We Can Help Take Care of Seniors Who No Longer Takes Care of Themselves

At Griswold Home Care Orlando, we understand that we are not only caregivers in your home, but also invited guests. We respect your home and recognize that we are in your place. Leaving a house that has been a sentimental dwelling for so long can be a difficult hardship, which is why we are committed to assisting those who desire to live independently. Do you have an elderly loved one who lives alone and may be starting to neglect themselves? As we grow older, daily tasks simply become more difficult to accomplish, and extra assistance is required for personal care and housekeeping. In some cases, though, more extreme forms of self-neglect can occur due to dementia, Alzheimer’s or a condition known as Diogenes Syndrome.

What signs can family members look for? Hoarding and/or general clutter may pile up along tables, chairs, desks, hallways, or other walkways. This may be extensive or relegated to certain areas. What may also arise is self-neglect for their person. Poor hygiene such as lack of dental care, no bathing, and leaving sores untreated is common. Social withdrawal is also a symptom, causing further loneliness. This rejection of a social life includes refusing to accept help and expressing high distrust for others, especially people from the outside. Poor nutrition and an inability to keep track of medications are also markers. Seniors with dementia also struggle with confusion, getting lost or wandering off.

In the case of Diogenes Syndrome, experts tend to agree it is frequently triggered by a stress reaction, usually resulting from trauma, such as the death of a loved one, and can be thought of as a serious depression or anxiety. In most of these cases, treatment involves ruling out underlying medical causes, sometimes trying medications for anxiety and depression along with counseling, and finding ways to help with cleaning and personal care. Home care services play a vital role.

While it can be difficult to introduce a home caregiver due to distrust, it is still an important and safe course of action. Having a regular visitor ensures that care will be given and helps prevent them from descending deeper into self-neglect. Caring for an Alzheimer’s or dementia patient can be both emotionally and physically draining. You deserve to spend quality time with your loved one without having to stress and worry about their moment-to-moment needs. We can refer specially trained, compassionate caregivers who are fully prepared to provide a helping hand. Here are a few strategies we employ when serving these individuals:

• Reintroduce themselves every time they arrive.
• Manage meals carefully if utensils are hard to use.
• Stimulate short-term memory through cognitive activities.
• Interact with your loved one’s reality.
• Help them reminisce about happy memories.

We at Griswold Home Care Orlando are aware that we are guests in our clients’ homes, and we take special care and sensitivity with seniors exhibiting confusion or any form of distrust or anxiety about our presence. If you have any questions concerning our home care services, call us at 407-638-8116 to set up a free consultation. We will be happy to discuss what you’re looking for and explain how to meet your service needs.