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Alzheimer’s & Dementia is a progressive illness, with symptoms worsening gradually over time. While Alzheimer’s makes up the majority of dementia cases, it’s not a typical part of aging. However, it ranks as the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.

Alzheimer’s is the primary cause of dementia, a condition involving memory loss and other cognitive difficulties that disrupt daily activities. Initially, memory loss is mild, but in late stages, individuals may lose the ability to communicate and interact with their surroundings.

Different forms of dementia present distinct challenges, each requiring tailored care:

• Alzheimer’s: Common and affects memory, cognition, and behavior. Care involves structure, routine, and cognitive activities.
• Vascular Dementia: Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, leading to impaired judgment and problem-solving. Care focuses on health monitoring and preventing complications.
• Lewy Body Dementia: Characterized by abnormal protein deposits and fluctuating symptoms, including hallucinations. Care addresses cognitive and physical symptoms.
• Frontotemporal Dementia: Affects personality, behavior, and language, with common symptoms like disinhibition and apathy.

Irrespective of the diagnosis, our team creates customized home care plans based on symptoms, abilities, and personal history.

Alzheimer’s/Dementia typically begins gradually with mild symptoms that advance over time. It’s important to note that these signs can be subtle and may be wrongly attributed to normal aging. However, if you or your loved one is facing persistent or worsening symptoms, seeking medical advice for a thorough evaluation is crucial. Early detection allows for better management and support, enabling individuals and their families to plan effectively for the future.

Common signs of early-stage dementia include:

• Changes in memory, like forgetting recent conversations or events.
• Difficulty finding the right words.
• Confusion about familiar places, people, and events.
• Forgetfulness and confusion.
• Difficulty completing routine tasks such as nutrition, personal hygiene, or grooming.
• Losing track of time.
• Changes in mood and personality, such as irritability, depression, or withdrawal from social activities.
• Impaired judgment, noticeable through poor decision-making or a decline in hygiene and grooming habits.
• Increased risk of falling or accidental injuries.

Caring for a loved one with any level of dementia can be physically and emotionally taxing. Tri-County Home Care of Florida can help you and your family navigate the decision-making process to either start round-the-clock home care or increase the current level of care. 

Specialized in-home dementia care helps seniors in numerous ways:

• Enables living comfortably at home rather than an unfamiliar facility.
• Provides safety through environmental precautions, routine and oversight.
• Offers engaging cognitive and physical activities to retain abilities.
• Assists with tasks like bathing and medications tailored to level of impairment.
• Delivers care approaches that reduce distress from confusion.
• Supplies companionship and conversation to improve mood and prevent isolation.
• Gives family caregivers peace of mind and respite.
• Respects the individual’s dignity, freedom and preferences.
• Adjusts support needs change through consistent evaluation.

The term “sundowning” refers to a state of confusion occurring in the late afternoon and lasting into the night. Sundowning can cause different behaviors, such as confusion, anxiety, aggression or ignoring directions. Sundowning can also lead to pacing or wandering.

Sundowning isn’t a disease. It’s a group of symptoms that occur at a specific time of the day. These symptoms may affect people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. The exact cause of this behavior is unknown.

One in every five falls results in a severe injury like broken bones or head trauma. Each year, three million older adults seek emergency treatment for fall injuries, with over 800,000 requiring hospitalization, often due to head injuries or hip fractures. Falls among adults 65+ caused over 36,000 deaths in 2020, making it the leading cause of injury death for that group.

While many falls cause no harm, those that do can severely impact mobility, daily activities, and independence. Hip fractures alone lead to hospitalization for at least 300,000 seniors annually, with over 95% of such fractures resulting from falls, typically sideways. Falls are also the primary cause of traumatic brain injuries particularly if the person takes certain medicines (such as blood thinners). Many people who fall, even if they’re not injured, become afraid of falling. This fear may cause a person to cut down on their everyday activities. When a person is less active, they grow weaker which increases the chances of falling.

What Are the Consequences of a Fall?

While many falls result in no injuries, one out of every five can lead to serious harm such as broken bones or head injuries. These injuries can significantly impede mobility, daily tasks, and independent living.

What Factors Increase the Risk of Falling?

Research has pinpointed numerous factors, known as risk factors, that contribute to falls. Many of these can be altered or managed to reduce the risk of falling. Most falls are caused by a combination of risk factors. The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of falling including:

• Lower body weakness
• Vitamin D deficiency (that is, not enough vitamin D in system)
• Difficulties with walking and balance
• Use of medicines, such as tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressants. Even some over-the-counter medicines can affect balance and stability.
• Vision problems
• Foot pain or poor footwear

Home hazards or dangers such as broken or uneven steps, throw rugs or clutter that can be tripped over.

Finding out or suspecting that your loved one has a challenging condition can be tough. As you think about ways to keep them healthy, safe, and happy, we’re here to help.

We’ll guide you in evaluating care options, understanding the different stages of the condition, checking the home environment, and making decisions—whether it means starting round-the-clock home care or enhancing the current level of care.

By looking closely at your loved one and their needs, and discussing your family’s goals, we create a personalized care plan. This plan considers health, mobility, and safety concerns related to changes in memory and cognition.

Understanding the comfort that comes from familiar surroundings, our main goal is to keep individuals at home. For those with chronic conditions or other health issues, we work with their doctor to arrange skilled care and disease management.

Handling other health problems like diabetes, congestive heart failure, COPD, and more becomes especially challenging when caring for a loved one with mental impairment.

Our personal/home care services offer support in daily life, providing hourly or round-the-clock care to address challenges like medication management, maintaining a proper diet, and ensuring safety with functional mobility.

We’re committed to helping your loved ones stay at home, adjusting care as needs change. Our focus on comfort and safety aims to ease agitation and confusion, understanding that individuals with dementia respond best to a stable, familiar environment and an established routine.