Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Cognitive Change
No matter the cause, conditions that result in a change of mood, memory or the thinking process are especially tough. When these are associated with aging, we often call them “Alzheimer’s,” but in reality, Alzheimer’s is just one of many different disorders of the brain.
Caring for a family member or friend with cognitive difficulties is demanding. If you’re doing it by yourself, it’s even tougher. At times, it can feel like you’re battling both the disease and the person. They need a sense of normalcy, but they don’t always act like they want it. Even when you’re doing everything right, it can feel like you’re doing everything wrong. It drains you emotionally and physically.
We believe that it doesn’t have to. Our approach is about helping you reclaim precious moments with your loved one, so instead of worrying about their bad days, you can celebrate their good days. Most of all, we want to be there for both of you so you don't have to do it alone.
Right at Home offers a customized care plan with a combination of personal care, companionship and homemaking, and just as importantly, we can provide respite care for you and your other loved ones.
Feeling Lost?
Let Us Help You Care for Those With Dementia
It can be especially hard to help someone with dementia like Alzheimer’s when the condition is so difficult to understand. In this guide, we’ll give you the basics of what causes dementia, along with some strategies for care.
Learn more
Need time for yourself? We’re there for you at any time, anywhere.
Right at Home’s Dementia Guide Video Series
In this collection, gerontologist Diane Darby Beach, Ph.D., will take you through some of the most important details of how cognitive change can progress, so you can be more prepared for whatever the future brings.
Watch the series
Four Ways We Can Help
1. Building Normalcy
Reducing stress for someone with Alzheimer’s means being
consistent. We can help you and your friend or family member create and stick to
a routine, and we can do it in a way that meets their particular needs.
This includes:
This includes:
- Making sure the home feels familiar to them
- Giving them the freedom to move about unrestricted in the home
- Minimizing stresses that can aggravate the symptoms of cognitive change
- Keeping them oriented with daily reminders of time, place and person
2. A Helping Hand
Along with a specialized cognitive care plan, Right at Home caregivers also provide general companionship to your loved one, including helping with daily tasks and protecting them from isolation or loneliness.
3. Keeping Them on Track
People with dementia may have specific, strict medication regimens. In some cases, this could require the services of a skilled nurse. Fortunately, in some states, many of our caregivers are also trained nurses, so you can rest assured the person’s needs will be met.
4. Giving You a Break
Since you carry a heavy burden as a caregiver of a person with dementia, it’s important to have a break. We can help with that, too, giving you much-needed rest and time off so you can focus on your own needs.
Learn more
Commitment to Alzheimer's Care and Support
"Congratulations to Cleveland Senior Network for raising $6,951 and earning recognition as the Alzheimer's Association Cleveland Area Chapter's 2023 Top Organization Team for The Longest Day! We appreciate the hours of work put in by their board, including president Shalom Plotkin, and the generous support of Right at Home as a top sponsor of the production. Funds raised through this event advance the Alzheimer's Association's critical care, support and research efforts as we work towards our vision of a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia." - Liv Passe, Director of the longest day fundraising for the Northeast Ohio chapter
The Latest Thinking in Cognitive and Dementia Care
Research into the care and treatment of dementia like Alzheimer’s is constantly growing. Here are some of the latest ideas that have guided our training and care programs.
Hear What Others Are Saying
"We have never used a homecare aide before, but a situation was going on that really was getting to be too much for me as caregiver for both my mom and my dad. When I called Right at Home, they came over that same day to assess the situation. The aide who helped us was very responsive and helpful and soon had everything running like a well-oiled machine. She did exercises with my mother, helped her to shower, and made sure my mom was eating her lunch and drinking enough. Dad and mom really enjoy her visits. The entire experience from the great service provided by the caregiver and the office staff support was a very stress-free, easy, and helpful process. Last but not least, it seemed to me to be very affordable for such a high quality of care."
Beverly
Hear What Others Are Saying
"Anita visits with me for fellowship four out of five days. I was feeling low about my health and she helped ‘pick me up’ with her enthusiasm and laughter. She challenges me and helps me gain perspective. Today, we’re going together to a support group. On the fifth day, Gail comes to my house. She is a retired nurse and super knowledgeable about this disease and keeps me on track. Without them I’d be stuck at home feeling blue. Together we fight Parkinsonism."
Right at Home client
Hear What Others Are Saying
"Right at Home is very convenient. My father's caregiver arranges his appointments and takes him to the doctor. She is kind and responsible. Shalon steps to look in on him and Elise is terrific to work with. I have no suggestion to improve the service that they offer."
Anne
Hear What Others Are Saying
"Shalom and the staff have been dependable and caring. The staff works well with our employees to give the best care to our residents. Shalom also volunteers storytelling, music and meditation."
Charlotte
Hear What Others Are Saying
"Everything is fine. The help is on time and does everything that needs to be done. Taking care of my pets and helping with them. I would recommend them"
Deanne
Hear What Others Are Saying
"We had a good fit with the caregiver. She was a perfect fit for us. Shelly understands what we need and picked up on where everything is in the kitchen quickly. Communication between us is excellent. She is a real winner. I feel she is someone to look forward to seeing again."
Dr. Abe C
Hear What Others Are Saying
"I can’t say enough good things about Right at Home. My blind wheelchair-bound father found himself in the hospital without even the ability to get himself a sip of water. The Right at Home caregivers were there for him, helping with the little things and advocating on his behalf with the big things. An aide rode back with him and stayed with him at home while he recovered. I highly recommend this service."
Dr. L
Hear What Others Are Saying
"Shalom came to meet us and has a way of asking "how can I help" without any pressure. My parents were reluctant to allow anyone in their home. It was like Shalom gave them a bite of a chocolate chip cookie, he is sweet and they took a bite and asked for more service. Now Mom loves it and can't imagine not having La Tosha in their home. We appreciate you."
John
Hear What Others Are Saying
"Your ladies are all accommodating and well-trained. They'll do anything you ask. Lashen took me to the hairdresser and market. She makes great pot roast in the crock pot. It just falls and melts in your mouth with onions and potatoes."
Kathleen
Hear What Others Are Saying
"I like that Right at Home is able to provide a caregiver for my mother who has Alzheimer's. She needs constant reminders on what she needs to do on a daily basis. We needed to make sure that she was eating and drinking enough each day."
Ken R
Hear What Others Are Saying
"My caregiver is so compassionate. She was so much help. She went above and beyond. Right at Home is a wonderful company and their employees are professional, hardworking and always looking to help where we need them. We would use them again and would recommend them to anyone."
Minnie
Hear What Others Are Saying
"Scottalena was awesome. She came right in with a get-to-work attitude. Asked what needed to be done and took care of everything. The only word that I can use to describe her is professional. Scottalena is a consummate professional."
Right at Home client
Hear What Others Are Saying
"I was very pleased when I recommended Right-At Home to a family in my congregation. The director was able to assess the needs of the family, bring in the appropriate caregivers - from lawyer to handyman, from social worker to drivers. The family was, in turn, very pleased with the support that they received. When it became time to move to an assisted care facility, Right-At-Home was right by their side and made the move that much easier, and continues to provide needed assistance."
Right at Home client
Hear What Others Are Saying
"Right at Home was there for us when we needed assistance quickly. Elise offered great support and excellent communication throughout the process. She helped us stay on top of our loved one’s care when we couldn’t be there."
R.J.
Hear What Others Are Saying
"They were very caring and helpful. Prompt to reply and thorough in their approach. The caregivers were exceptional. Can't recommend highly enough."
Steve