Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia and interferes with a senior's daily life by causing problems with thinking, memory, and behavior. It's a progressive disease that gradually worsens over time, typically beginning with mild memory loss and advancing to a point where seniors cannot carry on a conversation or respond to their surroundings.

Alzheimer's can cause physical, emotional, and financial stress for the individuals who have the disease as well as their loved ones tasked with caring for them. Sometimes the burden can be too much. Although there isn't a cure for Alzheimer's, help is available. An Orange County homecare agency specializing in the care of seniors with Alzheimer's can provide the daily assistance they need and improve their quality of life.

Homecare agencies offer a wide range of services based on the senior's specific needs, which may change as the disease progresses. They can assist with personal care, such as using the bathroom, bathing, dressing, cooking, and eating; household care, such as doing laundry, cleaning, and running errands; companionship, such as playing games or going on social outings to keep their minds engaged; and medication compliance.

Many families find the services and support provided by an Orange County homecare agency to be invaluable. In addition to providing seniors with daily homecare, the agency's professional caregivers can also ensure that the home is safe, especially if they live alone. This includes inspecting the home to make it accident proof from falls, wandering, and other dangerous situations. To ensure safety around the house the Orange County homecare agency can:

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  Remove sharp objects that could cause injury
  
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  Install locks so the senior cannot wander out of the house and get lost
  
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  Label drawers and doors
  
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  Label and lock away all medicines
  
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  Use reminders such as notes or timers
  

Hiring an Orange County Homecare Agency

It's important for families to do their homework before selecting an agency to care for their loved one suffering from Alzheimer's. As they begin to interview prospective homecare agencies in Orange County, families should prepare a list of questions to assess their experience and make sure they understand the level of care that will need to be provided. These are some questions to ask:

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  Is the homecare agency licensed and accredited?
  
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  Are employees bonded and insured?
  
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  Does the agency conduct thorough background checks?
  
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  Does the Orange County homecare agency have staff specially trained to work with people who have Alzheimer's disease?
  
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  Will the same caregiver provide care on a regular basis? If not, what is the substitution policy?
  
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  Does the agency have a list of references specifically related to care for people with Alzheimer's disease?
  
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  Are there a minimum number of hours or days per week to provide care?
  

After gathering as much information as possible, families should consider which Orange County homecare agency seems like the best fit for their loved ones. Choosing wisely will ensure they receive the best possible care during what can be a very difficult time in their lives.

Learn more about Orange County homecare services and support by visiting www.CambrianHomecare.com or calling 877.422.2270.