If you use TikTok at all, you may have discovered Kate and her nana, Jackie in “Journey With My Nana.” Jackie has Alzheimer’s, and Kate takes care of her. Kate’s videos raise awareness of all aspects of caring for a parent or grandparent with Alzheimer’s, the ups and the downs. It’s not easy, and many people don’t realize how hard it can be. Hiring in-home care providers can lessen the pressure on the caregiver and give them time for self-care as well.
A person with Alzheimer’s can go from laughing one minute to frustrated and spitting, kicking, and punching the next. These mood swings can be mentally and physically damaging. As a family caregiver, you know what it’s like, and it’s likely that you’ve also lost track of yourself.
It’s very easy to focus so much on your parent that you forget about self-care. Self-care is essential, and viewers of Kate’s channel start to see how sad and lonely caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s can be. It’s time to look at your own experiences and put yourself first.
If you’ve reached the point that you can’t do it anymore, don’t feel ashamed or believe you’ve failed. Every family caregiver risks burning out. You’re the opposite of a failure, you’re strong for knowing your limits and ensuring your parent has the best care possible. Sometimes, that care requires the expert knowledge of an in-home care provider who is an Alzheimer’s care specialist as well.
What Do In-Home Care Providers Do?
An in-home care provider may be trained in all stages of Alzheimer’s. They can help with companionship, personal care, and meals. In the latter stages of the disease, your mom can’t chew her foods well, so she needs softer items. Her in-home care aide offers finger foods or softer foods that your mom can swallow on her own.
Your mom’s caregiver can schedule your mom’s appointments and make sure she gets to them on time. A person with Alzheimer’s can become combative due to fear and uncertainty. Your mom’s caregiver knows ways to distract her to ensure she gets to her appointment and has someone to accompany her during the wait to see a doctor or dentist.
In-home care aides help with medication reminders. Your mom will never remember if she took her pills or not. It won’t matter because she has an aide to remind her when to take them, when refills are needed, and to pick them up or arrange delivery.
Your mom never wants to wear light clothing. It can be 90 F and humid, and your mom is putting on jeans, a heavy sweater, and socks. She quickly overheats. With a care aide available to help her with dressing, your mom has someone to help her choose the right clothes for the weather and get dressed correctly.
Get Started With In-Home Care Services
If it’s time for in-home care services, call our agency. They’ll help you arrange services, prepare your mom for her new aide, and work out the best schedule for your mom’s needs. Get started today.
If you or a family member need to hire In-Home Care Services in Huntington NY or the surrounding areas, contact the caring professionals at Star Multi Care Services today at (631)956-8835. We are the Right Choice for Home Health Care Services!
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