Managing diabetes as a senior aging in place requires them to be super proactive but this can be hard when they are living alone and struggling with memory problems. Elder care providers can help your loved one manage their diabetes, be proactive, and help them prevent complications from happening as they age at home. Diabetes is not the end of the world but if it is not properly managed a senior can experience terrible health problems and it can lead to loss of limbs and even death in extreme cases. That is why it is so crucial your loved one takes these health conditions seriously.

Here are a few things your loved one can do to manage their diabetes every day with the help of elder care.

Focus on Eating a Balanced Diet

Elder Care Hunterdon NJ – Easy Daily Tips to Manage Diabetes

Everything starts with your diet and this is true for managing diabetes as well. Seniors are more likely to develop diabetes due to age-related changes, such as reduced insulin sensitivity and an increased likelihood of being overweight or physically inactive. One of the best things a senior can do to manage weight, diabetes, and everything else is to eat healthy. This means your loved one should be eating tons of fresh foods, low sugar, high protein options. If they need help cooking diabetic-friendly dishes, this is something that elder care may be able to help them with. Family and friends can encourage seniors to eat better and make wiser choices as they age in place.

Monitor Blood Sugar a Few Times a Day

Your loved one needs to monitor their blood sugar every single day and this will help them focus on what to eat and when to eat. A senior may have a machine that pricks their blood to read their blood sugar or they may have a device that is connected to a tablet or phone app to view their blood sugar. If your loved one needs help remembering when to check their blood sugar, elder care can help with friendly reminders and even get your loved one on a routine that tells them when to check their blood sugar. When a senior is consistent they are more likely to remember to do something and this is a task that is extremely important to do every day.

Remember to Drink Fluids

Drinking plenty of water is essential for managing diabetes because dehydration can raise blood sugar levels. A senior should try at least 6-8 glasses of water daily to support overall health and glucose regulation. This can feel like a lot and not all seniors remember to drink fluids regularly. Elder care can help remind your loved one to drink more water and they can ensure that there is always something to drink and it is easily accessible for a senior. This can be a huge help when seniors need to focus on staying hydrated and managing their diabetes and blood sugar levels.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Elder Care Services in Hunterdon NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.

Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

After an injury or while they recover from an illness, seniors face a variety of different challenges and issues. One solution that can help immensely as they recover is home health care services. This is a specialized form of home care that helps promote recovery, supports independence, and boosts overall well-being. There are a lot of reasons for seniors to embrace this type of care.

Home Health Care Westfield NJ – Benefits of Home Health Care as Seniors Recover from Injury or Illness

Individual Plans for Recovery

One of the biggest benefits seniors have when working with home health care services is that their care plan is going to be unique to fit their needs. Preferences are also part of the plan. Each senior’s situation, health needs, and recovery needs are going to be different, so the plan needs to be different as well. This ensures that patients get the exact help they need.

Comfort and Familiarity at Home

The best part about home health care is that providers come to seniors in their homes. Seniors aren’t in a hospital or rehab facility waiting for providers to help them. They are comfortable and safe in the familiar environs of their own homes, which can make a huge difference in the recovery process.

Improving Independence

The big goal of home health care services is to help empower seniors to stay independent for as long as they can while they recover. That doesn’t mean that seniors won’t periodically need help, of course. But it does mean that seniors stay active and engaged in their own care and that they are able to handle tasks on their own that they are able to take care of themselves.

Personalized Rehabilitation Services

Some injuries and illnesses require rehabilitation services like physical therapy or occupational therapy. These therapies help to build strength, regain mobility, and preserve function. Home health care services can help to coordinate these different types of rehab services so that patients get the care that they need.

Medication Management and Monitoring

Sometimes recovery means adding new medications to the roster or adjusting dosages on existing medications. This can feel complicated for seniors, especially if they’re already dealing with pain and other symptoms related to their recovery. Home health care providers can assist with medication management and medication plan adherence, ensuring seniors have the help they need to avoid mishaps with medications.

Family Involvement and Support

So often family members want to be there to support and help the seniors they love, but they aren’t able to do so or don’t feel they have the skills to help much. Home health care helps family members stay involved in their aging adult’s care and healing process. They stay better informed and educated about what is going on and they learn what they need to know to help their seniors in the future.

Home health care is all about creating an atmosphere for success when seniors need to heal. The personalized care and support that seniors receive allows them to focus on healing and continuing to independently live their lives on their own terms now and in the future.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Home Health Care Services in Westfield NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.

Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

Maintaining independence while aging in place is a big priority for many aging adults. Seniors are comfortable in their familiar environment, engaging in their solid routines. Independence helps them to feel more in control of what is going on in their lives. Sometimes they experience changes that leave them more isolated than they should be, however, and that’s when companion care at home providers might be a good solution.

Companion Care at Home Scotch Plains NJ – Independence and Companion Care at Home

Social Engagement Encourages Independence

When seniors feel isolated and lonely, they may not know where to turn to for meaningful companionship. Regular visits from companion caregivers bring conversation and social engagement to seniors in their own homes. They’re able to establish routines for getting social support without changing too much about their daily habits.

Daily Routines Boost Independence

Habits and routines keep seniors on track with meeting their needs. Seniors benefit from engaging in activities that allow them to keep their homes tidy, continue eating healthy meals, and take care of personal care tasks. The structure of these routines keeps seniors engaged in their daily lives, too. If aging adults need help with these types of tasks, then companion care at home services can offer that assistance while also spending time with seniors.

Consistency Helps in Social Engagement

Spending time with companion caregivers is a great way for seniors to get social engagement when they need it. However, having social encounters randomly and inconsistently doesn’t always provide the benefits that seniors need. Companion care at home can schedule visits that work well for seniors and caregivers show up consistently when seniors expect them to arrive.

Safe Mobility Matters

One of the reasons that companionship and socialization may be more difficult for seniors involves mobility challenges. Companion care at home ensures that there is someone there with the senior who understands the issues they might encounter with mobility. They can also stay alert for possible safety issues and let family caregivers know about problems seniors might be facing.

Cognitive Well-being

Mental sharpness is a huge aspect of staying independent and many people don’t realize this, but socialization is wonderful for cognitive health. Seniors who have consistent socialization spend time talking to other people, engage in meaningful activities, and get the mental stimulation that they need. All of this has huge cognitive wellness benefits.

Freedom of Choice

Another important aspect of independence is for seniors to feel as if they have some choice in all of this. If seniors feel as if their family members and friends are forcing companion care at home on them, they may not be as excited about joining in. Making sure seniors have control over timing, scheduling, and other variables is an important way to give them the autonomy they need.

Companion care at home is a great way for seniors to get the socialization they need while also remaining as independent as they want to be. Companion care at home caregivers make it possible for aging adults to stay at home and still feel supported in a variety of ways.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Companion Care at Home Services in Scotch Plains NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.

Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

Seniors who have low vision or some blindness may be able to live quite well at home if they want to. It’s easy to understand why your mom or dad would want to stay in a home that is familiar to them and makes them feel safe and secure. In-home care providers can help your mom or dad live safely in their own home as they get older. With in-home care, your mom or dad will have the extra support they need to avoid falls and other accidents at home.

Some of the benefits of in-home care for seniors with low vision or blindness include:

Enhanced Safety

In-Home Care Bernardsville NJ – The Benefits Of In-Home Care For Seniors With Low Vision

Safety is a top priority for all seniors who are living at home. Seniors with low vision may struggle to see obstacles in their homes, avoid accidents, and keep up with household tasks. This increases the risk of falls and injuries.

An in-home caregiver can help create a safer environment for your mom or dad. They can remove clutter, rearrange furniture, and ensure paths are clear. With their assistance, your senior loved one can move around the house more safely.

Personal Assistance

In-home caregivers provide personal assistance based on the level of vision that your senior parent has. Household tasks like doing the dishes, doing the laundry, changing linens, dusting, and preparing meals can be difficult for seniors with low vision. A caregiver can help with these activities. They can prepare meals, do light housekeeping, and help with laundry. Your mom or dad will have a safe, clean, and comfortable environment.

Companionship

Loneliness is a common issue for seniors with low vision. They may feel isolated and withdrawn from social activities. An in-home caregiver can provide social connection, conversation, and company. They can engage in conversation, play games, share meals, and more. This connection can improve your mom or dad’s mental health and boost their overall well-being.

Customized Support

Every senior has different needs. In-home care is flexible and can change as your senior parent’s needs change. Caregivers can focus on the specific challenges your loved one faces. Whether they need help with mobility, daily routines, or using adaptive tools, caregivers can provide the right support. This personalized approach makes in-home care very effective.

Relief for Family Caregivers

Caring for a loved one with low vision can be overwhelming for family members. You may worry about safety, well-being, and managing daily tasks if you need to take time off. In-home care offers relief for family caregivers. By hiring a professional, family members can have peace of mind and take time off to take care of their own mental and physical health needs.

Transportation

Transportation is a very big concern for many seniors with low vision. Getting in and out of rideshares or cabs, relying on drivers they don’t know, and navigating unfamiliar places can be difficult and dangerous for seniors.

If your mom or dad has in-home care their care provider can take them to medical appointments, shopping, or wherever else they need to go. You and your mom or dad can trust that they will be safe and comfortable when they have a care provider taking them to appointments.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional In-Home Care Services in Bernardsville NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.

Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

If your mom or dad has Alzheimer’s and they are living at home, they should have Alzheimer’s care services at home. Alzheimer’s care at home is a specialized type of home care for seniors.

The caregivers who work with seniors who have Alzheimer’s have training and experience that helps them effectively help seniors who have Alzheimer’s.

Having Alzheimer’s care can also help you. If you need a break you can trust a care provider that has experience working with seniors who have Alzheimer’s to take care of your mom or dad. And they can help you understand how Alzheimer’s can change your mom or dad’s personality or behavior.

Some things that you can do to calm your mom or dad down if they are agitated, afraid, or aggressive are:

Alzheimer’s Care Union County NJ – Ways To Calm A Senior Parent With Alzheimer’s

Stay Calm and Speak Gently

When your senior parent is upset, it’s important to remain calm. Alzheimer’s can make it hard for them to understand what’s happening, and they may react with frustration or fear. If you show that you’re stressed or angry, it can make their anxiety worse.

Instead, speak in a gentle and soothing tone. Use simple, clear words and try to reassure them that everything is okay. Sometimes, a soft voice and a few calming words can go a long way in easing their worries.

Keep Their Environment The Same

Seniors with Alzheimer’s often feel confused when their surroundings are unfamiliar or overwhelming. To help your senior parent feel more at ease, try to keep their environment calm and familiar. Surround them with objects they recognize, such as family photos, favorite blankets, or familiar furniture.

A quiet, clutter-free space can also reduce anxiety. If possible, keep the lighting soft and avoid loud noises or too much activity. A peaceful setting can help your mom or dad feel more comfortable and less agitated.

Play Music or Nature Sounds

Playing soft, familiar music can help soothe your senior parent when they are feeling upset. If they have favorite songs or types of music they enjoy, use them to create a relaxing atmosphere.

You can also try gentle sounds, such as nature recordings of birds, rainfall, or ocean waves. These sounds can help distract your mom or dad from their anxiety and bring a sense of peace. Music and soothing sounds can trigger positive memories and emotions, which might help them feel more at ease.

Offer Physical Reassurance

Sometimes a simple touch can provide comfort. Holding your mom or dad’s hand, giving them a gentle hug, or sitting close to them can help calm their nerves.

However, it’s important to pay attention to their reactions. Some people with Alzheimer’s may not want to be touched when they are upset. If touch seems to help, it can be a powerful way to communicate that you’re there for them.

Distract and Redirect

When your mom or dad is feeling anxious or frustrated, it can help to gently distract them with something they enjoy or redirect their attention to something else.

Redirecting their attention to a calming task can shift their focus away from what is causing their distress. Choose something simple and familiar to them and ask them to help you. Doing something together that you used to do together when you were a child like folding laundry, or polishing silver, can be a great way to stir happy memories.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Alzheimer’s Care Services in Union County NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.

Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

Most cataracts occur simply because we get older. It’s estimated that more than half of those over 80 will have a cataract at some point. This condition that occurs on the lens of the eye is caused by the proteins that break down the lens of the eye. These cataracts can happen to one eye or both and they can occur on several different areas of the eye lens. Cataracts can appear on the cortex, the nucleus, and/or the thin membrane that covers the lens, creating several cloudy areas on the lens. Having home care providers available to assist seniors when their vision is impaired can be important for their safety.

When do Cataracts Occur

Home Care Essex County NJ – Cataract Risks and Symptoms

For many people, cataracts start in their 40s-60s, but they don’t cause any symptoms so the person doesn’t know it. Even if it’s seen by your loved one’s optometrist or ophthalmologist during a routine eye exam, they will often recommend waiting until any action is taken if the cataract is not currently causing any sight concerns.

What Increases the Risk of Cataracts

While age is the main risk factor for getting cataracts, and the one that you’re loved one can’t do anything about, several other factors may increase their risk of developing a cataract.

• Health conditions like diabetes or high blood sugar
• Exposure to tobacco smoke by either being a smoker or living with one
• Extreme alcohol consumption
• Exposure to chemicals and pesticides
• Using corticoids to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
• Family history of cataracts

Cataract Symptoms

Regular eye exams will spot cataracts before your loved one has any symptoms but if your loved one doesn’t have regular eye exams, he might experience some of these symptoms.

• Halos and streaks appear around light sources, creating a glare that makes night vision especially difficult.
• Colors that start to look less vivid. The world may look like the color is fading out of it. The deep, rich color of the world is hard to see.
• Bright light like the sun or car head beams at night can hurt the eyes, making your loved one look away with discomfort.
• Vision that is blurry, cloudy, or foggy.
• Near-sightedness that gets worse.

Cataracts are not painful in and of themselves but can cause discomfort when viewing bright lights by making the eyes much more sensitive than normal.

Home Care Can Help

If your loved one currently has cataracts and is waiting for treatment, the most difficult thing he might find that he can’t do anymore is to drive at night. Driving at night gets more difficult as a person gets older for several reasons, but when cataracts are added to those conditions, it can become dangerous for your loved one to drive at night or even at times of the day when the sun is glaring into the window. During winter months, that can mean driving is almost impossible all of the time.

A home care provider can step in and help with transportation until your loved one can drive safely again. A home care provider is a great resource for rides to appointments, events, and everyday errands. They will bring your loved one where he needs to go and home again safely.

If your loved one needs surgery, a home care team can also be a great resource when he is recovering from his surgery as well.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Home Care Services in Essex County NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.

Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

As summer winds down, one time-honored tradition is taking place across the country – the fair. From smaller county fairs to grand state fairs, your community is gathering together to enjoy many of the things that make your hometown or state a great place to live. Talk to your senior home care provider about the best way to have your loved one enjoy a few hours at the fair while staying safe.

There are Plenty of Activities for Older Visitors at the Fair

Senior Home Care Morris County NJ – They’re Never Too Old to Go to the Fair

While many may only think of the extreme rides like the Crazy Mouse or the Zipper that appeal mostly to the young, fairs are also a great place for people not quite as young to gather and enjoy themselves as well. There is almost guaranteed to be something for everyone and something your elderly loved one will enjoy!

Crafts and Competitions

Fairs are famous for their blue-ribbon competitions where people enter their largest watermelons, their best-baked pies, and even giant quilts made by hand. If your loved one has a special talent, she might even like being entered into one of these time-honored contests. If not, she’s sure to enjoy a leisurely walk around to see all of the entries.

Animals

Depending on where you’re from, many fairs have petting zoos and competitions for pets and domesticated animals. Your loved one might enjoy watching a dog show, horse wrangling, or some chicks hatching. If she’s an animal lover, the fair might have something right up her alley.

Food, Food, and More Food

Fairs are notorious for some of the most outlandish, yet delicious food that while you shouldn’t enjoy regularly, it makes for a great fair treat. Giant corn dogs, waffles on sticks, and triple-scoop ice cream cones are just a smattering of what your loved one may like to enjoy during a visit to her local fair.

People Watching

Don’t forget about finding a bench, having a seat, and just enjoying watching all of the families enjoy their day at the fair. It’s a great way to feel connected to the community.

Here are a few top considerations your senior home care provider can help with if going to the fair for a solo visit is not in the cards for your loved one.

Transportation

It’s not uncommon to have to park a long distance from the fair and then make the trek there on foot. A senior home care companion can drop your loved one right off at the front gate.

Mobility Assistance

Speaking of long walks, just walking around some big state fairs can easily be 10,000 steps and if your loved one isn’t used to that, you might consider having your senior home care provider pack up a wheelchair to help her around in. Depending on the terrain, an ECV might be a good choice as well.

Safety

Many fairs attract huge crowds which can mean there are people there who might want to rob or bother your elderly loved one. Having an escort like a senior home care provider will help her stay safe if anything should happen.

Weather Prep

It’s still summer, so sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of water should all travel with your loved one when she visits the fair to help her stay in good shape as she visits each area.

It’s fair to say, your loved one is going to love going to the fair again.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Senior Home Care Services in Morris County NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.

Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

For many seniors, aging in place can be a satisfying option since it allows them to remain independent and comfortable in familiar settings. But as seniors get older, they might need extra assistance to ensure they’re safe and well. Home health care services are essential in this situation because they offer individualized care that enables seniors to live comfortably at home while getting the support they require. For family members and seniors themselves, finding the right home health care resources can make all the difference.

Determining Needs for Care

Home Health Care Somerset County NJ – Finding the Right Home Health Care for Seniors Aging in Place

It’s important to understand the senior’s care needs before choosing what home health care services to incorporate. Family members can gain a better understanding of this by talking with the medical team. It also helps to understand what support home health care can provide, such as assistance with everyday tasks, medication administration, physical therapy, or specialist care for ailments like diabetes or Alzheimer’s.

Researching Options

Finding trustworthy home health service providers requires research. Loved ones should seek out organizations with a license, accreditation, and good feedback or referrals from other families. Healthcare providers, specialists who work with seniors regularly, and the internet can all provide valuable information to consider.

Examining the Services Provided

Beyond researching options, it’s also important to understand what home health services the agency offers because not all agencies offer the same thing. For instance, ensure the agency can offer the particular care required, whether it is personal care help, nursing care, therapy services, or a mix of these.

Examining the Qualifications of the Staff

Caretakers’ and medical experts’ credentials and training are vital. Family members should be able to access information about the training and experience of the providers they’re considering to ensure they’re making the best choice. Knowing these things also increases peace of mind that loved ones will be cared for appropriately.

Guaranteeing Comfort and Compatibility

A good experience depends on the senior and the caregivers getting along. To find out whether a prospective caregiver will get along with a loved one and what kind of communication style they prefer, family members might inquire about the possibility of setting up a meeting or interview. A proper fit can improve the senior’s level of comfort and contentment with the care they receive overall.

Examining Policies and Contracts

Loved ones should review the service agreement or contract with the agency thoroughly before making a decision. It’s important to recognize the conditions, cancellation procedures, and services covered under the agreement. If questions remain, don’t hesitate to ask for better clarification.

Monitoring Care

After home health care services are established, loved ones should keep an eye on the standard of care given to make sure the senior’s requirements and expectations are being met. Frequent evaluations and contact with caregivers can assist in addressing any issues as soon as they arise and modifying the care plan as needed.

Families can choose home health services with confidence by following these guidelines, which guarantee that seniors get the individualized attention and assistance they require to age in their own homes. An enjoyable and fulfilling aging-in-place experience can result from making well-informed decisions and putting the senior’s welfare first.

Sources: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/home-care/info-2018/hiring-caregiver.html
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/senior-housing/home-care-services-for-seniors.htm
https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/medical-alert-systems/support-for-older-adults-living-alone/

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Home Health Care Services in Somerset County NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.

Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

The need for all-encompassing care increases as seniors get older, particularly after a hospital visit. With this in mind, it’s critical to have post-hospital care services in place, such as home health, to support seniors as they begin to heal, especially when they return to their homes rather than a healthcare facility. Additionally, having a solid plan in place gives both loved ones and seniors peace of mind.

Easing the Transition from the Hospital to Home

Post-Hospital Care Berkeley Heights NJ – Importance of Home Health Support for Seniors After Hospitalization

For seniors, going home after a hospital stay can be a difficult adjustment. Post-hospital care can make all the difference, however, ensuring this transition goes as smoothly as possible. For instance, home health can assist with a range of duties, including medication management and daily living tasks such as dressing, bathing, and meal preparation. This assistance can avert issues and lower the chance of hospital readmission. It also relieves some of the stress that family members might feel if they’re unable to be with seniors all day.

Personalized and Caring Medical Attention

The individualized attention seniors receive from home health is one of its greatest benefits. This assistance is often customized to each senior’s specific needs, in contrast to the more generalized care provided in a hospital or nursing home. Additionally, home health works closely with seniors to establish the trust and support needed for successful rehabilitation. This individualized approach promotes mental and emotional well-being in addition to meeting physical health demands.

Strengthening Self-Sufficiency

Seniors aging in place value their independence, and while it might seem like adding post-hospital care to the home would diminish this independence, it has the opposite effect. This is because home health works with seniors to teach them how to manage tasks more easily after a hospital stay, ensure they’re getting the nutrition they need from their meals—and show them how to prepare healthy meals—as well as encourage physical activity and social engagement.

Reduced Risk of Readmission

Following hospitalization, seniors are frequently more vulnerable to problems, including infections or falls. When home health is part of the post-hospital care plan, they’re able to monitor issues and detect possible problems quickly so they can be handled before they become bigger issues. Additionally, home health encourages seniors to follow doctor’s orders, which increases recovery.

Increased Quality of Life

The ultimate objective of home health is to increase seniors’ standard of living. By following the post-hospital care plan, they can give seniors and their loved ones valuable support that streamlines care and offers alternatives that might not have been considered before, such as home modifications, meal preparation, or joining support groups.

It is impossible to overestimate the value of home health for seniors who choose to age in place, especially following hospitalization. Home health offers the support required to guarantee a seamless transition, individualized care, and increased freedom, in addition to lowering the risk of problems and enabling seniors to recuperate and flourish in the comfort of their own homes.

Sources: https://www.familyresourcehomecare.com/safety-from-hospital-to-home/

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Post-Hospital Care Services in Berkeley Heights NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.

Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

Getting dressed is something that seniors have often done on their own for years, but Alzheimer’s disease brings changes that make that formerly simple process so much more difficult. Physical and cognitive changes can all be at play in making this more difficult, so a family caregiver need to figure out what might best help their family member. Alzheimer’s care providers can help with this process.

Alzheimer’s Care New Providence NJ – Tips for Helping Seniors with Alzheimer’s Get Dressed

Simplify the Closet

When there is too much choice and clutter, seniors with Alzheimer’s disease can become easily confused. It’s worth the time to go through the closet and remove clothes that are for other seasons or that don’t fit well anymore. Storing these clothes elsewhere frees up room in the closet and reduces confusion.

Set Aside Extra Time to Get Dressed

Rushing is never good for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s care providers can help families work on routines for aging adults with cognitive illnesses and these routines ideally build in buffer time. Set aside lots of extra time before appointments and events to allow for a calm experience getting dressed.

Limit the Choices

Even with a simplified closet, sometimes there are too many choices for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. One way around this is for family caregivers to offer seniors limited choices, say between two outfits instead of offering choices from the entire closet. This reduces frustration for everyone and it also helps seniors to continue to feel empowered by the choices they have.

Set Clothing Out in Order

Alzheimer’s care providers might also recommend that clothing gets laid out in the order it needs to be put on, with undergarments at the top of the stack. This serves as a visual prompt to help seniors stay on track to get dressed. Some seniors even find that this helps them to get dressed on their own because it’s less confusing.

Choose Clothes That Are Easy to Wear

Clothes that are difficult to wear aren’t comfortable and they’re not easy for seniors to put on and take off. They must have a selection of clothing that is comfortable but practical, letting them get it on and off easily. Choosing clothes that have hook and loop closures can be easier to use than buttons or zippers, for instance.

Offer Gentle Reminders and Tips

Offering gentle, step-by-step guidance can sometimes be helpful. It’s important to let seniors drive that, however. When family caregivers offer help when the senior doesn’t want it, that help can be irritating and frustrating for them. Alzheimer’s care providers can help family caregivers learn more about cues to watch for that help them understand when to offer those gentle reminders and when to step back.

Helping a senior with Alzheimer’s disease get dressed may be a little more complicated than it used to be, but it’s not impossible. Alzheimer’s care providers can help families establish routines around dressing that keep seniors engaged and empowered while also getting the help they need each day.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Alzheimer’s Care Services in New Providence NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.

Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.