Evolving Care for Alzheimer's Patients: A Focus on Comfort Keepers
Alzheimer's dementia is a complex condition that gradually alters a person's cognitive abilities. In our latest podcast episode, we discuss the importance of early detection, understanding the stages of progression, and providing optimal care. As healthcare professionals, our aim is to equip you with the necessary knowledge to provide the best possible care for your loved ones.
We first delve into the gradual progression of Alzheimer's dementia. The journey begins with occasional memory lapses and escalates to the need for more personal care. Early detection plays a crucial role in managing the condition and slowing down its progression. Routine check-ups and cognitive tests can help diagnose Alzheimer's and differentiate it from other forms of dementia. We emphasize the importance of regular visits to a medical professional for diagnosis and guidance.
In this episode, we also discuss the role of Comfort Keepers, an organization that provides in-home health support. The service evolves over time to meet the changing needs of each individual. We carry out quarterly reassessments and daily note-taking to ensure the care provided is adequate and beneficial. Our primary goal is to keep families updated and involved in the care process.
Transitioning to personal care is a sensitive stage in the journey of Alzheimer's. This is when individuals need help with tasks they were previously able to handle independently, such as showering and using the restroom. We discuss how to handle this transition with grace and dignity, ensuring that the individual's safety and comfort are maintained.
We understand that every individual's journey with Alzheimer's dementia is unique, and the care required evolves over time. That's why we have a system in place to monitor and adjust the care plan as needed. This flexible approach ensures that each person receives the care they need as their condition progresses.
Finally, we discuss the distinction between dementia and Alzheimer's. While the symptoms may seem similar, there are cognitive tests and assessments that can help differentiate between the two. Understanding the difference is crucial in determining the most effective care plan.
To conclude, our podcast episode provides a wealth of information about Alzheimer's dementia, from early detection to optimal care. We hope that this knowledge will empower you to provide the best possible care for your loved ones as they navigate this challenging journey.
Podcast Episode 6 (Evolving Care for Alzheimer's Patience) Transcript
Speaker 1
Welcome to the Comfort Keepers Davie podcast, where we elevate the human spirit. Here's your host, Kristi Gurule.
Jeremy
Hey guys, welcome to the Comfort Keepers Davie podcast Co-host Jeremy Wolf, and I'm here with Kristi Gurule and Kristi, we were just talking about the different stages of Alzheimer's dementia, what folks can do early on and some of what you do from the care side of that. I'd like to progress through this process and move on to the second stage, or the second level here. Once you've determined there's an issue, once you've brought a company such as your own in to help talk a little bit about what that looks like, what people can expect, and then we'll go from there.
Kristi
Okay. So, one of the biggest things is that when we start to care with any of our clients, we describe what this process will look like as the month progresses. So, we will do quarterly reassessments on all of our clients to make sure that what we're performing in the home is still required. Do we need to modify any of those things? And that's where we have incredible caregivers who are in the field doing daily note-taking. I have an RN who watches reads and signs off on every single care log that's done. This is important for families to know because, as your loved one is in our care, if we notice that there is something that needs to be taken care of or something that we need to add to the care plan, we're going to notify you. We want you to be involved with what we're doing to help keep your loved one in their home.
One of the biggest things is when we transition to more personal care is now required. So, where we started out with memory care we're playing, we're doing games we're going to still do those things. We've got a routine. We're helping around the house, making sure that they get to appointments. They're not forgetting those things. But now we're getting to the stage where they're really needing help with their showering. They need help using the restroom A lot more of those things that they were very independent of and now require extra help.
We do that. We're there to do it with grace. We know that that's a very prideful thing and very hard to have to say I need help with these, but we're going to do it and be able to ensure that your family member is still safe and secure in the home as this disease progresses. We go from a couple of days a week to more, and all of this is tailored to each individual's individuals need, like I said, everyone progresses differently and should there be a sudden change, it's never going to be a surprise for us, because we have such great relationships with the qualified individuals that are in your home and great communication with the family. So, you don't live in the state, you don't live in town, you can't make it to moms or dads every day. Don't worry, that's what we're there for. We're there to keep you in the loop of everything that we do in the home.
Jeremy
Yeah, and it seems like such a gradual process when somebody starts to suffer from something like dementia or Alzheimer's, and it could be so gradual that you oftentimes, I'd imagine, can't really pick it up until it's already become too much of a problem. Is there something that I'd imagine? If you went into a doctor early on, they run all sorts of cognitive type tests on folks to kind of determine. But is there some, is there someplace where are they able to ultimately diagnose dementia versus Alzheimer's?
Kristi
Sure, all at your doctor's level, so I won't overspeak what I know, but that's exactly it. There are a lot of cognitive, a lot of cognitive tests that can be done at all stages to be able to determine where we're at, what needs to happen on that side, and then how in-home health can help support what it is that the doctor is saying is the best plan of action for your loved one’s overall health.
Jeremy
Yeah, because I could see how it could be difficult to distinguish, certainly from one’s first person, like from if you're suffering from this from. Is it just brain fog, right? Is it just that, or is this more of an issue that could be certainly an uncomfortable topic for you to talk about? So, I think it just goes back to what we said in last one’s segment, which was taking care of yourself, and making sure you get routine checkups. Don't avoid these things.
Kristi
Yes, all of those things. And then watching over your loved ones and recommending and encouraging really, that's just encouraging them to do the exact same thing. And when we come in even if it's just once a week, it's okay it helps that barrier be broken to say that you can receive help from someone else, and should that service need to increase over time? Absolutely can.
Jeremy
All right, very good. Anything else you'd like to add?
Kristi
I think the two people are the same. Really that's it, and I would hate for any loved one, like you said, to just go to the extreme right. There are a lot of different other conditions that can all manifest themselves to appear like dementia or Alzheimer's, or your medical professional that will diagnose that. But whatever that is, we can be there to help aid in the symptoms that you're received, you're you have at home. We can come to at least help alleviate those.
Jeremy
All right, sounds good. Kristi, we will see you real soon. Take care. See you in the next segment.
Speaker 1
Thank you for listening to the Comfort Keepers Evansville podcast. For more information, visit comfortkeepers.com or call (812) 370-4956.
