Your mom has Alzheimer’s disease and is several years into it. As her main family caregiver, she relies heavily on you, and you don’t want to let her down. But, her behavior is changing lately and you’re not sure you can keep being the only caregiver she has. How do you know when it’s time to bring in more help from an Alzheimer’s and dementia care provider?
She Needs Someone Like an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Aide to Feed Her
Fine motor skills diminish in the latter stages of Alzheimer’s, and it’s going to be impossible for your mom to feed herself. She’ll need a caregiver to sit down and feed her soft foods that don’t take a lot of chewing.
She may need to switch to nutrient-rich milkshakes and smoothies. She may still be able to use a straw, but she might need someone to hold the cup and position the straw for her. An Alzheimer’s and dementia care aide helps with feeding and cleaning up after a meal.
She’s Sundowning
Sundowning occurs when someone with dementia starts acting up at certain times of day, often as the sun shifts position and late afternoon lighting casts shadows. Sundowning often leads to agitation and anger, which can be difficult to manage.
You might find your mom starts to lash out verbally and physically. Protect yourself and have trained caregivers helping out.
She’s Verbally Abusive and You’re Feeling Emotionally and Mentally Drained
Has your mom reached the stage where she is verbally abusive? It’s okay to let someone else take over at this point. Spend time with your mom when she’s lucid and knows who you are. But, you do not have to take the verbal abuse. It’s okay to protect yourself and step back and let someone else take over the main care duties.
Caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s disease is draining. It’s incredibly hard to watch your mom go through memory loss, loss of fine motor skills, delusions, and paranoia. If you’re finding your emotional and mental health being impacted by her changing behaviors, hire Alzheimer’s care aides and take a break.
She’s Bedridden and She Cannot Walk On Her Own
In the latter stages of Alzheimer’s disease, your mom may become bedridden. She needs sponge baths and someone to change her incontinence garments and pads. This level of care may be well above your skill set, and it’s okay to admit you can’t handle some of her care needs now.
Finally, if your mom is no longer able to walk on her own, it’s time to bring in Alzheimer’s and dementia care aides. She’s going to need someone to help her transfer to a wheelchair, use the toilet, and get in and out of bed.
If her ambulation skills have diminished to that stage, it’s important to have caregivers who are accustomed to lifting and supporting her. Call our Alzheimer’s and dementia are specialist to get started.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care in Lamont CA please contact the caring staff at Purpose Driven Home Health & Home Care. Call (661) 412-9730.
Purpose Driven Home Health & Home Care provides exceptional home care for seniors and families in Bakersfield, Wasco, Shafter, Delano, Lamont, Arvin, Taft, Tehachapi, Frazier Park, McFarland, and surrounding areas.
Purpose Driven Home Health & Home Care provides exceptional home care for seniors and families in Bakersfield, Wasco, Shafter, Delano, Lamont, Arvin, Taft, Tehachapi, Frazier Park, McFarland, and surrounding areas.
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