Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
When we attempted to create an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program, we kept several goals in mind. We hoped to….
- Offer a real alternative to assisted living for people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, especially in the early stages
- Allow individuals to continue to enjoy life, be safe and remain in their homes for as long as possible
- Provide respite for concerned family members
DCAP – Dementia Care and Activities Program
According to several studies, the areas most affected by dementia are memory, learning, language, attention and the ability to sequence or organize. Attention span and concentration diminish as dementia progresses. At the same time, remaining abilities in the earlier stages of the disease typically include routine or habitual tasks, social skills, movement and rhythm, long-term memory and sensory functions.
When we designed our Dementia Care and Activities Program (DCAP) we attempted to:
- Utilize the remaining abilities for as long as they stay intact
- Establish a routine and a sense of structure to create consistency and reassurance
- Plan activities for shorter, rather than longer, time periods in a controlled environment to compensate for diminishing attention span and concentration (making the home ideal)
Our customized program begins with an interview of the individual, family and any other concerned parties. A questionnaire is completed which tries to identify the likes, dislikes and activities the individual with Alzheimer’s has enjoyed throughout their life.
Based on the results of the interview and questionnaire, a caregiver is selected. Each caregiver is taught a set of “Rules of Engagement”* to give them the best opportunity to connect with their clients during activities. AcQuire Training Solutions, our award winning training program, also makes available up to 30 hours of additional training resources. Patience and flexibility are emphasized because what works today, may not work tomorrow. Our caregivers also perform all of the duties of a regular companion….
- Assistance getting through daily activities
- Companionship
- Meal preparation
- Laundry
- Transportation, including to and from doctor’s appointments
- Light housekeeping
- Medication reminders
- Supervision with hygiene
- Engagement activities (games, hobbies, social outings, etc.)
Also based on the questionnaire, we select activities that have a similar theme to hobbies the individual has participated in and enjoyed throughout their life, while at the same time, stimulating the brain by utilizing their remaining abilities and skills. Success is also tied to ensuring that activities are age appropriate, finding those that at a minimum would have purpose to an adult and would not be perceived as childish.
Brainy Day Activities Program
A recent review of scientific research shows that puzzles, games and other mentally challenging tasks may be beneficial for people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. In an attempt to provide cognitive stimulus and enjoyment to Alzheimer’s patients and those suffering from other forms of dementia, Brookside Home Care has adopted the Brainy Day Activity Program into our DCAP program. Based on a concept developed by a nationally certified activities director with over 20 years of experience with seniors and dementia, the Brainy Day Activities program consists of a series of activities, games and puzzles that are age appropriate, safe, colorful and fun. These activities meet the cognitive, physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals suffering from early, mid and late-stage dementia.
For Family Caregivers
We understand that caring for a loved one with dementia often involves wearing many hats. Most people are thrust into the role of caregiver without warning. When added to their other responsibilities, the role of caregiver can be physically, mentally and emotionally draining. Whether its for a few hours per week or 24 hour live-in help, a needed break is often what allows a caregiver to physically reinvigorate themselves and boost their spirits. We are here to help.
We offer access to our Family Caregiver Education Series. The Family Caregiver Education Series offers over 30 hours of tips and techniques for coping and interacting with your loved one
We are on call 24 hrs per day, 7 days per week to answer any questions and deal with any unforeseen issues that may arise
Alternative to Assisted Living
Often, assisted living is the right choice for an individual with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Before making this selection, a family should be aware of several facts related to assisted living facilities.
Assisted living facilities offer many services to ensure your loved one will get the proper care they need. The problem is that you pay for all of these services, whether you need them or not, 24 hrs per day, 7 days per week. In 2013, the average cost of an Assisted Living facility on Long Island ranged from $4,800 – $5,500 per month. The average Nursing Home on Long Island cost about $12,000 per month. A three year stay in each facility would cost in excess of $600,000, a very realistic scenario that would deplete most estates.
In the early stages of dementia, supervision and assistance with some daily activities can often be all that your loved one needs without the stress of moving into an unfamiliar environment. We can provide support and care when you need it, at a fraction of the cost of an assisted living facility. If the day arrives when a move to an assisted living facility is needed, we can help make the transition as smooth as possible.
We believe our program goes beyond the normal protective nature of programs to offer an interactive, safe and enjoyable environment for your loved one. It’s a cost efficient, flexible alternative to assisted living, especially for those with early stage Alzheimer’s. Your loved ones are too important to trust to anyone else.
CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE IN-HOME ASSESSMENT
516.593.5969
