Creating a Supportive Care Team for a Loved One With Alzheimer's or Dementia

When caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, it is essential to create a comprehensive care team. Building a team can be challenging and demanding, as there are many aspects to consider. 

Joyful Companions is here to help!

Utilizing consistent caregivers every week can help avoid caregiver burnout and ensure the safety and well-being of your loved one. Organizations like Joyful Companions can provide regular visits with seniors with the same caregivers or companions. 

With help from experienced caregivers, you can build a robust and consistent team of support for your loved one. 

Identify Care Needs

You likely already have a network of doctors and specialists who handle your loved one’s medical needs. Do you have a helpful caregiver who can provide companionship and regular visits? 

Develop a care plan based on your loved one’s emotional needs and daily living requirements. Outline everything from medication management to personal care and social activities. 

Hourly Care

At Joyful Companions, hourly care refers to our weekly care that, as described, adds to support our clients’ daily or weekly routines so that they can live independently. 

The benefit is that we use committed regular caregivers to serve each week so that they see the same companions in their schedule, with a 2-hour minimum for short visits.

Hourly care from Joyful Companions can provide up to 24-hour care.

Temporary Care 

Temporary care can be described more simply as “as needed.” It includes short-term help for appointments, post-hospitalization, or surgery.

Temporary care is more expensive per hour than hourly care from Joyful Companions since it is less predictable and more “on demand.”

Please fill out our consultation form here to inquire about our hourly and temporary care rates.

Build the Team One Person at a Time

Companion care is shown to improve cognitive health in patients living with Dementia or Alzheimer’s. In addition to your family, you can hire professional caregivers to visit your loved one and provide services such as light housekeeping, assistance with daily chores and activities, social time, exercise, and more. 

Look for caregivers who have experience with Dementia or Alzheimer’s to provide specialized support. Joyful Companions, for example, will send the same caregiver to your loved one for every session, which helps your loved one stay on a consistent schedule and limit frustration or fear of new faces. 

You can also look for online support groups for family members of loved ones living with Dementia or Alzheimer’s. These support groups can provide a much-needed space to vent, receive support, and address concerns. 

Prioritize Effective Communication & Coordination

You must keep lines of communication open about your loved one. Hold regular meetings or ensure you receive regular updates from the care team. 

Document everything and make adjustments as needed. Meetings can also be used to share information, address concerns, and coordinate schedules. 

You can also use tools like email, messaging apps, or care coordination platforms to ensure regular and consistent communication. Maintaining that feedback loop is essential for monitoring your loved one’s health and monitoring any changes. 

If something happens that is out of your knowledge, call the appropriate support team, such as doctors, to get advice on how to proceed. 

Encourage Support for Caregivers

Avoiding caregiver burnout is essential. Seek emotional support as often as you need it through counseling, support groups, or therapy. 

Schedule respite care to give primary caregivers a break from their regular responsibilities and utilize professional respite care organizations. 

For example, Joyful Companions provides respite care for loved ones, which can help you take a break while maintaining your peace of mind. 

Get the Help Your Loved One Needs: Joyful Companions

Creating a supportive care team for your loved one with Alzheimer’s or Dementia involves careful planning, collaboration, and ongoing communication. Assembling a diverse support team can help keep your loved one on a regular schedule and receive consistent care. 

Joyful Companions, a non-medical in-home care provider in the Twin Cities, can become a part of your care team by providing consistent companion support. Our mission is to improve the quality of your loved one’s life and keep you informed of any changes. We can provide 24/7, round-the-clock support and care for your loved one. 

For more information, give us a call today at 763-544-0401 or request a free in-home consultation online.