they feel and explicitly express empathy. They do not like their situation any more than you. This will help them feel understood.
Some of these ideas came from the Mayo Clinic’s magazine “Living with Dementia”, specifically Chapter 3, p. 42.
Late-stage dementia can be a tough and challenging time for caregivers and loved ones. However, understanding what to expect during this stage can help make the experience more manageable. The progression of dementia is marked by changes such as memory loss, language impairment, and carrying out familiar daily tasks. Though it’s difficult to predict the exact course of this progressive disorder, the last stage of dementia has specific identifiable characteristics.
As caregivers, it’s important to understand what happens in your loved one’s brain and how that affects their behavior and capabilities. At NursePartners, our Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), also known as CarePartners, support and care for dementia patients whether they are aging at home or in a healthcare facility. We’ll connect with your loved one as they endure the last stage of dementia symptoms, which can be a challenging and emotionally charged experience.
It’s important to understand the final stages of this disease so you can better adjust your care techniques to be more effective. In this post, we’ll let you know what to look out for during the final stages of dementia.
What is Late-stage Dementia?
Late-stage dementia is the final stage of progressive brain disorder. This is when symptoms become severe enough to significantly interfere with daily life and everyday activities. The exact symptoms will vary from person to person, but they can be extremely challenging for the individual and their caregivers.
At NursePartners, we are trained in using The GEMS™: Brain Change Model, designed by world-renowned occupational therapist Teepa Snow. We use this approach to connect with and care for patients at every stage of dementia.
Under The GEMS™: Brain Change Model, Dr. Snow categorizes dementia stages as gemstones. It’s an approach that encourages a strong care partnership by seeing your loved one as precious, unique, and capable. Our CarePartners use this model to help them to live fully in their moment. The advanced stages of dementia are classified as follows:
Amber
Ambers prefer to live in the present and are sensation-driven, manipulating, gathering, and touching objects. They emphasize wants and needs and occasionally wander while unaware of risks. Since they have trouble comprehending and expressing needs due to their limited communication ability, choosing familiar and sensory-stimulating activities is best.
Ruby
Rubies start to lose their motor coordination. They also experience difficulty with visual awareness and major sensory changes, causing them to require assistance with everyday activities and actions such as brushing, buttoning, and walking. Hand-under-hand assistance helps rubies feel safe and secure.
Pearl
In the last stage of dementia are our Pearls. They are oblivious to their surroundings like a pearl layered and concealed within a shell. They are also motionless and quiet. Pearls cherish intimate moments by clinging to pleasant noises and recognizable voices.
What are the Symptoms of Dementia Towards the End of Life?
The symptoms of late-stage dementia can vary depending on the underlying cause. Still, people in the last stage of dementia are more likely to experience a decline in physical and cognitive function.
The last stage of dementia symptoms include:
Difficulty remembering names and faces
Struggling to speak coherently
Having a limited understanding of what is being said to them
Inability to walk
Difficulty swallowing and feeding themselves
Inability to use the toilet independently.
They may also suffer from weight loss, incontinence, and sleep problems. In addition, people with late-stage dementia are at an increased risk for falls and other accidents. As the condition progresses, they typically become bedridden and require around-the-clock care.
Further changes are common as a patient’s condition deteriorates within a few days or hours of dying. The person may:
worsen more quickly than before
lose consciousness
be unable to swallow
become agitated or restless
develop an irregular breathing pattern
have a chesty or rattly sound to their breathing
have cold hands and feet.
How Long Does the Late-stage of Dementia Usually Last?
On average, the final stage of dementia last one to two years. Ultimately, the length of time a person spends in the last stage of dementia will depend on many factors, including the underlying cause of the disease and the individual’s overall health.
How to Support Someone During the Last Stage of Dementia?
Knowing that your family member or friend is near the end of life can be devastating, but making some plans may make things easier. When someone reaches the final stages of life, one of the main concerns is ensuring they are comfortable and as pain-free as possible.
There are a few things that you can do to manage difficult behaviors associated with late-stage dementia:
Create a calm and safe environment: Make sure the space around them is uncluttered and free from potential hazards. Consider using soft lighting and calming music to create a soothing atmosphere.
Encourage communication: Try engaging them in conversation and activities they enjoy. This can help them feel more connected and less frustrated.
Provide support: It is important to provide physical and emotional support to the person with dementia and other caregivers. This can help reduce stress levels and prevent burnout.
Professional Help for Late-Stage Dementia Available in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware Counties
For 20 years, NursePartners has supported families by providing compassionate and experienced nurse care to their loved ones living with dementia. We will work with you to devise a comprehensive care plan for your relative.
Contact us today by calling 610.323.9800 for a free consultation. You may also complete our online contact form.
