Helping Seniors Who Suffer from Alzheimer’s or Other Chronic Diseases

Alzheimer's and Dementia Care  |  September 14, 2018

What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB Needs to Know About Disease Management

Helping Seniors Who Suffer from Alzheimer’s | According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are over 5 million people in the U.S. over 65 years old with this devastating disease. Alzheimer’s disease causes thinking and memory issues, as well as behaviour changes that eventually affect an adult’s work, family, and social relationships. Even basic activities of daily living become problematic.

Chronic Conditions in Alzheimer’s Patients

People with Alzheimer’s Disease in the U.S. have chronic health issues just the same as other older adults. People with dementia usually suffer from at least one other chronic disease or health condition. Other common medical problems include heart disease, diabetes, stroke, arthritis, chronic skin ulcers, and retinal disorders.

Managing Health

Memory loss, lack of judgment, and inability to reason make one’s healthcare management impossible. An Alzheimer’s patient won’t be able to safely follow pharmaceutical or nutritional instructions and they also won’t recognize when conditions are worsening.

Caregivers Can Help

As a caregiver of an Alzheimer’s patient, you may be able to lower the discomfort from chronic disease by overseeing the older patient’s safety and nutrition. You can also make provisions for adequate exercise and sleep. Here are some tips:

• Be sure living areas are safe. Since falls may be common, it’s a good idea to secure a grab bar in at least the bath area. A shower bench will allow the adult to be safely seated during a shower.
• Provide healthy food. The elderly patient needs healthy foods, especially for conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol.
• Encourage adequate exercise. Chronic conditions become more challenging as the disease worsens. Perhaps the patient can use a stationary bike, exercise balls, or stretch bands, or just take a walk with you.
• Resolve sleep issues if possible. Sleeping through the night can be challenging for seniors with Alzheimer’s. Create a comfortable sleep environment to promote restful sleep, with regular sleeping and waking times.

Additional Things to Consider

Someone with Alzheimer’s Disease cannot give details about additional symptoms or problems with medications. Remember that Alzheimer’s patients can’t tell you if something hurts so you need to pay attention as to whether there are noticeable signs of pain or discomfort.

Consult with the Alzheimer’s patient’s medical specialist for information and additional help. When working with an older adult suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, surround yourself with others who care, too.

Comfort Keepers® in Edmonton Can Help with In-Home Elderly Care!

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help. Comfort Keepers®’ trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. 

Companionship and Interactive Caregiving™

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Moreover, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Learn more about our unique service offering by contacting the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office. If you live in Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. Is Invoicing the Right Option for You?  Read more about the program HERE.

Comfort Keepers Edmonton is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. Awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. Our Edmonton location has achieved the highest available certification in Canada for Home Care services, clearly demonstrating Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton.

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