Helping a loved one who requires memory care in Rockville MD, or the surrounding areas can be challenging, especially if you don’t live nearby.
When you can’t be with an aging parent or loved one on a daily basis, it can be traumatic. You are naturally concerned about their well-being and worry that they’re not getting the care they need.
Choosing the right home health care agency to provide memory care services can help ease your burdens and provide peace of mind. But, with many Rockville home health care agencies to choose from, how can you be sure you’ve chosen the best memory care available?
When Is Memory Care Appropriate?
In this context, memory care refers to in-home care for individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or any other condition that affects memory.
In the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s, you might not yet recognize that a condition exists for your loved one. Fortunately, many people can remain in their home and maintain self-sufficiency in the early stages of dementia, particularly if you can provide some level of remote support.
Once their disease progresses to a certain point, they will need some additional help. An in-home health aide is one option to ensure their safety and well-being and a viable alternative to a senior living facility for many.
There are 17 signs that your loved one may need in-home care, for example how well they are keeping up with paying bills, buying and preparing food for their meals, handling personal hygiene tasks. If your loved one is not able to handle these essential tasks – or if they have left the house and got lost – you should take steps immediately to consult a physician and your local home healthcare agency.
The Challenges of Long-Distance Caregiving
A recent study published by AARP reports that more than 10% of family caregivers live an hour or more away from their loved one who requires care. The challenges that distance can pose – especially longer distances – are significant.
Remote family caregivers who can’t tend to their loved one’s needs personally can select a memory care provider to provide day to day support. Remote family caregivers can feel detached and “out of the loop” unless they establish reliable communication. Choosing an in-home care provider with an open communication policy and provides regular updates can keep you in the loop even when you’re on the other side of the state – or the other side of the country.
How to Choose a Local Memory Care Provider
When choosing an in-home healthcare aide in Rockville, look for agencies that have experience providing home dementia and Alzheimer’s care.
Also, make sure that any agency you consider can provide services that meet all the needs of your loved one. For example, people with dementia gradually lose the ability to perform the activities of daily living (ADLs), such as eating, bathing, dressing, taking medications, etc. Over time, their need for assistance will likely continue to increase, expanding to challenges with mobility, grooming, and toileting. Choose a care provider who can expand the scope of their services as your loved one requires it.
Finally, look for elder care in Rockville that will provide an in-home care evaluation. An experienced Alzheimer’s or dementia care professional can visit with your loved one in their home and recommend the type of care services that they need. Based on this evaluation, the agency can design a personalized care plan.
If you have a loved one in the Montgomery County, MD area, contact Comfort Home Care today to learn more about our services for memory and in-home care in Rockville.
