Many seniors respond well to continuity, and they feel safe when their environment, schedule, and caregiver are the same every day. Consistency is especially important for seniors with memory loss. Here are five reasons consistent caregivers are essential for older adults.
1. Provides Comfort
The world can be a confusing place for seniors with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. They have difficulty understanding conversations, remembering people and places, and navigating new environments, which is why caregivers should provide as much stability as possible. Seniors with Alzheimer’s may become anxious or agitated if their caregivers alternate, as they may not trust people who don’t seem familiar.
If you are the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional home care, Portland Align Home Care should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults manage their health and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years.
2. Increases the Efficiency of Caregiving
Inconsistent caregiving often lacks efficiency. Whether the lack of consistency is due to caregiver turnover or a variable schedule, the caregiving process runs more smoothly when a set structure is followed every day. Without a structure, seniors might not take their medications on time, and an inconsistent routine could affect their mood, health, and wellbeing. With consistent care, seniors are more likely to stay happy and healthy, and caregivers are often able to complete their daily tasks in a timely manner.
3. Frees Up More Time for Socialization
When seniors receive care from an ever-rotating sequence of caregivers, a lot of time may be spent playing catch-up. New caregivers have to familiarize themselves with the senior’s medical needs, prescription schedule, personality, and preferences. Once a new caregiver figures out how to meet the senior’s basic needs, it doesn’t leave a lot of time for other activities. For seniors who need 24/7 care, their caregiver is often the person they see the most. It’s important for seniors to form a bond with their caregivers, as they’re often the main source of conversation and companionship. When seniors have consistent caregivers, there’s often time for socialization, which can boost emotional health.
For families living in Portland, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Align Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
4.Reduces Dementia Symptoms
Consistent routines may provide comfort to seniors with dementia and reduce some of the symptoms associated with the disorder. Studies suggest that following the same routine every day can minimize the chances of sundowning. Caregivers should try to implement a consistent schedule so seniors wake up, eat, and perform personal hygiene tasks at the same times every day.
5. Enhances Sleep Quality
When seniors receive consistent care, they tend to sleep better at night. If older adults go to sleep at the same time every night, they’re more likely to sleep well. Consistency can also help caregivers sleep better. When caregivers follow a set schedule, they may not have to manage chores late at night.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of elderly care. Portland families can rely on Align Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call at (207) 835-3490 today.