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.
Modern technology has enabled people to work and communicate from any part of the world, resulting in many families scattered around several cities and states. However, there are instances when your physical presence and attention are needed. Taking care of a senior loved one presents specific practical challenges that can’t be managed from a distance. Relocating to a new city can be traumatic for your loved one, and there are times when moving closer is the best option. But what are the telltale signs that the time has come?
Today, NursePartners shares some tips to help you recognize and respond to the signs.
Signs Your Senior Loved One Needs You
Parents and close relatives who’ve been leading independent lives may not want children, family, or other loved ones to know they require increased care. You may notice their eyesight is deteriorating, and they’re less mobile and active than before. For example, they may have difficulty with day-to-day tasks, such as driving and cooking. A loss of interest in activities and hobbies they previously enjoyed may indicate they suffer from depression and feel isolated.
Before contemplating any action, take a trip to visit them, and talk to friends and any caregivers. By getting a realistic picture of their current situation, you can make informed decisions on the best plan moving forward.
Taking Steps to Move
One of the primary challenges of moving is finding a new home. The best way to overcome these challenges and avoid an emotion-driven purchase is to rent a property in an area close to where your senior loved one lives to assess the situation.
If you plan to purchase a home, for example, top mortgage lenders can help you. The house you can buy depends on your monthly income and total monthly expenses. It means that you have to add up your monthly expenses and divide the total by your gross monthly income. Some online calculators can assist if you aren’t sure how to calculate your debt-to-income ratio. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, it’s a good idea to get a feel for the market and the prices you can expect.
Lastly, develop a plan to help you prepare for the move itself. Don’t think you need to do everything yourself. You can do yourself a big favor by searching online for “movers near me,” then browsing ratings and reviews to get the best deal.
Getting a jump start on this can make all the difference in the world; the sooner you start making a plan, the smoother the process can be. Sure, there will still be a few bumps in the road, but planning ahead is essential when you’re moving — especially if you’re moving yourself and your business.
Arranging Care for Your Senior Loved One
Your loved one may experience loss of memory, act impulsively, or lose their balance when walking, which may be indicative of the early stages of dementia. Depending on the level of care your loved one needs and the amount of time you can spend taking care of them, consider using professional caregivers’ services. In many cases, seniors require specialized treatment as their condition advances.
Take Preventative Action
Whether or not to move closer to a senior loved one isn’t an easy decision, as it involves several changes for you and the person you’re caring for. By carefully assessing the situation and determining the actual level and need of care, it can help make a move successful in the long run.
NursePartners provides services to assist someone living with this ever-changing condition to help them live fully in their moment. Call 610-323-9800.
Your role as caregiver, family member, or friend evolves with the progression of dementia. Even faced with challenging behaviors, you can still connect with your loved one and fill their day with meaningful activities. NursePartners is here to support you while your relationship evolves with the person living with dementia.
What is their behavior telling you?
We are constantly learning more about the brain’s ability to comprehend messages. This includes messages that are delivered through speech versus writing, in a crowded space versus a one-on-one situation, or even a familiar voice versus one of a stranger.
Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can cause people to act in unpredictable ways. Some individuals become anxious or aggressive while others repeat certain questions or gestures. Messages can be misinterpreted, surprising both the care recipient and caregiver. These types of reactions lead to misunderstanding, frustration, and tension.
It’s important to understand your loved one is not trying to be difficult and that these behaviors are also forms of communication.
Tips for managing behavioral changes
As carepartners, we need to adapt our delivery process throughout the progression of the disease. When we carry on a traditional conversation, we usually engage in a back and forth volley of information. When a person is diagnosed with dementia, it is important to realize that the three essential language skills for processing and sharing verbal messages need to be supported in different ways. These core linguistic skills are:
Vocabulary (the words – the meaning of the content)
Comprehension (receptive language – the ability to process the message)
Speech production (expressive language – the ability to deliver the message)
Certain retained skills will assist you in conveying a message:
Social chit-chat (the back and forth that can mask loss of comprehension, but covers in short simple conversations)
Rhythm of speech (this includes awareness of the rhythm of a question that is seeking an answer, as well as ability to sustain rhythm or hear a rhythm that sounds familiar). Additionally it can and does signal changes in emotion – changes in frequency, intensity, or volume can indicate shifts in emotional state or discomfort.
Rhythmic speech as is present in music, poetry, prayer, counting and even spelling.
What you can do:
There are important supportive phrases that can help when they are used in combination with pauses, inflections, visual cues, props, and partial reflective statement to confirm what was said or south:
Seek more information by being nonspecific, try phrases such as “Tell me more about it.”
Seek demonstration or visual representation with phrases such as “Could you show me how you would use it?” or“Show me how you’d do it.”
Offer simplified options, by using two options at a time, or encouraging yes/no responses. Employ the use of object pronouns.
What can help:
Awareness, knowledge, skill and support for both parties.
Mary Stehle, licensed social worker and Senior Care Advisor says, “A person with Alzheimer’s who has lost the ability to understand and communicate through language is always looking for cues from us as to how to interpret the world. They are constantly reading our tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language. When we are tired, stressed, and resentful, they pick up on this and it often impacts them negatively.” It’s important to remember that asking for help is not an act of selfishness, it’s providing better care for both you and your loved one.
We can be by their side when you can’t be. If your loved one need home care assistance or relief – Contact us today.
NursePartners is committed to providing uncompromised care to those living with a diagnosis of dementia. Our carepartners work with each family to enable safety, comfort and happiness through home-care services.
Falls are a common and serious problem affecting many older adults. Individuals suffering with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia however, are twice as likely to experience annual falls and fractures. This varies from a range of factors including medication, night waking, shuffling, weakening musculature and balance. The first step in protecting your loved one from a serious injury associated with a fall is understanding the risk factors.
The following are common causes of falls:
Health Conditions
While everyone is at risk for falls, older adults are at the greatest risk due to chronic health conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, low blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and other cognitive impairments. While some individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s are in excellent physical condition, many others seem to develop difficulties before cognitive impairment even begins. As Alzheimer’s progresses, it can cause lack of coordination, muscle weakness and diminished joint flexibility.
Reaction Time
As we get older, the nerves that carry information to and from the brain deteriorate. This slows reaction time and the ability to navigate around obstacles. This can be hazardous as seniors do not react as quickly in dangerous situations.
Medication
Many medicines also have side effects, causing dizziness, drowsiness and impaired vision.
Environmental Hazards
Many times, falls can happen because of environmental factors and hazards found throughout the home. These include everything from wet or slippery floors, poor lighting, to tripping hazards such as loose rugs, uneven floors, and trailing wires.
Visual-Spatial Problems
Because Alzheimer’s disease can affect the visual-spatial abilities, an individual can misinterpret and misjudge steps, uneven terrain, shiny areas on the floor or changes in floor color.
What you can do:
Identify the risk factors for your loved one. Many people with Alzheimer’s and dementia suffer from poor eyesight, shuffling gait, muscle weakness and generalized frailty.
Minimize or avoid medications that have been linked to falls. People with dementia are also more likely to fall when taking sedatives, tranquilizers, and antipsychotics.
Exercise is important in preventing people from falling, especially if it includes balance and strength exercises. Ask the doctor about leg strength, gait, and balance evaluations. These tests help can determine physical risk factors.
Consider a physical therapist or occupational therapist. These experts can work with your loved one to develop exercises strengthen joints.
Make sure your loved one has eye tests regularly. Low vision is a huge risk factor for falls, and many vision problems come on gradually but steadily. NursePartners’ use of theGEMTM methodology will also alert us towards changes in vision.
Finally, get a home-safety assessment. Carepartners routinely perform these and can target danger spots and suggest easy improvements. This assessment can focus specifically on the needs of your loved one.
If you or a loved one is thinking about home care assistance, our team would love to help. Contact us today.
Sources:
Heerema, Esther. “Common Causes of Falls in People with Dementia.” Verywell.com. N.p., 31 Dec. 2015. Web. 30 May 2016.
Perkins, Chris. “Dementia and Falling.” Continuing Medical Education 35.1 (2008): n. pag. Web. 31 May 2016.
How can we, family and carepartners, support the people we know living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia?
Keeping loved ones stimulated and providing ability-based care and support cannot be overstated. At NursePartners, we recognize the GEMS™ model as an effective method for providing a treatment plan for individuals affected by dementia. Click here for an introductory overview of the classification system describing the stages of the journey.
By appreciating what is changing and what is still possible, we can provide care that is more effective and less challenging.
Stage 3 – Severe/Late (lasts about one 1-3 years) – Rubies and Pearls
As dementia moves into the final stage, it can be difficult to know how to meet needs. Many lose their ability to control movement and respond to the environment. As memory and cognitive skills worsen, your loved one may need extensive help with daily activities.
The goal of care at this stage is to focus on preserving dignity and quality of life. Although your loved one may lose the ability talk and express needs, you can still connect with them, enjoying interactions and experiences of their past life.
About Rubies and Pearls
Rubies
Rubies experience late stage changes as fine motor skills are very limited. Losses in depth perception, as well as limited visual awareness and major sensory changes result in needed assistance with utensils, brushing, buttoning and moving. Hand-under-hand assistance helps rubies feel safe and secure. Suggested activities together include: reading, playing music, and looking through old photos.
Pearls
Pearls are still and quiet, unable to actively move or respond, with limited awareness of the world. Pearls enjoy pleasant sounds and familiar voices, grasping onto moments of connection. Whether it’s the smell of their favorite perfume, or a beloved radio program, these small experiences can help capture a moment in time and evoke pleasant memories. Being present, patient, and understanding with your loved one will help them escape feelings of isolation associated with late stage Alzheimer’s.
Planning the Day
Tailor the environment with the interests of your loved one. This can allow them to emotionally connect to things they previously enjoyed.
Plan the days to have a balance of restful and active periods to help your loved ones transition slowly and gradually from one to the other.
Observe the person for signs of stress. Keep lights low and noise to a minimum. Consider visiting in smaller numbers.
Use your voice to engage and encourage, talking quietly to tell stories and reminiscing about past events.
Discover which eye they use for vision. Do not obstruct their line of site and get on or below eye level when speaking with them.
At this point in the disease, the world is primarily experienced through the senses. You can express your caring through touch, sound, sight, taste and smell.
Activities for Rubies and Pearls
Playing their favorite music
Reminiscing about past events
Reading portions of books that have meaning for the person
Looking at old photos together
Preparing a favorite food
Rubbing lotion with a favorite scent into the skin
NursePartners is committed to providing uncompromised care to those living with a diagnosis of dementia. Our carepartners are trained in the Positive Approach to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care (GEMS™) and work with families to enable safety, comfort and happiness through home-care services.
If your loved one need home care assistance or relief, our team would love to help.
