No illness is more debilitating and worrisome than Alzheimer’s or dementia. It’s heartbreaking when a parent fails to recognize you, or his or her personality changes. It also makes the caregiving process a bit more challenging, so our dementia home care professionals always account for the illness-related behavior.
Although there are currently thousands of Alzheimer’s research initiatives, by most estimates, a cure is almost a decade away. That means the best we can do is to slow the progression of the disease as much as possible. Dr. Fillit, Chairman of the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation and LifeWorx Advisory Board Member, recommends taking these steps:
A LifeWorx Alzheimer’s and dementia home care professional can make sure your loved one has all the above. Take, for instance, Claire*, who called us one day from Stuyvesant Town in Manhattan. In a shaky voice, she told us that her husband, Tom*, was sitting at the park, refusing to return home. We recommended she just go be with him where he was. She obliged and promised to be back in touch. A few minutes later, she called again and said she was afraid of Tom, who was a large man.
Claire and Tom had loved each other for more than 40 years, but he was now suffering from a serious case of Alzheimer’s, which was rapidly worsening of late. Somehow, they had ended up in the park outside their apartment, wondering what their next steps would be. We told Claire that we would send over an Alzheimer’s care professional who would know how to positively persuade her husband, understand the changes in his thinking and moods, and be a friend.
Tom and his new caregiver hit it off within an hour, and as they did, Tom calmed down. The caregiver immediately began dementia home care with Tom. Later, Claire called again and thanked us, saying she had slept well that night. These days, the caregiver is a constant companion, even traveling with Claire and Tom to their vacation home. “I feel like I have my life back,” Claire said.
Being the spouse of someone with Alzheimer’s is difficult, as is being that person’s child. You’re troubled by your loved one’s illness, and it becomes more complex and unpredictable to interact with him or her. Sometimes it’s difficult to disengage emotionally, but it’s best to do so, and often to employ an intermediary as well. There’s no doubt that home care for elderly people with dementia can be difficult. But Alzheimer’s care professionals have taken care of a wide variety of Alzheimer’s patients, from those who are sweet and kind to those who are deeply frustrated. They understand that in difficult moments, it is the illness speaking and not the person. They shrug off these tough times and put their heart into providing the care your loved one needs.
Creating a large, fully-screened resource pool of only highly skilled providers.
LEARN MOREMaking the entire process easy-your one call does it all, and with one point of contact.
Watch nowWe do all the behind-the-scenes work so you and your family can enjoy solutions designed for your needs.
LEARN MOREWhile all our offices work together as a team, it is best to contact the location closest to where care is needed. Its care coordinators and office staff are familiar with the available pool of local caregivers and can provide the most fitting candidates for you. If you or a loved one needs companion care, you may be worried, feel sad, and have lots of questions. Our consultations are free, and we welcome the opportunity to help you and find solutions.
Sarasota, FL is a charming, inclusive town and its residents enjoy a vast array of entertainment, shopping, and housing options. Our ground-floor office makes it easy for our clients to walk in and meet in person.
1) Go shopping at St. Armand’s Circle – St. Armand’s Circle offers a unique continental shopping experience that feels both contemporary and classic at the same time. Conveniently situated between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, St. Armand’s Circle offers breathtaking views no matter where you turn.
2) Explore Art at The Ringling – You shouldn’t miss the Ringling Circus Museum it is by far one of the most fun things in Sarasota, FL. Now a top Sarasota attraction, you will find a fine art museum with 21 galleries of American, Asian, European, and Contemporary art, all maintained by Florida State University. This must-visit Circus Museum houses the greatest collection of circus memorabilia and art anywhere.
3) Take a Day Trip to Lido Key – Lido Key is known for its eco-tourism and sunset cruises and is one of Florida’s most pristine beaches. This popular beach is very relaxing. The white sands and gently turning waves on this Sarasota beach make it very popular for families. Lido Beach is located a one-half mile southwest of St. Armands Circle on Ben Franklin Drive in Sarasota.
4) Camp at Myakka River State Park – Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s largest parks and covers 37,000 acres. It is a great place to spot wildlife and on a good day, you can expect to see a variety of animals. The park is beautiful in any season and has lots to explore such as: taking a boat tour, going on a hike, kayaking, cycling, and camping grounds.
5) Visit the Sarasota Jungle Gardens – The Sarasota Jungle Gardens give you the chance to feed and take photos with its colorful-free roaming flamingos. Located on Bay Shore Road, there are numerous large trees in this beautiful garden.
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customers served (and counting)We welcome you to visit our Alzheimer's and Dementia home care LifeWorx location for an in-person consultation. Success for us is finding the perfect local match for your family while maintaining clear and consistent communication.
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