June - Alzheimer's and Brain Health Awareness Month
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common cause of dementia. June marked the time to recognize and understand the impact that Alzheimer’s and other memory debilitating illnesses have on individuals and families. Helios Care understands the unique challenges that caregivers face, which may warrant extra in-home support as their loved one’s disease progresses.
Caregivers who watch someone they love suffer from Alzheimer’s or forms of dementia is incredibly difficult, and it can be even more challenging to decide when it’s time to choose hospice care. Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects an individual’s cognitive and physical function. As the disease progresses, the patient and their family may experience increased difficulties and challenges on a daily basis.
The in-home support provided by the hospice team can help to alleviate stress on caregivers and reduce unnecessary visits to the hospital or emergency room. Our goal is to support caregivers in keeping patients safe and comfortable at home, while also empowering them to prioritize their own well-being by providing the family with a range of support services.
Helios Care is here to help by sharing some physical signs that it may be the right time to consider the extra support provided by our expert hospice team for an Alzheimer’s patient.
- Dependence on others for personal care. Needs assistance with activities of daily living, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, etc.
- Suffering from more than one illness. Suffers from two or more conditions that decrease quality of life.
- Physical and behavioral changes. Experiences significant weight loss, has an increased difficulty swallowing, increased frequency of hallucinations or confusion.
- Increased frequency of infections, ER visits or hospitalizations. More vulnerable to infections, such as pneumonia, sepsis, or non-healing wounds.
The #1 indicator for hospice eligibility is if the individual cannot speak more than 6 intelligible words throughout the course of an average day.
Call Helios Care today if a loved one is experiencing these symptoms. A free in-home evaluation or consultation can be provided to you and your family. Call (607) 432-5525 to speak with us today.
