Cognitive Care Services

Approximately 1 in 10 people over age 65 has some measure of dementia. Not all cases of dementia are Alzheimer’s, but every case of cognitive decline requires special care. There are techniques that can be used that decrease the burden of dementia on the person suffering from the disease. And all family caregivers should seek assistance when caring from someone with cognitive decline. It is difficult to innately know what to do in these cases without training, It is even more difficult to experience a loved one going through cognitive decline.

Understanding Dementia

It is important to understand that a cognitive change may not mean dementia. Cognitive change can be symptoms of other conditions, such as alcohol abuse, nutrition, infections, stroke, or brain tumors. It is important to involve a medical doctor when you first notice cognitive decline.

Dementia, of which the most known is Alzheimer’s, is a chronic, worsening change in a person’s overall mental ability. It affects memory, thinking, behavior, emotions, and a person’s ability to maintain independence. Activities such as driving, cooking, staying on top of medications or grooming can all be affected. The good news is that, with assistance, most dementia patients can continue to live at home. All dementia specialists will stress the importance of maintaining familiar surroundings for cognitive care patients.

How Covenant Home Care Makes Living at Home, with Dementia, Possible

Covenant Home Care ensures that caregivers working with dementia patients have the proper training. We also understand the importance of consistent caregiver faces.  Each Covenant Home Care caregiver understands a dementia patient may become agitated when placed into a new environment. That changes caused by travel, hospitalization, or visitors are trigger points of agitation. Dementia patients may also mis-perceive threats and suffer from fear and fatigue from trying to make sense out of the confusion the disease causes in their mind.

Our caregivers are trained to create and keep a calm environment around the dementia patient. They know how to diffuse and avoid triggers, such as noise, glare, and background distractions. They help to simplify tasks and routines. Caregivers encourage walks, gardening, games and reviewing memories that help ground the person. Covenant Home Care employees are diligent about monitoring the personal comfort of dementia patients. Each knows to check for basic health that may be difficult for the dementia patient to communication, such as hunger, thirst, pain, fatigue, as well as necessary bowel and bladder movements. They are also sensitive to fears, misperceived threats and the frustration caused by struggling with expressing what is wanted.

Please contact us so we can help you and your loved one successfully navigate dementia through helpful cognitive care..