Alzheimer’s disease affects memory, thinking, and even behavior. The condition makes it incredibly difficult for aging adults to perform everyday activities and even to stay on target with health goals. Alzheimer’s care providers can be instrumental in helping their patients to stay as physically healthy as possible, contributing to their overall well-being.
Offering Companionship and Encouragement
Companionship during physical activities can go a long way toward helping aging adults with Alzheimer’s disease to embrace being more active. Sometimes the thought of exercise can be intimidating for people who have Alzheimer’s disease. Having someone beside them offering encouragement and companionship can make those activities feel less impossible and keep them engaged. Some of the ways seniors might stay active, like walking, truly lend themselves to a conversation as well.
Tailoring Movement to Needs and Abilities
Home care providers are also equipped to tailor exercises according to the individual’s abilities and comfort levels. They can modify routines to match the senior’s physical strength and progressively increase the intensity as their fitness improves. This personalization ensures safety, prevents injuries, and maximizes the physical benefits derived from each activity.
Assisting with Other Healthy Lifestyle Needs
Beyond being more physically active, seniors with Alzheimer’s disease might need to look at other lifestyle changes, like improving their diet a bit. Alzheimer’s care providers can help aging adults to eat nutritious meals and snacks all throughout the day. They’re able to keep up with the tasks that are more difficult for Alzheimer’s patients, like planning meals, shopping for groceries, and actually preparing the meals. Getting the right nutrients can help seniors with Alzheimer’s to feel better and to have better health outcomes overall.
Establishing Good Sleep Routines
Random sleep habits can be debilitating for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Being able to get enough sleep helps the brain to function as well as it possibly can. Proper sleep also contributes to overall physical health, which is crucial for every aging adult. Home care providers are able to work with seniors to gradually establish helpful sleep routines that support getting plenty of quality sleep every night.
Offering a Comforting Presence
The emotional well-being of Alzheimer’s patients is another critical aspect that Alzheimer’s care providers address to promote physical wellness. Alzheimer’s disease can stir up a range of emotions in patients, including confusion, anxiety, and frustration. Caregivers offer a comforting presence and necessary emotional support, helping patients manage these feelings. They lend a listening ear, offer words of reassurance, and use calming techniques to alleviate anxiety. By addressing emotional health, they indirectly contribute to better physical wellness, as emotional distress can often manifest as physical symptoms.
Coordinating with Healthcare Providers
Alzheimer’s care providers also coordinate with healthcare professionals to help their patients to stay on target with their physical health. They can accompany patients to medical appointments, aid in medication management, and ensure communication between different healthcare providers. This role is crucial in maintaining the overall health of the patient and preventing potential complications that could affect physical wellness.
Alzheimer’s care providers work with their patients to promote physical wellness in so many different ways. Their contributions greatly enhance quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients and offer support that the families need as well. Keeping seniors with Alzheimer’s disease as physically healthy as possible helps to keep them at home where they’re comfortable.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable Alzheimer’s care in Suwanee, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.
We provide elder care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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