Patients with Alzheimer's can have complex care needs. Often the disease can seem to peak and flow, with the patient having some lucid moments in between times when they are confused, upset or unwell. Private home care can help patients to stay at home for as long as possible, which can be particularly valuable for early-onset patients (where symptoms start before 65) who often have family who want to spend as many moments with them as possible before the disease progresses to a point they don't recognise family. 

Housekeeping and personal hygiene requirements

Patients with early-onset Alzheimers can forget to do basic household tasks such as cleaning, laundry and preparing meals. Private home health care can help to organise these tasks and ensure that the patient is well cared for. They can also help them to remember to do basic personal hygiene tasks such as wiping after the toilet, brushing teeth and having regular showers. This can help the household to manage the increased load of caring for a family member with Alzheimer's and lets the family focus on spending quality time together. 

Respite for carers

It can be very stressful for carers to manage the personal safety of their loved one when out and about, especially as the diseases progresses and they become more easily stressed. Having a home health care allows the family members to leave the house for errands and know that their loved one is safe and being cared for at home. This can be very useful for the family members as caring for someone with Alzheimer's Disease can be a 24-hour-a-day job, particularly if they often get confused and try to leave the house unaccompanied.

Nursing help

As the disease progresses, many patients require help with eating and swallowing food or may need to have nasogastric (feeding) tubes inserted to keep their food levels up. Home health care workers can help to monitor the patient's condition and see when they need additional food or hydration support. Additionally, many patients with Alzheimer's are placed on medications such as anti-psychotics in order to manage moods and paranoia as their condition worsens. Home health care workers can help to monitor the effectiveness of the medication and adjust dosages as required, as well as check for any side effects. 

If you or a loved one needs some help to care for a family member with early-onset Alzheimer's stay at home for longer, it can be a good idea to use a home health care service to support the household.