A diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease can devastate any family and cause a major upheaval of the family dynamic. However, more families today are opting to care for their loved ones at home as long as possible in order to offer the individual diagnosed with the disease, as well as other family members, with a number of benefits. In order to make decisions regarding care and financial concerns or long-term care options down the line, family members and care providers should recognize at least some of the benefits of providing home-based care for a loved one.
Closeness
One of the greatest benefits of caring for a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer's at home is the opportunity to continue to enjoy that person's company for as long as possible, in a familiar and comforting environment. Certain changes, such as adapting the home for someone with Alzheimer's, will need to be considered, but caregivers, whether family members or professionals, know that familiar surroundings help to decrease anxiety and stress for Alzheimer's patients, which helps to keep them calm.
Comfort
Many spouses, adult children or other family members are uncomfortable about making the decision on whether or not to place Mom or Pop or Grandma or Grandpa or other relative into a nursing home or facility. For those who choose to keep their loved one at home, a comfortable and familiar environment can be maintained. The same bed, a favorite chair, a familiar room all help the person with Alzheimer's continue to feel, at least for a time, that he or she is in familiar territory. Comfort and safety are major concerns for anyone taking care of a person with Alzheimer's, so the ability to provide such comforting surrounding to a loved one offers a great sense of security to them.
Overseeing Care
It's hard to know if Mom or Dad is being taken care of properly if they are in a nursing home or long-term care center. One of the greatest benefits of providing home care for a person diagnosed with Alzheimer's is the opportunity and ability to oversee his or her care on a daily basis. Making sure the patient is properly dressed, bathed and has needs met are great sources of comfort for loved ones.
Quality of Life
Quality of life issues are at the forefront of many concerns regarding Alzheimer's care in the home. However, home-bound Alzheimer's patients still have a greater degree of independence and mobility than those secured in lock-down Alzheimer's units in nursing homes and long-term care centers. With supervision, an Alzheimer's patient cared for at home may still enjoy familiar surroundings, family interaction and stimulus from everyday household activities.
Activities and Involvement
We all know that many nursing facilities are understaffed or that caregivers don't always have the time to spend talking 's residents in nursing homes and care facilities. They may get between 30 minutes to an hour of direct contact with a specific caregiver on a daily basis. Keeping a person diagnosed with Alzheimer's busy with activities will help prevent some feelings of abandonment and fear. Stimulating fine motor skills with cognitive thinking may help prevent rapid decline of both physical and mental function and capabilities.
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