It is important to establish a back-up person for decision making, in order to manage the home care plan if the elder becomes incapacitated. The elder should clearly express his or her intentions, using tools such as Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy and Caregiver Contract. Be sure that the family member, or other trusted person, understands the legal authority and directions that are expressed in the planning documents.

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An important part of our services is helping family members find resources to prevent the need for a nursing home admission.

There are many ways for families to work with physicians, companion services, and support groups, to make life more comfortable for the memory loss patient at home or in assisted living.

Protecting the Ability of a Person with Memory Loss
to Remain at Home

Family members who are taking care of a dementia or Alzheimer’s patient at home, or in assisted living, can take some tips from Dr. Susan Wehry’s November, 2010 presentation to the nursing home professionals in Worcester. Dr. Wehry pointed out how dementia patients (like all of us) need individual routines, and meaningful activities. We all cherish our freedom. The memory loss patient must be given a chance to experience life in a safe and appropriately stimulating environment. As the disease of dementia progresses, a memory loss patient may feel panic, terror or confusion driving him to express a need to fight or escape.  Dr. Wehry reminds us that the behavior of each resident has a meaning.  Every behavior is an attempt to communicate something.  The unmet needs of a dementia patient drive the behavior.  Boredom creates a poor quality of life, and leads to conflict and distressed behaviors.  Meaningful activities and relationships eliminate boredom. Read More in our Email Update on Psychotropic Medication.

By respecting an individual’s unique daily routine, the patient will have better sleep, better mood, improved appetite, reduced agitation and less depression.

Elder care for a person with memory loss presents special challenges and needs. Our primary goal is to avoid a nursing home admission.  To protect the elder's independence, consider companion services that compliments the abilities of the elder.

A brochure from the Alzheimer’s Association has many ideas about activities and approaches to interaction with patients.  While these activities are spoken of as “activities at home,” the approaches and ideas in the brochure are also helpful if the person resides in assisted living or other settings.

Just as you would not leave a dependent child at home alone during times of illness, you should consider providing similar one-on-one attention for a person who is progressing through the stages of memory loss or dementia.  A regular companion who is compatible with the person can provide assistance to that person, and that will help them especially during times of confusion, anxiety and agitation.  

More resources: • Questions to ask when a memory loss patient shows signs of agitation or erratic behavior
• List of Psychotropic Medications
• Power of Human Touch in Alzheimer’s Care, Massage Therapy Journal