Helping Your Elderly Loved One with Alzheimer’s

Seniors and Alzheimers  |  September 14, 2018

What Every Senior and Family in Victoria, BC Needs to Know About In-Home Care and Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s | There are over 5 million people over 65 in the U.S. suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), according to the Alzheimer’s Association. This disease causes devastating memory issues, behaviour changes, and cognitive problems that eventually affect the victim’s employment and social relationships. Even basic activities of daily living eventually become a challenge.

Chronic Illness and Alzheimer’s Patients

People who suffer from Alzheimer’s have chronic health issues just the same as other adults in this country. People with dementia commonly have at least one other illness or condition. Medical problems most commonly seen are heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, retinal disorders, and chronic skin ulcers. Infections are also common in the elderly.

Managing Health with Alzheimer’s

Managing one’s health care becomes impossible as cognitive problems and memory loss worsen. Alzheimer’s patients can’t comprehend pharmaceutical or nutritional instructions and they don’t recognize that their symptoms are worsening.

Caregivers Can Make a Difference

When caring for an AD patient, you can make a difference as a watchdog and advocate for the older patient’s safety and nutrition. You can provide adequate exercise and sleep, as well. Here are suggestions:

• Keep the living areas safe. Falls are common for seniors so grab bars secured in the bath area work well. A seat in the shower allows the patient to remain seated safely during a shower.
• Offer healthy food. Take care of elderly AD patients with homemade foods, especially for diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol problems.
• Encourage regular exercise. Help the patient stay physically active as long as possible. A stationary bike, exercise balls, or stretch bands can be used. Walking is good for anyone!
• Sleep challenges. Sleeping can be a challenge for seniors with Alzheimer’s. Regular waking and sleeping times in a comfortable sleep environment will promote more restful sleep.

Items to Remember

Remember that AD patients won’t be able to tell you when something hurts so it’s necessary to watch for nonverbal signs of pain or discomfort. Alzheimer’s patients can’t relate any new symptoms or problems with medications, so you’ll have to keep an eye out.

Consult with the patient’s family or doctor if additional help is required. Surround yourself with others who care, too

At Comfort Keepers® Victoria we feel that home is the best place to be.

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with 24-hour care, overnight care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Victoria provides in-home elderly care services

Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Comfort Keepers® Victoria in-home caregivers can help with Interactive Caregiving™

Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit and our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. Personal and empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Learn more about our unique service which offers respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria is proud to provide senior care and home care services to keep seniors safe in their homes.

If you are searching for home care near me, Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for the seniors of Victoria and the surrounding areas of Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.

Quality and Accredited Respite Care for British Columbia Families

Comfort Keepers® Victoria has been accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which industry experts examine an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures against quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada. 

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