Those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, traumatic brain injuries, or other cognitive impairment conditions often suffer more in assisted-living facilities but are not safe living on their own. Our caregivers monitor progression and assist in making daily choices.
Boost Emotional Well-Being
Our caregivers look for ways to soothe feelings of irritation and anxiety that can come with cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. Depending on the client’s interests and abilities, we can read together, do crafting activities, play cards or other games, listen to music, watch movies, or spend time outside. Time in nature decreases clients’ stress and increases serotonin and dopamine levels, improving moods and sleep. See our Recreational Activities page for more ways we engage our clients.
Ensure Proper Nutrition
Good nutrition makes a huge difference in the mental and emotional wellness of clients struggling with cognitive impairment, but it’s hard for them to see the connection or prepare the proper foods. As a result, they often skip meals, which can begin a cycle of worsening symptoms and more missed meals. Our caregivers can observe and assist with a client’s nutrition through meal planning, shopping, and preparation. We cook with clients who enjoy cooking or prepare, package, and label meals so they’re easily accessible and ready to eat. See our Household Help and Food Preparation page for more information.
Accommodate Forgetfulness
Difficulty with short-term and mid-term memory is an early indication of cognitive decline. Unfortunately, most seniors try to hide their forgetfulness, which can begin a spiral of missed medications, bad nutrition or hygiene, or worsening symptoms. Our caregivers provide compassionate oversight to help clients feel successfully independent. We organize medication, create appointment reminders, mark calendars with important information, and arrange items to simplify morning routines. See our Medication Assistance page for more information on one of our most practical services.
Improve the Home Environment
The state of a client’s home greatly affects the state of their mind, especially for those who spend a lot of time there. We can help our clients declutter, finish tasks, and put things away, decreasing stress and increasing their sense of accomplishment. Clients with cognitive decline also tend to let household chores slip, so we help with basic housekeeping tasks such as dishwashing, laundry, bathroom cleaning, vacuuming, and dusting. If personal messes are a problem, we can also help with a wide range of personal care tasks.
Contact Karma Care for help with these and other types of Cognitive Impairment.
Cognitive Decline
Most seniors experience cognitive decline to some degree. Decline can affect various areas of their thoughts and capabilities: long-, mid-, and short-term memory issues, pattern matching, timekeeping, and more. Our regular caregiver visits can help track changes in cognitive impairment and help make adjustments to routines and services for a client’s health and happiness.
Dementia Care
Dementias can progress slowly or quickly and sometimes hit plateaus. Routine visits by a familiar caregiver can help loved ones monitor progression and new issues with dementia, whether diagnosed or undiagnosed. We can arrange to be present with our clients for their most difficult times of the day (e.g., sundowning) and engage in activities to calm their recurring confusion, anxiety, or combativeness.
Alzheimer’s Care
Similar to our work with cognitive decline and dementia clients, our caregivers can provide stability and oversight for those who need Alzheimer’s care. We can track changes in behavior, report changes, and provide information to the client’s family and medical team to better understand their needs and the progression of the illness.
Head Injury Care
Cognitive impairment can be a short-term condition after an injury or illness, causing a usually high-functioning person to need help with self-care and household management. Most people make a full recovery from head injuries in 3-4 months, but that recovery is not always a straight line. Getting head injury care at home during that time can simply relieve stress or actually be a lifesaver. Our caregivers can do tasks that are exerting for the client and provide reminders and double-checks for medication and other crucial care tasks. We also watch for new or worsening symptoms and report them to the medical team, like problems with balance, communication, sleep, or mood. If you or someone you love is experiencing temporary cognitive impairment, reach out to us for in-home help.
