Dementia care

Getting a full medical examination

If you suspect dementia but do not have a formal diagnosis, we encourage you to arrange for a full medical examination. We would be happy to accompany your loved one through the entire process. Alzheimer’s disease is different from vascular dementia (usually caused by a stroke). Lewy body dementia is different from Parkinson’s dementia. They each need different approaches for managing the condition and slowing the progression whenever possible.

Let us direct you to thorough and reputable providers. A full evaluation involves a physical examination, blood work, brain scans, and question and answer assessments. We are happy to set up appointments and go with your loved one. We can then relay the findings and recommendations in easy to understand language.

Return to top

Aging in place (assisted living in the home)

Most people want to remain where they are, the place they feel most comfortable: Their home. In the early stage of dementia, living independently is possible, with a few safety features in place. As the condition progresses, more and more supports will need to be put in place. Eventually your loved one will need twenty-four-hour care.

Safety. This is the first priority! Here are some of the areas we address:

• Adapting the kitchen to reduce the risk of fires.
• In the early stage of dementia, it may be that driving is still appropriate. Our occupational therapist can do a thorough evaluation. As the condition progresses, we can work with the Department of Motor Vehicles for reexamination and eventual suspension of a license if needed. We can also work with the family for effective strategies to remove access to the car.
• Fall prevention. We conduct a home safety assessment, removing hazards and suggesting modifications as needed. We can also have monitors placed to identify a fall and send help immediately.
• Watchful for red flags. Using monitors and regular check-ins, we can keep an eye out for potential problems brewing. Frequent trips to the bathroom, for instance, or combative behaviors may indicate a urinary tract infection. A worsening of memory loss could also indicate an infection or a fever.
• On call 24 hours day for our clients. Unlike many care management companies, we are on call. This means anytime you are concerned, you can call us and we will respond. We know that emergencies do not wait for convenient business hours. And emergencies for people with dementia have added complications. You can rely upon us to be there for you and your loved one.

Wandering, agitation, and sundown syndrome. We use strategies to help reduce the wandering, anxiety, and nighttime restlessness common in the later phases of dementia. This may involve technology, strategies for caregivers, and activities to keep your loved one appropriately stimulated so they don’t get bored and restless. In addition, all of our dementia clients receive a special kit designed to hasten the quick and safe return of a person who has wandered.

Medication management. We use medication management technology designed to help people with dementia take their medicines as ordered by the doctor.

Educating caregivers (family or staff). Whether you are directly providing care for your relative or you have hired in-home caregivers, we can instruct about proven strategies to address problems common to each stage of dementia. From resistance to bathing to agitation, aggressive responses, or repetitive questions, we can ease the frustration for both the older adult and the caregiver. Included in instruction are distraction techniques, environmental cuing, and identification of common triggers (for example, at sundown).

Return to top

Long-term care

Diseases such as Alzheimer’s can last for many years after the diagnosis. This can get wearing on the family. Once issues such as bathing and incontinence care begin to surface, it can just be too much to handle 24/7. The wisest and kindest choice may be to find a high-quality memory care facility with staff especially trained in dementia care techniques. Unlike family members, staff rotate shifts and have days off. They come in refreshed and able to give their full attention. In addition, older adults with middle stage dementia enjoy socializing with peers in a protected context that emphasizes their strengths.

We conduct a thorough assessment to determine your relative’s stage of dementia, their behavioral triggers, and their decision-making capacity. Based on outcomes, we make recommendations for the best fit, also taking into account the family’s needs and finances. Unlike senior placement advisors, we do not accept referral fees. By hiring us, you know the recommendations we give are not influenced by who gives the highest kickback. We are 100% your advocates, placing your loved one’s interests first and foremost. We can often negotiate lower rates and special circumstances that are not available to other senior advisors.

It’s an emotional process to decide that care at home is no longer possible. Making the move can also bring up many feelings. We are with you the whole way, providing support to ease the transition for both you and your loved one.

Put our many years of experience to work for you! You can trust FHL Care Management, LLC to help you choose the right facility and guide both of you through the process of moving so your relative settles in quickly with a minimum of upset.

Return to top

Enrichment activities

Believe it or not, people with dementia get bored! They want stimulation and socialization. They desire a sense of purpose and to find meaningful activities that boost their mental and physical health.

Our enrichment activities are designed to give one-on-one quality and creative attention tailored to your loved one’s unique interests and abilities. From music to art, walks, and outings. Visits from our active enrichment coordinator become the events your loved one will look forward to each week. At the end of each month, we send you a summary of activities, photos, and quotes so you can see what your loved one has been enjoying.

Even if the person you care for is in a long-term care facility, many families hire us because the facility is unable to provide one-on-one attention. This gives you eyes and ears on the ground and provides custom enrichment for your loved one.

Learn more about our Active Enrichment Program

Return to top