Choosing an Alzheimer's Caregiver in Long Beach

LONG BEACH, CA, August 06, 2012 (Press-News.org) Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease takes its toll on everyone in the family. It's a devastating disease that can also have a huge impact on the lives of Alzheimer's caregivers who often neglect their own needs. They may feel guilty by their impatience or inability to provide the specialized level of care required. Many family caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's in Long Beach turn to homecare agencies that have experience caring for them in the comfort of their own homes. They can count on homecare agencies to relieve the physical, emotional, and financial stress of caring for a loved one with special needs.

Professional Alzheimer's caregivers in Long Beach are trained to assist with their many daily needs such as personal care, which can include bathing, using the bathroom, dressing, cooking, and eating; household care like cleaning, laundry, and running errands; medication compliance and ensuring adherence to doctor's orders; and companionship that can include playing games and participating in social outings.

Alzheimer's caregivers will also ensure that the home is safe, especially if they are ever home alone. This includes inspecting the home to make it accident-proof from falls, wandering, and other dangerous situations. The Long Beach homecare agency may make safety modifications that include installing locks so they cannot wander outside and get lost, removing or hiding sharp objects that could cause injury, labeling and locking away all important medicines, and implementing a reminder system such as notes or timers.

If you are thinking about hiring an Alzheimer's caregiver in Long Beach, it's important to interview a few different homecare agencies since some have more specialized experience than others. Make a list of your loved one's needs and be prepared to ask the homecare agencies specific questions such as:

- Are you licensed and accredited?
- Are employees bonded and insured?
- Do you conduct thorough background checks?
- Is your staff trained to specifically work with people who have Alzheimer's disease?
- Do you have a list of references specifically related to care for people living with Alzheimer's?
- Are there a minimum number of hours or days per week for providing care?

You will likely have many additional questions to ensure you hire an Alzheimer's caregiver that is the best fit for your loved one. Just remember that you and your family are not alone. With a little research and legwork you can find a local Long Beach caregiver you can trust to provide the specialized care your loved one needs and deserves.

Start your search for the most qualified Alzheimer's caregivers in Long Beach by visiting http://www.CambrianHomecare.com or calling 877.422.2270.

Rhiannon Acree is the founder and president of Cambrian Homecare, a homecare agency started in Long Beach, California in 1996. Cambrian Homecare serves Long Beach, the South Bay, Orange County, Palm Springs, Riverside, San Bernardino, and the San Gabriel Valley, employing professional caregivers that provide customized, flexible, non-medical homecare services seven days a week. Visit http://www.CambrianHomecare.com or call 877.422.2270.