Dementia & Alzheimer’s Care
Dementia & Alzheimer’s Home Care in Glenview & Northshore
Caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s can feel overwhelming. You want to keep them safe, support their changing needs, and protect their dignity, all while looking after your own well-being. At Elijah Health Home Services, we provide dementia and Alzheimer’s home care in Glenview and Northshore, Chicago. Our team understands what you are going through and is here to offer not only expert care but also guidance and support for your entire family.
Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care
Caring for someone with a neurodegenerative condition requires a unique approach. It goes beyond standard assistance. It demands specialized knowledge, profound empathy, and a deep understanding of the individual’s changing world. Recognizing the nuances of these conditions is the first step toward providing effective and compassionate support.
What Is Dementia and How Does It Differ from Alzheimer’s?
It is common to hear the terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” used interchangeably, but they are not the same. According to the Mayo Clinic, dementia is a general term for a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. Think of dementia as an umbrella term, and underneath that umbrella are specific diseases that cause these symptoms.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60% to 70% of cases, as noted by the Mayo Clinic. It is a specific biological disease that involves the buildup of proteins in the brain, leading to cell death and brain shrinkage. Other conditions that cause dementia include Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, and Frontotemporal Dementia, each with its own set of symptoms and progression patterns.
Why Specialized Care Matters
Since dementia and Alzheimer’s change over time, a patient’s care plan needs to change too. Our specialized care is always tailored to your loved one’s current stage and symptoms. Our trained caregivers know how to handle communication challenges, manage changes in behavior, and set up routines that help reduce anxiety. This approach keeps your loved one safe and comfortable while respecting who they are.
Common Challenges Families Face
Many families take on the role of caregiver out of love, but it can be exhausting and stressful. Helping with mobility, personal care, and constant supervision is physically and emotionally demanding. Managing appointments, medications, and the healthcare system can quickly become overwhelming. This is where professional dementia care can help, giving you expert support and much-needed relief.
Signs Your Loved One May Need Professional Memory Care
It can be hard to know when to ask for professional help, but your loved one’s safety and well-being come first. It may be time to consider in-home memory care if you notice signs such as:
This might manifest as getting lost in familiar places, losing track of time, or not recognizing friends and family. This confusion can create significant safety risks.
You might see spoiled food in the fridge, changes in personal appearance, or a less tidy home. These are signs your loved one is struggling with self-care.
The Alzheimer’s Association notes that wandering is a common and dangerous behavior associated with the disease. Finding that a loved one has left the house without notice or is engaging in unsafe behaviors, like leaving the stove on, are urgent red flags.
If your loved one is acting differently, like showing anger, paranoia, or pulling away from others, they may be due to the onset of a memory disorder.
What to Expect from Our Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care
When you choose Elijah Health Home Services, you get a team committed to providing complete and compassionate Alzheimer’s home care. We build a support system that helps both your loved one and your family.
Personalized Care Plans for Every Stage
Dementia care needs change over time. We create care plans that adjust as your loved one’s needs evolve. From companionship and help with errands early on to more hands-on support later, our plans are flexible and always focused on your loved one. Levels of care can range from hourly care at key times each day to 24-hour live-in care.
Compassionate Caregivers Trained in Memory Support
Our caregivers are the core of what we do. They receive thorough training in dementia and Alzheimer’s care, including how to communicate, manage difficult behaviors with patience, and keep your loved one engaged in activities that bring comfort and joy.
Safe and Familiar Environments
Staying at home helps your loved one feel safe and avoids unnecessary stressors. Our in-home Alzheimer’s care lets them remain in familiar surroundings. We set up a safe, structured environment that reduces confusion and anxiety.
Support for Families and Caregivers
Caring for someone with dementia is a team effort. We support families with education, resources, and emotional guidance. You can count on us to answer your questions and help you through every step of the care process.
Benefits of In-Home Memory Care
In-home care offers real benefits for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s. It is a personal alternative to a facility, focusing on your loved one’s comfort and unique needs. Some of the benefits of in-home memory care include:
- Comfort of familiar surroundings: The home is a place of memories and comfort. Remaining in a familiar environment can reduce stress and agitation, which are common symptoms of dementia.
- Less stress and anxiety: Unfamiliar facilities can be overwhelming. In-home care gives your loved one a calm, predictable place where they can feel at ease.
- Personalized one-on-one attention: Unlike in a facility where staff-to-resident ratios can be high, in-home care ensures your loved one receives dedicated, one-on-one attention from a caregiver who truly knows them.
- Flexible care every day: Your loved one’s needs can change from day to day. An in-home caregiver can adjust plans as needed, responding to their mood, energy, and preferences in real time.
Schedule a Dementia or Alzheimer’s Care Assessment Now
Taking the first step toward professional care can feel daunting, but we make the process straightforward and collaborative. Getting started with professional care can feel overwhelming, but we make it simple and supportive. Our goal is to help your loved one stay safe, respected, and comfortable at home. You are not alone. Let us help you create a care plan that gives your family peace of mind. Contact us today to begin.