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Long Distance Caregiving Project

Types of In-Home Help

There are several different kinds of home care:

  • Personal Assistance includes assistance with dressing, bathing, grooming, and toileting. Workers who specialize in home care may also be able to help manage incontinence and wandering.
  • Health Care involves supervision of nutrition, monitoring of blood pressure and vital signs, and medication administration. Services are provided by health care professionals like registered or licensed vocational nurses and are ordered by a physician. These services are generally covered by insurance and are time limited based on medical need.
  • Homemaking includes housekeeping, shopping, preparing meals and running errands.
  • Companionship may include activities like walking and reminiscing. People with Alzheimer's disease enjoy the company of others.

Placement Facilities

Retirement Homes: Offer apartment-like arrangements with group meals, transportation services, and social and recreation programs. Residents can take care of themselves and require very little assistance.

Residential Care Facilities (also known as Assisted Living and Board and Care): Allow for some degree of independence in a supervised environment. They provide a private or shared room with three meals a day and generally some type of activity or social program. They also offer care services such as assistance with dressing, bathing, toileting and administering medications.

Nursing Homes (also called Skilled Nursing Facilities or Convalescent Hospitals): Offer extensive 24-hour skilled nursing care. Nursing homes are most appropriate for residents in late stages of Alzheimer's disease.

For telephone numbers of placement agencies and facilities check the database.

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