Homewatch CareGivers, is partnering in efforts to end Alzheimer’s once again. Homewatch CareGivers was a proud sponsor of the Essex- Hudson-Union, NJ Walk to End Alzheimer’s at South Mountain Recreation Complex, West Orange, on November 5th. Together with agencies and organizations who serve a variety of senior service needs, together with people caring for those with Alzheimer’s or those who are living with a diagnosis of dementia, we walked and support the efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alznj.org/ Alzheimer's and other dementias impact so many of the lives of the elderly and their families. Funds raised further the care, support, and research efforts to end Alzheimer's. The goal of the Association is to serve the more than 190,000 residents in New Jersey who are living with Alzheimer’s disease. “Through its network of staff and volunteers, the NJ Chapter offers a broad range of free programs and services, funding for Alzheimer's and dementia research, and advocacy efforts on behalf of those across the region.”
Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia are life-changing diagnoses for the individual, their family members and all the people who love and care for them. While there is no cure at this time, there are new treatments on the horizon and researchers are working on steps that can be taken to reduce or delay the impact of Alzheimer's.
What Quality Dementia Care Provides
At Homewatch CareGivers we are very aware of the significant percentage of our clients diagnosed with different types of dementia. While many of our clientele have a diagnosis of some type of cognitive decline, it isn’t the only reason they have someone providing home care.
Many people experiencing even mild or moderate symptoms of dementia already have or will eventually need family or professional caregivers to help them during their lives. In-home assistance for seniors with dementia can be hourly, overnight, 24/7 or live-in services based on need. As the illness progresses, changes will be made in the care plan to accommodate the new situation. With certified, trained aides, Homewatch CareGivers provides comprehensive, compassionate in-home senior care services. Our caregivers help clients with activities of daily living; eating, maintaining a proper diet, meal preparation, supervising correct use of medications as recommended by medical providers, personal care which keeps clients clean and comfortable, maintaining an appropriate level of physical activity, keeping the environment clean and comfortable by doing light housekeeping and laundry, helping with mobility, errands and appointments, and developing a trusting relationship which alleviates loneliness and creates important social interaction. This personalized care is provided in the familiarity of home, which reduces stress of new situations, and with safety as the number one priority.
The Home Watch Care Team Approach
Our Care Team, consisting of a Registered Nurse, a Social Worker and our certified home health aides, work together to facilitate a personalized plan of care, and create a positive daily experience for our clients. Our ongoing caregiver training includes understanding of the different types of dementia such as Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, Lewy Body dementia and others. Our Director of Education, RN Karen Frank leads training about strategies for dealing with difficult behaviors and practicing diversional activities for people with cognitive decline. Training also deals with issues such as forgetting relatives, hallucinations and delusions, poor judgement and forgetfulness resulting from Alzheimer’s.
Our social workers and nurses also work with family members to help them understand changes in their loved one’s behavior and how the disease affects a person’s ability to continue to do tasks they have done all their lives. Understanding the changes is just the beginning to help caregivers create a supportive environment which includes activities that are enjoyable and meaningful to the client.
In addition, all Homewatch CareGivers home health aides can participate in our virtual dementia training program which provides them with a tactile and auditory experience simulating neurological deficits that can lead to cognitive difficulties.
Homewatch Nurse Debbie Ginefra says, “When I look at our successful caregivers, I hear that they treat their clients as they would want someone to treat their own parent going through this disease. With a compassionate attitude, dementia training and continued professional support, our home health aides can do their work in dementia care successfully.”
Call for a Free, Confidential Consultation
Homewatch CareGivers has been serving Essex (Bloomfield, The Caldwells, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Garwood, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Maplewood, Millburn, Montclair, Mountainside, Nutley, Pinebrook, Roseland, Short Hills, South Orange, Springfield, Verona, West Orange, Union (Berkeley Heights, Cranford, Fanwood, New Providence, Scotch Plains, Summit, Westfield, and parts of Passaic (Clifton) and Morris (East Hanover, Florham Park, Chatham, Whippany) counties for 14+ years. Homewatch CareGivers is a trusted home care agency providing quality Alzheimer’s home care services to your loved one in their home or residential facility. Learn more about how your family might benefit from in-home senior care. For more information about Homewatch visit hwcg.com/south-orange, call (973)810-0110, or email rbrokman@hwcg.com.
