There are currently more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s Disease with that number expected to increase to 13.8 million by 2060. While some families may opt for care at a facility, Connecticut-based nonmedical home care agency Assisted Living Services, Inc. has developed new solutions in combination with technological devices to ensure the right supportive care at home.
“We know from experience that an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and other memory related disorders pose real challenges for the entire family,” explains Mario D’Aquila, MBA, Chief Operating Officer of Assisted Living Services, Inc. (ALS) and Senior VP of Assisted Living Technologies, Inc. (ALT). “It may seem overwhelming, but we can offer support since more than half of our clients have some degree of dementia or memory impairment.”
D’Aquila notes that if families want to keep their loved one living at home, they need to be prepared for the responsibilities, which include managing medications, monitoring every-day activities, ensuring home safety, and addressing loneliness and isolation.
First on the list of priorities is being evaluated by your primary care physician or specialist. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are new medications that can slow progression and lesson symptoms. Accordingly, Alzheimer’s patients in mild to moderate stages of the disease can significantly improve medication compliance with today’s technology. Automated medication dispensers provide both a visual and auditory alert and can even send a call to the patient as a reminder, as well as notify caregivers if a regimen is not being followed. ALS has experienced compliance near 95% with clients across Connecticut who use these dispensers that typically cost only $2 per day.
“Families should partner with a trusted provider who can create a strong plan for day-to-day care management and ensure it is continually implemented,” said D’Aquila. “Even better, is an agency like ALS that has management staff who are Certified Dementia Care Practitioners (CDP®).”
Administered through the National Council of Certified Dementia Care Practitioners, the full-day 8-hour CDP® certification represents that the front line management staff have received comprehensive knowledge in the area of dementia care and completed the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care course/seminar. The CDP® commits to ongoing professional development and re-certification every two years. The certification reflects a deep personal commitment to maintaining the dementia patient’s quality of life physically, emotionally and socially.
Although the agency provides solely nonmedical care, it has focused on staff development that will ensure appropriate support from its team of Homemakers that assist clients with personal care - to its Live-in Companions that provide around-the-clock support. Caregivers receive approximately two hours of training and education on how to work with individuals experiencing memory difficulties due to Alzheimer’ or Dementia related disorders. This includes reading materials, testing, and time for dialog with instructor(s). They also benefit from supervisors that have the CDP training to help with managing care as problems arise.
In addition to quality of care, families also need to compare the cost of a facility versus in-home care. If the client qualifies for Medicaid, they may be eligible for the CT Homecare Program for Elders which pays for in home care. This program can benefit those with cognitive disabilities and memory impairment brought on by Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and other dementia related disorders. ALS is also a credentialled provider of the CT Homecare Program for Elders which also requires specific training for staff.
In conjunction with personal care, the sister company of ALS, Assisted Living Technologies, Inc. (ALT), offers a wide variety of primarily wireless, sensor-based technologies for a second layer of security. Stovetop fire prevention devices, personal body worn GPS locators, automatic fall detection sensors, video-visit systems and more provide constant monitoring.
“Wandering is one of the most dangerous behaviors of Alzheimer’s and may happen earlier in the disease than families expect,” said D’Aquila. “Today’s technology allows us to set up a virtual safety net inside and outside a home to ensure the wellbeing of a loved one.”
D’Aquila explains that discreet wireless sensors placed throughout a home can detect motion, activity from room-to-room, exiting, sleep patterns, and even moisture to help caregivers address an issue before it leads to something more serious.
D'Aquila encourages family caregivers to visit the ALT Technology Arts Gallery in Cheshire to view and experience all of the latest devices that can assist with every aspect of caring for an Alzheimer’s patient. All of the products are available online as well.
“Families need to know that they don’t have to go it alone when caring for a loved one,” concluded D’Aquila. “There are countless resources and support to ease the stress.”
About Assisted Living Service, Inc.
Since 1996, award-winning home care agency Assisted Living Services, Inc. (ALS) in Cheshire and Westport has provided quality care to residents across Connecticut. Its unique CarePlus program blends personal care by over 600 employees and caregivers with technological safety and monitoring devices from sister company Assisted Living Technologies, Inc. ALS was ranked on the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies and recognized by Home Care Pulse® as a “Best of Home Care Leader In Excellence”, a designation given to the best home care providers in the nation. Learn more by visiting www.assistedlivingct.com or calling 203.634.8668.
PHOTO: Automated medication dispensers provide both a visual and auditory alert and can even send a call to the patient with Alzheimer’ Disease as a reminder, as well as notify caregivers if a regimen is not being followed, thus, significantly improving medication compliance.
Credit: Assisted Living Services, Inc.
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