Four Things to Know Before Hiring a Caregiver for a Senior with Alzheimer's
Sometimes you notice that Mom has lost a step or that Dad is having trouble getting around the house, and you decide it’s time to consider hiring a caregiver to help. But when your loved one shows early signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s an entirely different matter.
Hiring the right caregiver can be a challenge, especially when finding that person depends on a clear understanding of your aging parent’s condition and disease, and defining the specific care that is required.
In this guide, we’ll share four things you need to know before hiring a caregiver for a senior with Alzheimer’s. We’ll also share resources that can help you in your search as you look for the right fit.
» Download our free guide to home care, "From Crisis to Caregiver."
Aging at Home With Alzheimer’s
According to the Alzheimer's Association, an estimated 6.9 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s dementia, and as the population above 65 continues to grow, so too will this figure.
While the progression of Alzheimer’s can be unpredictable and oftentimes swift, the American Medical Association maintains that aging in place may be the best solution for your loved one. According to their findings, aging in place offers key benefits:
- A familiar setting that is easier to navigate and remember
- Stable routines
- Easy access to familiar foods
- Socialization in the neighborhood
Yet many families worry about their lack of experience in providing help or hiring an aide for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Read on for four things to keep in mind as you begin your search for home care.
What to Know Before Hiring a Caregiver For Someone With Alzheimer’s
Specific skills or qualifications are not always enough when caring for a senior with Alzheimer’s, you also need to look for caregivers who possess an extra dose of patience and compassion. As you begin the hiring process, we recommend you keep the following in mind:
- Create a safe home environment
- Arrange care for the whole person
- Hire for the right stage of the illness
- Ask the right questions
Create a Safe Home Environment
According to research by Johns Hopkins Medicine, many who suffer from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia can continue to live comfortably at home as long as they have the right support. Beyond the basics, you may want to equip your senior’s home with safety features like:
- Grab bars in the bathroom
- Non-slip rugs – or no rugs at all
- Motion-sensor lighting throughout the home should your senior need to get up in the middle of the night
- Alarms or 24-hour assistance should your loved one fall in the home or wander or get out of bed in the middle of the night
Measures like these can ensure that your senior ages at home safely, prolonging her time at home under care. For more tips, check out our home safety guide and checklist.
Arrange care for the Whole Person
Quality care always includes ensuring safety and meeting basic needs, but a dementia caregiver should also be prepared to support your loved one’s social and emotional needs.
Especially in the beginning, your senior is likely to feel anxious, frustrated, or even embarrassed. A caregiver should encourage him or her to be as independent as possible, share their feelings, and stay involved in daily life. Finding ways to facilitate these activities, while also maintaining your parent’s dignity, is a key element of Alzheimer’s care.
Hire for the Right Stage of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is typically broken down into three stages:
- Early stage
- Middle stage
- Late stage
Each stage has specific care requirements, so it’s important to know which stage your loved one is in to ensure she gets the care she needs.
Early Stage Alzheimer’s Care
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia, your senior can probably live at home and continue many of his regular activities. He may need help remembering names, places, or appointments. Tasks that require organizational skills, including managing money or taking medications, may also become difficult. You can stop by daily to assist with these activities or hire an in-home caregiver to help out.
Middle Stage Alzheimer’s Care
The middle stage of Alzheimer’s is characterized by difficulty communicating, as well as changes in behavior, including depression and irritability.
Though your parent may continue to live at home throughout this stage, at some point it will become unsafe to leave him alone. He’ll require increasing help with dressing, bathing, and other daily tasks. Family, friends, or an in-home caregiver will need to provide transportation to all activities and appointments, since he’ll no longer be able to drive.
A caregiver who understands the behaviors commonly associated with this stage can continue to encourage independence by speaking slowly and clearly, offering gentle, non-verbal cues for simple tasks such as setting the table, and providing plenty of activities to help reduce agitation and wandering.
Late Stage Alzheimer’s Care
At this point, your parent will probably need more care than you can reasonably provide at home. Moving to a residential facility can be difficult for families, particularly if they’ve previously made a strong commitment to aging in place.
To make it easier, gather as much information about the facilities in your area as early as possible. Then you’ll be prepared to make the best decision when the time comes. After your senior moves out of his home, plan to visit frequently. Spend time reading or reminiscing aloud, looking at old photos, and holding his hand. Even if he can no longer communicate, you can continue to improve his quality of life and deepen your bond.
As your senior moves through the stages of Alzheimer’s, open communication between your family and your caregiver will be essential. If you need additional support, the Alzheimer’s Association provides many resources.
Ask the Right Questions
We’ve worked with hundreds of vetted caregivers over the years and know a thing or two about finding the right care for your loved one. When hiring a caregiver privately, we recommend asking the following types of questions to make sure they are a fit for your loved one:
- Experience and qualifications
- Approach to caregiving
- Personality
- Health and safety
- Availability
- References
For a parent with Alzheimer’s, it’s especially important that your caregiver can demonstrate experience caring for seniors of a similar stage and with similar needs. Learn more in our guide to the 20 questions to ask before hiring a caregiver.
Finding the right caregiver can be a challenge, but with time, patience, and a bit of help, you can find your perfect match. At LeanOnWe, we match families with caregivers from a vetted network of highly qualified and proven caregivers in Metro New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Our caregivers are experienced in providing care for seniors with Alzheimer’s; if you are struggling to find the right caregiver, contact us to speak with a care expert.
Struggling To Find Help For Your Loved One? Download Our Free Homecare Guide
Finding quality care to ensure the safety and happiness of your loved one can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. We’ve helped 2,000+ families hire the right caregiver for their loved ones, and we compiled everything we know into a free eBook.
Our complimentary eBook has all the information you need for an overview of home care, learning how to hire, finding ways to overcome challenges you may encounter, and much more. Download “From Crises to Caregiver: An Uncomplicated Guide to Home Care” today.
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