The Flexible Benefits of Memory Care In the Home

April 11, 2011

The Flexible Benefits of Memory Care In the Home

 Like many families throughout the nation, Judy Britts decided over the past year to have her memory impaired Father move in with her and her family. Once Judy’s father, Mr. Donald Clough moved in, Judy realized that she may need some additional help.

 “Right at Home has been a lifesaver for me,” she explained, “I liked the idea of having additional care for my Father, and it was as simple as just a few hours a week. Even by just getting three hours to do something by myself – it is really the only way to survive living with Alzheimer’s. You have to take some time out for yourself and carry on with life – as well as your career – and having the quality care provided almost like a caring friend.”

Right at Home, which extends services including memory and personal care, and offers families the flexibility of schedule, with no weekly or monthly minimums or contracts for extended periods of time.

“I very much like the flexibility,” she continued, “The caregiver is like a friend to watch over my Dad – and I am at peace knowing that Dad is well taken care of. I also appreciate that each caregiver that my Father has known has come up with unique ideas and creativity – and knows the importance of not just sitting around and watching television. They are very encouraging and take Dad on outings together.”

Mrs. Britts was intrigued at first by Right at Home’s matchmaking process that Right at Home (RAH) utilizes in each case they begin. Each RAH caregiver is chosen based on their background, skill set, acumen, and personality, and is “matched” with their client.

 The selection of preferred caregivers, as well as Right at Home’s hiring process impressed Judy for her Father’s care needs. “The reason I first chose Right at Home was their interviewing and hiring process of their caregivers. They really look for people who care – and who have energy, are inquisitive, and are quite engaging. This initially sold me – and has since proven to be true.”

 “I like the caregivers’ creativity – but I also like their willingness to do what Dad likes to do – because frankly, Dad doesn’t know what to do at this time. The caregivers usually come up with ideas, because caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is more than just preparing meals or bathing assistance – it is about showing the person respect for them as a person and who they are at the moment.”

Britts encouraged other families and caregivers to read “Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s” by Joanne Koenig Coste, which helped her and her family better understand Alzheimer’s and the unique, “habilitation approach” to providing care. “It is a wonderful book and I truly recommend it to families and caregivers to learn more about the process of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s”.

 In reflecting on her Father’s care with Right at Home, Judy suggested that the “best traits that the Right at Home caregivers share are their high level of concern for my Dad and the flexibility of the schedule. They all genuinely enjoy working for Right at Home – and they also really like being with Dad. It really shows.”

Her next step? “I hope to take the next step soon,” she replied, “It would be to have a caregiver in the evenings so my husband and I can go out for an evening out. I think we are almost there to take that next step in care, and we will discuss it soon. We know Dad will be well cared for.”