When a cure is no longer possible doctors may recommend hospice care. Hospice is designed for patients who have less than six months to live and focuses on making the patient comfortable, not on curing the illness or condition. Most hospice programs are made up of a team of nurses, a doctor, therapists, social workers and a live-in caregiver. Each person is there to help the patient and support the family, but hospice care may not be for everyone. There are a lot of disagreements regarding when hospice care is necessary, but that is ultimately for you to decide. Here are the pros and cons of hospice care:

Pros of Hospice Care

• Most patients prefer to live out their last days at home with their family and friends, without unnecessary interventions. Hospice care allows for their wishes to be honored.
• Hospice care usually succeeds in keeping patients pain free. Depending on the severity of their illness and the pain associated, a pain management plan will keep them comfortable.
• Acknowledging that the end of life is approaching gives family members and the patient an opportunity to come to terms with death. The team of hospice workers is a great support during this time and trained to facilitate this psychological process.
• With in-home hospice care the patient’s day to day activities are taken care of, so the family can enjoy precious moments with their loved one.

Cons of Hospice Care

• The end of the patient’s life must be acknowledged by both the patient and their family. Individuals often have difficulty coping with the short time left together.
• Hope feels lost because care now focuses on relieving symptoms rather than producing a cure. Giving up hope is difficult for some people and they struggle to move on.
• Hospice care can be expensive for most families. Employing the team of hospice workers can be costly and you do not have a defined period of time for the care. You might be expecting only one month of hospice care and need six months.
• Patients and their family may feel uncomfortable having strangers in their home providing care. Some feel the family members should be taking care of their loved one.

In-home hospice care can help a patient who is nearing the end of their life; enjoy their final days in the comfort of home with loved ones. While hospice care may not be the ideal choice for all families and patients, it certainly has many benefits for those who do choose it. Houston Home Care Assistance  provides caregivers highly trained in providing exceptional hospice care. Call Houston Elder Care today at 713-535-9173 for end of life care with maximum comfort and dignity at home.

In today’s busy world most families do not make time to eat meals together anymore. When we eat alone the most common choice becomes what is quick and easy and nutritional value is no longer the priority. Seniors may have a more difficult time adjusting to eating alone. They may have lost a spouse or the family does not live nearby. They may see cooking for one as a waste of time and do not have the energy or ability to prepare meals anymore. While some seniors are capable and active, eating alone can become dangerous for others.

Eating Alone Could Lead to Rapid Weight Loss in seniors

If you notice a rapid weight loss in your loved one who may be eating alone, it is possible they are skipping meals. Many find that if a senior is going to eat alone they probably will not eat at all. This can be attributed to depression, physical inability to prepare meals or forgetfulness. Many seniors suffering from physical limitations and immobility find grocery shopping and cooking to be a difficult task they may not be able to do on their own. We find that elderly individuals suffering from mental conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s will simply forget that they need to eat. Depression can also cause a decline in appetite and is common in seniors.

Poor Nutrition Increases Vulnerability to Illness

When meal preparation becomes a daunting task, we will often choose the option that is quick and easy. For elderly people adequate nutrition is extremely important to protect their immune system. A poor diet can lead to susceptibility to illness, disease, bacterial infection and malnutrition. It has also been found to be a factor in depression.

Promoting Optimal Health for seniors through Home Care

If your loved one is struggling with activities of daily living such as grocery shopping, meal preparation and housekeeping, Houston Home Care provides caregivers expertly trained in caring for seniors. Our wide range of home care services includes nutritious meal preparation, transportation to and from the grocery store, light house keep and so much more. Our revolutionary approach to senior care, The Balanced Care Method™, promotes optimal health for our clients through a balanced diet, physical exercise and social interaction. Our caregivers help seniors maintain their independence, while allow them to remain in the comfort of home. Call 713-535-9173 now to discover the many care options available for your love one.

More recent studies are showing evidence that atmosphere affects the wellbeing of patients. Many Alzheimer’s care facilities are making changes to accommodate their clients and make them feel more comfortable. Changes such as color, visual cues and memory boxes can all help to give the Alzheimer’s patient a sense of security and calmness. If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s but receiving Houston In-Home Care, these changes can also be applied the home to help improve their overall wellbeing and comfort.

Pastels Create a Relaxed and Calm Environment

Unlike hospital and health care facilities where walls, floors and curtains are all white to exhibit a sterile environment, the new trend is using colors and patterns strategically to promote a sense of calmness. Pastel colors, specifically green and blue, are preferred over bright and vibrant colors and subtle patterns are preferred over dynamic ones with too many contrasting colors. Using different wall colors in different rooms can serve as a visual reminder to the patient of which activities happen in which rooms. Muted colors and patterns help to create an environment that is relaxing, calming and peaceful for the Alzheimer’s patient.

Visual Cues Help Reduce Confusion and Disorientation

Implementing visual cues or reminders throughout the home is one way to help reduce confusion and disorientation for your loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s. An enclosed display case which contains personal mementos at the entrance of their room assists patients in locating the appropriate bedroom. A familiar piece of artwork or a family photograph can also serve the same purpose in helping the senior with Alzheimer’s to identify different areas of the home. Other visual cues such as clocks stating the date and time or images and labels can help to remind the patient of certain tasks.

Mementos Stimulate the Mind of Alzheimer’s Patients

Mementos can trigger happy memories that remind that patient of specific time in their life. If the caregiver provides a box of appealing items such as photo albums, toys, a newspaper and other mementos belonging to the patient it can help to stimulate their mind. Giving the Alzheimer’s patient a fulfilling outlet to explore can prevent him or her from exploring other areas of the home that may be unsafe. Establishing a safe and comfortable environment in the home is an important part of what Home Care Assistance caregivers do, while providing specialized Alzheimer’s care.

It is estimated that one in eight individuals in America will eventually suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Since it is often associated only with memory loss, other potential indicators of Alzheimer’s may be overlooked. Loved ones of seniors who suspect this common form of dementia should be observant for these 10 early signs of the disease. See how our Houston senior care can enhance the quality of life for your loved one.

1.    Short-Term Memory Loss
There may be preservation of long-term memory, but recent events are forgotten.

2.    Difficulties Completing Familiar Processes
This can manifest as an inability to perform routine tasks such as cooking or bathing.

3.    Decline in Problem-Solving Abilities
Seniors may be unable to balance a checkbook or understand simple math.

4.    Confusion of Time and Place
Forgetting where they are in familiar places or at home is common.

5.    Trouble Comprehending Visual or Spatial Cues
Alzheimer’s victims may misinterpret visual information such as color or reflection.

6.    Difficulty with Vocabulary, Speech or Writing
Handwritten letters may become incomprehensible. Words are forgotten or confused.

7.    Losing Objects Frequently

8.    Poor or Questionable Judgment

9.    Social Withdrawal
Avoidance of friends, family and social events is common.

10.    Unusual Changes in Personality or Moods
Depression, anxiety, paranoia, anger or even aggressiveness may be seen.

When signs of the disease reach a point where routine activities are greatly affected or seniors can no longer care for themselves safely, Alzheimer’s in home care gives them the opportunity to remain in familiar surroundings longer while receiving the assistance they need.

Seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s in Houston can also benefit greatly from Houston home care. Professional care for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease includes help with daily activities, companionship and compassionate reassurance. Assistance from an experienced home care agency makes life easier for Alzheimer’s victims and their families and acts as a supportive adjunct to medical management.