June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a time of year when, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, people from across the world will fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through outreach and fundraising.

It’s also a time of year when the home care professionals at Cella Bella’s Senior Services and Hospice in Austin remind family caregivers that, as Alzheimer’s progresses and loved ones get more difficult to care for, professional help is available.

“People with Alzheimer’s can continue to live in their homes safely and healthfully with the help of in-home care professionals who specialize in caring for people with dementia,” said Jennifer Guardiola, Director of Development at Cella Bella’s Senior Care and Hospice.

“Allowing Alzheimer’s sufferers to continue living in their homes as long as possible can actually be helpful in maintaining a level of mental stability in their lives,” Guardiola added. “One’s home feels safe and soothing, and staying in a familiar place is important in maintaining daily schedules and routines – critical in Alzheimer’s care.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 5.8 million Americans 65 years and older currently live with Alzheimer’s Disease. This accounts for nearly 70 percent of all dementia cases in the U.S.

The disease is also the fifth-leading cause of death in the U.S. for those 65 and older.

“Many of the people who receive in-home care from our team of home care professionals do so because they’re living with Alzheimer’s and dementia,” Guardiola said. “Family members can only do so much as dementia progresses. And, while they want to be there for their loved ones, sometimes the most loving thing they can do is to seek professional help from in-home caregivers specially trained in dementia care.”

Such in-home dementia care professionals, like those at Cella Bella’s, are able to provide a number of specific services that allow Alzheimer’s patients to remain safe, comfortable and independent in their homes. These include:

Personal Care

Home care professionals may assist with activities that ensure proper health and hygiene such as help with bathing, dressing, incontinence care, taking medications, and so on.

Nutritional Health

Caregivers are also able to assist with planning and preparing meals (including shopping), helping ensure patients comply with specific dietary needs.

Companionship

Being there to help with mail, bills, letters, special crafts or projects, or simply to just talk can go a long way toward engaging the minds and hearts of those with Alzheimer’s. (Cella Bella’s staff is bilingual.)

Transportation & Errands

The Cella Bella’s team can also make sure patients get to their doctor’s appointments, the salon, church, drug store pick-ups, and even visits with friends.

“All of our services are based around compassion for the client and his or her needs,” Guardiola said. “Our team goes above and beyond to ensure the comfort and safety of all our patients and peace of mind with their families and loved ones. This extends to end-of-life care, should this need arise.”

For more information about Cella Bella’s professional in-home services for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, call (512) 912-7707.