Elder Care Service Articles: 2020

Thursday, September 3, 2020

Elderly care agency in Bergen County, NJ

Home Care Agency in North NJ

Are you looking for Home Care Agency in North NJ? Applause Home Care is a local, non-franchised Home Care Agency in North NJ that offers meaningful care that is unique to each individual.

Applause Home Care is an elderly care agency that provides one-on-one specialized care for the elderly. Our agency focuses on many levels of individual care that will improve the lifestyle and well-being of our clients while in the comforts of their home.

Personal Care for The Elderly

Our Personal care for the elderly refers to physical assistance and prompting with direct personal care tasks and assisting with daily activities our clients face every day. These activities range from bathing and helping those getting dressed to personal hygiene and grooming. Our elderly caregivers also assist our patients with light housekeeping, help them prepare meals and other sources of nutrition as well as monitor and help them with their medication dosages during the day.

Elder Companion Service Agency

Our Elder Companion Duty service consists of companion care that is a less intensive home care service compared to our personal care service. may include hands-on services, our companion services include arranging appointments, helping those who need morning wake-up and bedtime assistance. Our elderly companion providers also make sure that their clients are up to date on their medicine and accompanying them to doctor and other health facilities.

Dementia Care Assistance Agency for The Elderly

Applause Home Care caregivers are highly trained professionals in providing dementia care services that will those achieve and accomplish their day-to-day activities. Our agency offers around-the-clock support that engages our clients with daily activities for mental stimulation while preparing meals and medication reminders on a routine schedule. Our dementia caregivers are very compassionate and are dedicated in delivering elderly dementia home care services for those who suffer from dementia within in the comfort of their home.

Through our personalized care plan, we can give you the needed care services that are all intended to cater to your unique personal and health needs. With us, we ensure around-the-clock services and supervision to help you achieve optimum health and wellness.

For more information about our Home Care Agency in North NJ, call Applause Home Care at (201) 326-8051.

Applause Home Care – Your Trusted Home Care Agency in North NJ.

Home Care Agency in Bergen County, NJ

Thursday, August 20, 2020

24-Hour Home Care in Bergen County, NJ

Are you looking for 24 Hour Home Care in Bergen County, NJ ? Applause Home Care offers 24 Hour Home Care in Bergen County, NJ that provides meaningful care that is unique to each individual. We believe in offering “CARE PARTNERING” services. This is a two-way exchange where the individual is directing their own personal care services.

Applause Home Care provides a wide range of health care services that are administered within the comforts of our client’s home. We have many years of experience in a wide range of elder care services, from personal home care assistance, to skilled nursing and rehabilitation therapy. Our 24-hour daily home care prevents the emotional strain that can come from moving to a facility, away from the comfort of one’s own home. We understand that our clients and patients want to stay within their home to keep their independence, sense of control, and overall quality of life.

Our 24-Hour Home Care Priorities

Applause Home Care provides a full range of 24-Hour home care services and all of our caregivers are certified and experienced in providing in-depth home care services. We promise to maintain a comfortable, clean and safe home environment for our patients while assisting them with daily activities which provides companionship and compassion. This personal care that we provide will be achieved by starting friendly conversations and keeping our clients alert and functional by assisting them with physical activities and mental awareness procedures. Our caretakers will make sure their medication is being taken regularly and that our patients will receive the proper daily nutrition needed including other round-the-clock tasks.

Our 24-hour home care plans allow us to accommodate the unique situations and needs of our clients and their families. We will develop a customized care plan for when our they need extra care and attention during the nighttime. We will strive to elevate their human spirit through quality, compassionate home care.

For more information about our 24 Hour Home Care in Bergen County, NJ , call Applause Home Care at (201) 326-8051 .

Applause Home Care – Your Trusted Source for 24 Hour Home Care in Bergen County, NJ .

Applause Home Care provides

24 Hour Home Care in Bergen County, NJ

for the following towns:

Thursday, August 13, 2020

In Home Elder Care in North NJ

We believe in offering “CARE PARTNERING” services. This is a two-way exchange where the individual is directing their own personal care services. Our home care services are designed to help our clients achieve overall better quality of living.

Our home care services include,
but are not limited to:

Meal preparation
Laundry
Light housekeeping
Grocery shopping and errands
Incidental transportation
Medication reminders
Grooming guidance

For more information about In Home Elder Care in North NJ

call Applause Home Care at (201) 326-8051.

Applause Home Care –

Your Trusted Provider for In Home Elder Care in North NJ.

We Are Proud Members Of

In Home Elder Care in Bergen County, NJ

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Home Care Reviews in North NJ

Are you looking for Home Care Reviews in North NJ? Applause Home Care is a local 24/7 home care agency that has great Home Care Reviews in North NJ. We provide home care with meaningful care that is unique to each individual. We believe in offering “CARE PARTNERING” services. This is a two-way exchange where the individual is directing their own personal care services. Our home care services are designed to help our clients achieve overall better quality of living.

We Are Proud Members Of

Home Care Reviews in Bergen County, NJ

For more information about our Home Care Reviews in North NJ call Applause Home Care at (201) 326-8051.

Applause Home Care has great Home Care Reviews in North NJ.

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Home Care Service in Bergen County, NJ

Are you looking for a Home Care in Bergen County, NJ? Applause Home Care is a 24/7 home care agency that offers Home Care in North NJ with meaningful personalize attention that is unique to each individual. We believe in offering “CARE PARTNERING” services. This is a two-way exchange where the individual is directing their own personal care services.

Applause Home Care offers live-in and hourly personal care, companionship, homemaker services, and a variety of other support for those in need. Home care services provides personalized, one-to-one social, physical, and cognitive support care and assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) for the elderly and those with injuries.

Local Home Care Service in Bergen County, NJ

Applause Home Care provides a wide range of health care services that are administered within the comforts of your home. Our home health care services are more affordable and safer than being treated within a hospital or a skilled nursing facility located in Bergen County, NJ. Our home health care services have helped many Bergen County residents recover from an injury while regaining their independence. Our professional health care providers succeed in this method by establishing a strong periodic training which is constantly supervised. This allows us to carefully pair our employees with our recipients in creating a meaningful and strong relationship between our clients and their care givers will provide better results. All of our care providers will give comfort, affection, respect and integrity to their patients which will keep them happy and nurtured during their time with our home care services in Bergen County, NJ.

Our Health Care Services in Bergen County, NJ Will Provide Companionship

Applause Home Care believes that in addition to administering health care, our visits will provide companionship as well as open the availability to have family and friends visit our clients more frequently than a hospital or other health care facility. By having our clients available anytime their guest are not restricted to a certain day or time period which will attack more social visits. This open time frame for companionship will prevent depression and other mental illness such a loneliness and isolation that has a great effect on those injured or the elderly.

For more information about our Home Care in Bergen County, NJ, call Applause Home Care at (201) 326-8051.

Applause Home Care – Your Trusted Source for Home Care in Bergen County, NJ.

Monday, July 13, 2020

Fall risk prevention

Are you looking for Elder Fall Prevention in Bergen County, NJ Applause Home Care is a local 24/7 home care agency that offer Elder Fall Prevention in Bergen County, NJ with meaningful care that is specifically unique to each individual. We believe in offering “CARE PARTNERING” services which is a two-way exchange where the individual is directing their own personal care services. Our home care services are designed to help our clients achieve overall better quality of living.

Dangers when an Elderly Suffers a Fall

When an elderly person suffers a fall, the event can be surprisingly devastating were getting up seems hopeless. Sometimes the one who has fell, can be on the floor or ground for several minutes until they are found. The time can seem like forever especially when they are alone. The main problem with an elderly falling is the panic will set in thus making the person fall unaware of injuries they might have suffered from the fall. Studies show that one out of five falls has caused serious injuries such a head trauma or broken bones and over 800,000 elderly patients are hospitalized due to a fall.

What Conditions Make the Elderly Susceptible to a Fall

Studies show that there are many conditions that contribute to an elderly person falling frequently. Since our bodies deteriorate when we age, our lower body suffers from weakness and at time is unable to maneuver like they did in the past. This is why some elderly have difficulties walking and lose their balance often. Since most elderly are taking a prescription medication, they will alter the balance and judgment more in elderly patients. Anti-depressions and sedatives are known to alter body movement and body flow. Most falling cases are related foot pains or problems walking while combining this with a weaker vision can increase the risk for a fall. Most falls are also caused by home hazards like a shopping bag handle hidden on the floor and other secluded objects that can cause a trip or unknowingly block the path someone is taking. Toss rugs and loose flooring like tile has caused many elderly to fall.

Fall Prevention For The Elderly

At Applause Home Care, we believe that falls can be prevented. We encourage our clients to speak with their doctor to review the medication they are taking and reduce the ones that induce dizziness and cause drowsiness. Studies show that Vitamin D supplements will help the body strengthen more and should be administered. The benefits of balance and other simple exercises had improved the strength and awareness in our clients. Body movement exercises like Tai-Chi has been known to improve stability and balance among the elderly.

There are other precautions we take and consider for each individual client to prevent elderly from falling. Through our personalized care plan, we can give you the needed care services that are all intended to cater to your unique personal and health needs. With us, we ensure around-the-clock services and supervision to help you achieve optimum health and wellness.

For more information about our Elder Fall Prevention in Bergen County, NJ call Applause Home Care at (201) 326-8051.

Applause Home Care – Your Trusted Elder Fall Prevention in Bergen County, NJ.

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Home Care Services

Are you looking for a Home Care in North NJ? Applause Home Care is a 24/7 home care agency that offers Home Care in North NJ with meaningful personalize attention that is unique to each individual. We believe in offering “CARE PARTNERING” services. This is a two-way exchange where the individual is directing their own personal care services.

Selecting the Home Care Service for Your Specific Needs

At Applause Home Care, we believe that providing a wide range of home care services will help out clients who have individual needs. Our home care services offers live-in and hourly personal care, companionship, homemaker services, and a variety of other support for those in need. We provide personalized, one-to-one social, physical, and cognitive support care and assistance with Activities of Daily Living that include Bathing, Dressing, Personal Hygiene, Walking, Continence, Eating as well as other care services that are specifically catered to our clients.

Exceeding the Required Home Care Service for Your Specific Needs

Our mission is to bring personalized home care that will improve the quality of life for all of our care recipients. By exceeding the standards of home care that are required by New Jersey regulations we can provide a much improved manner of home care. Our Directors of Nursing is a full time employee who supervises all home care. We believe this will improve the individual attention we provide compared to most other home care firms whom are allowed to contract such position. Our registered nurses provide weekly status reports and other home care notes rather than the monthly or 60 day which is suggested by New Jersey. We also provide daily access to to an online visual link where one can view the home care that we provide. We provide specific dementia training programs for all of our home care providers as well as have 24/7 on call servicing.

At Applause Home Care, we will provide improved home care services that a required by establishing a strong periodic training which is constantly supervised which allows us to carefully pair our employees with our recipients. We believe that creating a meaningful and strong relationship between our clients and their care givers will provide better results. All of our care providers will give comfort, affection, respect and integrity to their patients which will keep them happy and nurtured during their time with our home care services.

For more information about our Home Care in North NJ, call Applause Home Care at (201) 326-8051.

Applause Home Care – Your Trusted Source for Home Care in North NJ.

Sunday, June 21, 2020

Dementia Care at Home in Bergen County, NJ

Are you looking for Dementia Care in Bergen County, NJ? Applause Home Care is a local 24/7 home care agency that provides Dementia Care in Bergen County, NJ with meaningful care that is unique to each individual. We believe in offering “CARE PARTNERING” services.

Dementia Care services offer specialized in-home support to those with early-stage, mid-stage, or late-stage dementia. Our Care Partners help our clients maintain quality of life so that aging in place remains possible. We also provide family caregivers with much-needed respite.

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, their well-being will depend on family, friends, and familiar surroundings. Over time, your loved one will likely rely on family caregivers and the comfort of their home more and more. You may find yourself overwhelmed trying to care for your loved one. Eventually, you may start to worry that you will need to move your loved one into a nursing facility.

Dementia care services from Applause Home Care can provide you and your loved one with the support you need. Our Care Partners offer compassionate, specialized assistance designed specifically for those who are coping with dementia. This way, your loved one can continue to live at home, receiving care designed to maximize quality of life. At the same time, you will get the respite you need to maintain your own well-being and find time for other important responsibilities.

Dementia Care Services

At Applause Home Care, we understand the challenges of caring for those with dementia. Dementia care services must be tailored to the specific symptoms, risks, and challenges related to the different types of dementia.

Dementia care training is available to all Applause Home Care Care Partners, and many of our Care Partners are certified in advanced dementia care protocols.

Through our dementia care program, we provide assistance with a wide variety of needs. We assist our clients with personal tasks, provide comforting companionship, and offer helpful reminders when needed. Our dementia care services can include help with activities that include:

Wandering prevention
Dignified bathing, dressing and grooming care
Medication reminders and monitoring
Walking assistance
Transferring assistance
Preparation of healthy meals
Light housekeeping chores
Transportation to appointments and therapies
His / Her unique pleasures

Getting Started with Dementia Care

Applause Home Care offers free care assessments to help you determine if dementia care services are right for your loved one. Your loved one’s care assessment will be performed in the comfort of his or her home. During this assessment, we will outline the foundation for your loved one’s dementia care services.

First, we will customize a care plan around your loved one’s lifestyle, preferences, and symptoms. If you decided to proceed with care, we will then match your loved one with a caregiver whose skills and strengths are particularly suited to your loved one’s care needs.

For more information about our Dementia Care in Bergen County, NJ call Applause Home Care at (201) 326-8051.

Applause Home Care – Your Trusted Provider for Dementia Care in Bergen County, NJ.

Dementia Care in Bergen County, NJ

for the following towns:

Monday, June 15, 2020

Free Home Care Assessment in Bergen County, NJ

Free Home Care Assessment and Consultation

Are you considering home care services for your elder and loved one? If so then, you probably have many questions about scheduling options, costs, services provided, Care Partner qualifications and supervision as well as other topics. With the variety of senior care options available, you may feel a little overwhelmed.

A free in-home care consultation with the Applause Home Care Director of Nursing and their CEO is one of the best ways to learn about home care services provided by our compassionate and professional caregivers. We offer no-cost, no-obligation consultations designed to answer your questions and provide expert guidance to help you navigate the senior care decision-making process — giving you peace of mind without added pressure.

Here are a few things you need to know to help you and your loved one get the most out of your free home care consultation:

What is the Purpose of an In-Home Personal Care Consultation?

An in-home consultation provides an opportunity to learn about Applause Home Care services and ask any questions you may have. The consultation helps our Director of Nursing and CEO to get to know you and your loved one and understand any specific care needs.

How to Prepare for an In-Home Personal Care Consultation?

Before your consultation, the most important step is letting your elder know you are considering hiring a home Care Partner. If your loved one resists the idea, be sure to listen to his or her opinions and concerns. Emphasize their well-being is your top priority.

It may also be helpful to think about your elder’s needs, such as what time of day he/she needs assistance and what tasks are the most challenging. You may also want to review financial situations in advance, so you have an idea of how much to budget for in-home personal care.

It’s also a good idea to make a list of any questions or concerns and bring the list to the consultation.

What Happens During the Consultation?

We will schedule an in-person meeting with you and your elder in your loved one’s home.

Although discussing personal care needs may feel embarrassing for your loved one, you can rest assured our compassionate care coordinators are skilled at putting older adults and family caregivers at ease. Topics discussed may include:

Personal care needs
Assistance with bathing and grooming, dressing, mobility, fall prevention, and toileting.
Homemaking needs
Light housekeeping, laundry, meal planning/preparation, and grocery shopping.
Memory care needs
Reminders to eat, stay hydrated, engage in physical activity, and take medications.
Companionship/Emotional care needs
Social interaction, conversation, activities, and hobbies.
Scheduling
Daily routines, times when assistance is needed, and Care Partner schedule options.
Logistics and policies
How Care Partners will enter your loved one’s home, how to communicate with your local agency, and how to reschedule care.
Other specific requests
Health conditions, dietary restrictions, meal preferences, assisting with errands, transportation to appointments, and more.

Our in-home consultations also include complimentary home safety and fall-risk assessments, as well as a discussion of your loved one’s specific safety needs.

Our Director of Nursing and CEO will take the time to answer any questions you may have about Care Partner qualifications, safety, oversight, emergency procedures, and other concerns.

What Happens After the Consultation?

Our Director of Nursing will use information from your care consultation to develop a comprehensive care plan tailored to your loved one’s unique needs. The comprehensive plan will include a care schedule and a description of specific activities and tasks that require Care Partner assistance.

We then will match your loved one with a compatible Care Partner. You can be confident your loved one will get a Care Partner who is the right fit for their needs and personality.

How Soon Can Home Care Services Begin?

Our Care Partners can typically begin providing services within 48 hours of the initial consultation. In some cases, home care services can start the same day.

How Can I Participate in the Consultation if I Live Far Away?

If you are a long-distance away, we can use whatever technology that is convenient to you to participate in our consultation your loved one.

For more information about Home Care Assessment in Bergen County, NJ,
call Applause Home Care at (201) 326-8051. Applause Home Care – Your Trusted Home Care Assessment in Bergen County, NJ.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Discussing COVID-19 Precautions With Our Elders

Discussing COVID-19 Precautions with Our Elders

As elders and individuals people with chronic health conditions are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus, family caregivers may feel more anxious about their loved ones health and safety.

There are several things family caregivers can do their elders and help them understand why coronavirus is a cause for concern:

Get the Facts

Before talking to your older loved ones about COVID-19, you should arm yourself with facts and information from reliable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention or state and local health departments.

Providing them with information from a news outlet, healthcare provider or community organization is an effective way to boost credibility. You should also correct any misinformation that may be driving their erroneous beliefs or behavior.

Understand Our Elders’ Feelings

To help your loved ones realize the seriousness of COVID-19, you need to uncover the reasons behind their behavior — and the best way to do this is by asking questions. You might start by asking them what they have heard about COVID-19, what they think about the pandemic, and what they have done to prepare.

What you learn might surprise you. For example, an elder who is coping with cognitive decline may not understand or remember information they hear about COVID-19 and forget to follow important safety precautions.

Elders may incorrectly believe the virus won’t affect them because they are in good health, aren’t THAT old, have “survived worse,” or never get sick. Some elders may not understand how their refusal to follow public health guidance could contribute to the spread of the virus.

It’s also vital for family caregivers to be aware of other factors that impact elder’s behavior toward the virus, such as fear of isolation, concern over changing routines, or anxiety over an uncertain situation.

Provide Guidance

It is critical to use the right tone and approach. Pressuring, badgering, or talking down to your elder may make it less likely he or she will listen to you. Make sure you let them know you are not trying to upset them and are only concerned about their health and safety.

Make sure you actively listen address his or her specific concerns; for example, if your loved one is concerned about losing touch with family members, you could help them develop a plan to keep in touch and provide them with creative ways to communicate during social distancing. If he or she is concerned about missing an activity, you could help them research safe alternatives or find new ways to stay active.

If they have concerns about being able to take care of themselves or obtain supplies during lock downs, you could arrange for qualified home care agency, like Applause Home Care to provide essential services during the pandemic.

You could also mention the steps that you, or someone your loved ones know and respect, have taken to prepare or comply with public health guidelines.

Two-Way Communication

No matter how your elder reacts, just let them know you are there and available to them. You can share you own concerns and ways you use to cope and manage. You can ask them for suggestions in ways to manage situations. We are in this and will get through this together!!

Part of protecting your older loved ones during the pandemic means doing your best to help them understand the seriousness of the situation and teaching them how to keep themselves — and others — safe.

For more information about our In Home Elder Care in North NJ call Applause Home Care at (201) 326-8051.

Applause Home Care – Your Trusted Provider for In Home Elder Care in North NJ.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Balancing Working from Home with Family Care-giving During COVID-19

Are you looking for Elder Care Service in North NJ? Applause Home Care offers Elder Care Service in North NJ that provides meaningful care that is unique to each individual.

Balancing Working from Home with Family Care-giving During COVID-19

Many of us are working from home for an extended period of time. In addition to our “day job” we may also need to care with an elder in our family. What can we do to balance our work and our care responsibility to avoid getting burned out, stressed out and overwhelmed? Here are some suggestions to strike a balance between these two forces:

Get a routine

Create a routine for yourself and your elder one to help both of you know what to expect each day. Establish a predictable schedule for your loved one, including set times for waking up, eating meals, taking medicine, exercising, and other activities to help them feel comforted and secure. A routine will also help you establish set work hours around your loved one’s schedule.

Establish Boundaries

Elders may not understand the concept of working from home. It’s important to let your elder know that there will be times when you cannot be disturbed, like when you are in that meeting and your dad asks you how to use the remote control because the TV just won’t come on. You should also let them know when it is okay to interrupt, such as when they need assistance using the toilet or do not feel well.

Minimize the potential for interruptions

Before settling down to work, make sure your loved one is safe, comfortable, and has everything he or she needs. As your work permits, check in to make sure they are doing well. It may also help to let them know when you will be back to check on them again. If your loved one lives in another household, it may be a good idea to check in with a phone call before you begin working. During your call, let your loved one know when you will be available again and what emergencies warrant an immediate interruption.

Stuff Happens

You cannot predict everything! Sometimes you need to take care of something with your elder pronto! Knowing this will not make the situations go away but may help alleviate some frustration.

Share your situation

Inform your colleagues that you are serving as a caregiver for your loved one member. Many people are juggling childcare and eldercare responsibilities so it may be likely your colleagues can relate and can share some amusing anecdotes.

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

One of the benefits of telecommuting is the increased flexibility. When there is a conflict between working and care-giving, make sure you communicate with your colleagues and consider asking your manager if you can adjust your schedule or make up missed time later in the day.

Self Care

It is crucial to take time for yourself. Although stay-at-home rules may limit your ability to continue your normal activities, make sure to take a walk, watch a movie, read a book, meditate, or do yoga at home to help you relax and recharge.

Ask for Assistance

If you feel yourself becoming exhausted, stressed, or overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for home care assistance. Consider asking your family members for assistance. If that is not an option, hiring a home care provider may be a good choice to properly care with your elder while you manage your work responsibilities.

The best home caregivers are truly CARE PARNERS and remain devoted to delivering safe and compassionate personal care that is essential to the health and well-being of our elders. If you feel wan assistance with this balancing act, Applause Home Care can help you find the work-life balance you need while caring for your elder.

For more information about our Elder Care Service in North NJ call Applause Home Care at (201) 326-8051.

Applause Home Care – Your Trusted Elder Care Service in North NJ.

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Tackling the Loneliness Associated with Social Distancing in our Elder Communities

Are you looking for In Home Elder Care in North NJ? Applause Home Care is a local 24/7 home care agency that provides In Home Elder Care in North NJ with meaningful care that is unique to each individual. We believe in offering “CARE PARTNERING” services. This is a two-way exchange where the individual is directing their own personal care services. Our home care services are designed to help our clients achieve overall better quality of living.

The effects of isolation are being experienced by millions of people and those ages 65 and older are at increased risk for feelings of loneliness, especially at this time when visitors are restricted even in the home. With increasing “stay at home orders” that are happening all over the world, loneliness, helplessness, depression and boredom are real problems our elders will face more than ever.

Here is what our Care Partners bring to our clients:

Ideas to address the loneliness, helplessness and boredom that social distancing causes, by staying active in meaning and purposeful activities, such as philanthropy, spiritual or recreational (puzzles, yoga) activities

Keeping people engaged in instrumental activities of daily living, such as participating in cooking and continuing with personal hygiene and grooming each day

Reminiscing by looking at pictures and interacting with stories of times gone by and levering this as an opportunity to look forward to future times ahead.

Continue person-directed care by empowering individuals to participate in decisions about aspects like ordering food and medicine online for delivery

Facilitating connection with friends and family via virtual access. If your loved one uses a smartphone, iPad, or computer, we can facilitate your interactions with FaceTime, Skype or other types of calls where you each see one another while talking.

We know out of sight does not me out of mind!

For more information about our In Home Elder Care in North NJ call Applause Home Care at (201) 326-8051.

Applause Home Care – Your Trusted Provider for In Home Elder Care in North NJ.

Friday, March 13, 2020

Home Care Agency in North NJ

Are you looking for Home Care Agency in North NJ? Applause Home Care is a local, non-franchised Home Care Agency in North NJ that offers meaningful care that is unique to each individual. We believe in offering “CARE PARTNERING” services. This is a two-way exchange where the individual is directing his/her own personal care services.

Home Care Agency

Home care providers are becoming as popular as the years go by. Most people understand that aging is inevitable, and we have to make plans for when that happens. Although there are always friends and family to take care of you, sometimes, they may not be available to give you adequate care. This is why need a home care agency

When do you need a home care agency?

There comes the point in human life where doing the smallest task seems impossible. This is one of the pointers that such a person requires home care services. Here are some ways to know if a person needs Home care.

1. When a person needs help completing simple tasks.

If a dear aged one has trouble moving around e.g., meeting appointments or leaving, getting around the house, doing the dishes or laundry, cooking etc., they will need caregivers. These tasks may seem very simple, but when a person is unable to perform such tasks, they need help.

2. Requiring assistance for regular human activities

A person who finds it difficult to bath, dress-up, clean up after a visit to the restroom is unfit to take care of himself/herself and requires the services of a home care agency. At Applause Homecare, we have nurses and health care assistants experienced in providing adequate care aged persons need.
3. If a person requires companionship.

Aged people thrive better among friends and family. Everyone needs love, attention, and companionship, and what better to access, such as having a home caregiver. Most times, people that age has lost their significant other/ Life partners while others have never had one.

But no man is created to live in isolation; we all require human interaction. With our agency, you also get 24/7 assistance and supervision; so, the aged person is safe and comfortable.

Benefits of Home Care Agencies

1. Less costly

Home care is less expensive because you get to spend money only on what is necessary. You can cut out the cost of paying for a room in the facility, feeding, etc.

2. Protect Your privacy

For people who like to maintain their privacy or hate shared living spaces hiring a caregiver will help you maintain your lifestyle. You can build a relationship with your caregiver establishing a relationship that helps maintain your dignity.

3. Soothing and Comfortable

An aging body can be very uncomfortable because no one likes losing their independence. With Home care services, you don't have to make sudden changes to your life, just a little adjustment in a familiar environment.

If you want to give your elderly loved ones a safe, comfortable, and happy place to live, then applause home care is a great place. If you are making a plan yourself, you can check our website for our packages. What better way to spend your old age with the best care possible and amongst friends?

For more information about our Home Care Agency in North NJ, call Applause Home Care at (201) 326-8051.

Applause Home Care – Your Trusted Home Care Agency in North NJ.

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Robin Williams and Lewy Body Dementia

Are you looking for Dementia Care in North NJ? Applause Home Care is a local 24/7 home care agency that provides Dementia Care in North NJ with meaningful care that is unique to each individual. We believe in offering “CARE PARTNERING” services. This is a two-way exchange where the individual is directing their own personal care services. Our home care services are designed to help our clients achieve overall better quality of living.

Robin Williams, the actor and comedian was known for his fast-paced, improvisational stand-up comedy and for his dramatic performances in films like in 'Good Will Hunting'' for which he won an Academy Award. On May 28th, 2014, he was diagnosed with Parkinson disease and, according to his wife, he had been experiencing depression, anxiety and paranoia. Williams, committed suicide on August 11, 2014 at the age of 63. It took three months to investigate and his autopsy showed that he had what is known as Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). (2)

“Robin was losing his mind and he was aware of it. Can you imagine the pain he felt as he experienced himself disintegrating?” the actor’s widow, Susan Schneider Williams, wrote in an editorial published September 27, 2016 in the journal Neurology. (1)

Lewy bodies are abnormal aggregations of protein that develop inside nerve cells in the brain, contributing to Parkinson’s LBD (Parkinson's disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies), and some other disorders. (11). LBD is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease, affecting an estimated 1.3 million Americans. (8) . LBD symptoms include:

Hallucinations (seeing things that aren't there) and delusions (false, often paranoid, beliefs)

Mood changes, such as depression or anxiety

Parkinson's Disease symptoms (i.e. changes in gait)

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

Sensitivity to neuroleptic (anti-psychotic) drugs

Delusions, aggression and depression. (5)

Cognitive problems – thinking problems similar to those of Alzheimer’s disease such as confusion, poor attention, visual-spatial problems and memory loss. (12)

“Depression is probably the most common psychiatric complication,” said Dr. Brent Forester, a geriatric psychiatrist at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Mass. “And it’s most likely directly related to the biological brain changes that occur in patients with the disease.” (6)

Depression caused by the altered brain chemistry can lead people to self-harm. But as Dr. David Knopman, a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, points out: “Suicide is an extremely uncommon outcome of dementia with Lewy bodies.” (3)

According to Dennis Dickson, the LBDA spokesperson, "...he (Williams) experienced depression, anxiety, and paranoia, which may occur in either Parkinson's disease or dementia with Lewy bodies," adding that, in Parkinson's, "Lewy bodies are generally limited in distribution, but in Diffuse Lewy Bodies, the Lewy bodies are spread widely throughout the brain, as was the case with Robin Williams.” (7)

Doctors recognized LBD as a distinct disease about 20 years ago and it remains something of a mystery. Funding for LBD research dramatically lags behind funding for other cognitive diseases. (4) Last year, the National Institute of Health (NIH) spent $140 million on research for Parkinson’s disease, almost $600 million on Alzheimer’s and $39 million on LBD. (9)

The Alzheimer’s Association recognize the link between the diseases and have used some of the funding they receive to further an understanding of Lewy Body and its symptoms.

“Right now, the Alzheimer’s Association is funding 500 active projects in 27 countries throughout the world with about $167,000,000.00 in current funding for research for Alzheimer's primarily and some is for Parkinson's dementia and other dementias (including Lewy Body),” according to Randy Lerner the Manager, Marketing and Communications of the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater NJ Chapter.

In Parkinson’s disease, abnormal protein clumps in lower parts of the brain, causing tremors, rigidity, and other problems of motor control. Dementia may come later if the Lewy bodies spread. By comparison, Lewy body dementia starts with protein clumps in the cerebral cortex, (the brain’s biggest region) causing problems with cognition.

What can be done to treat Lewy Body and its symptoms?

The Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDFA) website https://www.lbda.org/go/treatment-0 states the following:

Cognitive Symptoms

Medications called cholinesterase inhibitors are considered the standard treatment for cognitive symptoms in LBD. These medications were developed to treat Alzheimer’s disease. However, some researchers believe that people with LBD may be even more responsive to these types of medications than those with Alzheimer’s.

Movement Symptoms

Movement symptoms may be treated with a Parkinson’s medication called levodopa, but if the symptoms are mild, it may be best to not treat them in order to avoid potential medication side-effects.

Hallucinations

Some newer antipsychotic medication are being prescribed to treat hallucinations.

Sleep Disorders

Usually treated with melatonin and/or clonazepam.

For more information about our Dementia Care in North NJ call Applause Home Care at (201) 326-8051.

Applause Home Care – Your Trusted Provider for Dementia Care in North NJ.

(1)The Terrorist Inside My Husband’s Brain, https://n.neurology.org/content/87/13/1308.full

(2) How Lewy Body Dementia Gripped Robin Williams, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-lewy-body-dementia-gripped-robin-williams1/

(3) Did dementia cause Robin Williams’ suicide? Unlikely, experts say https://www.statnews.com/2015/11/04/did-dementia-cause-robin-williams-suicide-thats-unlikely-experts-say/

(4) Consensus guidelines for the clinical and pathologic diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB): report of the consortium on DLB international workshop. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8909416

(5) Atypical Parkinsonism, Michael J. Fox Foundation,

https://www.michaeljfox.org/news/atypical-parkinsonism?smcid=ag-a1b1R0000086fMM

(6) Let’s Talk About Aging With Dr. Brent Forester

https://www.mcleanhospital.org/podcast-lets-talk-about-aging-dr-brent-forester

(7) LBDA Clarifies Autopsy Report on Comedian, Robin Williams; https://www.lbda.org/content/lbda-clarifies-autopsy-report-comedian-robin-williams

(8) Is dementia with Lewy bodies the second most common cause of dementia?, U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12489913

(9) Focus On Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) Research, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Current-Research/Focus-Disorders/Alzheimers-Related-Dementias/Focus-Lewy-Body-Dementia-LBD-Research

(10) Lewy Body Dementia Association, https://www.lbda.org/go/treatment-0

(11) Lewy Body, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewy_body

(12) Lewy Body Dementia, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lewy-body- dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352025