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

The Best Senior Home Care Provider in Victoria, BC, is Comfort Keepers®

Firstly, if you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can help with 24-hour care. We offer senior care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Victoria Provides In-Home Elderly Care Services

Aging in place means keeping seniors happy and healthy at home. Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers provide seniors with the highest quality of life possible. In particular, our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria In-Home Caregivers Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™

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

Senior Homecare in Victoria, BC

Our unique services offer families respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care. To learn more, contact 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 you, we can help! Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for Victoria and surrounding areas. Service territory includes 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 achieved Exemplary Standing accreditation from Accreditation Canada. This accreditation, a rigorous evaluation of organizational processes, policies, and procedures against established quality standards by industry experts, signifies that Comfort Keepers’ offices have successfully met or surpassed the stringent benchmarks for Home Care companies as defined by Accreditation Canada.

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