Free In-Home Dementia Assessment Services

As our loved ones progress in their disease, their basic needs change.  To help provide the safest, most engaging environment, Willowbrook offers a free, in-home dementia assessment service within Effingham and Champaign areas.  For more information, give us a call, e-mail, or Facebook message for more information.

Signs of Dementia

While common, memory loss may not be the first sign of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. If you have a hunch or observe one of the following signs, please contact us.

  • Difficulty performing tasks with which they were once familiar
  • Less inhibited – say or do things that are socially inappropriate
  • Trouble finding words – saying sugar instead of salt
  • Difficulty following directions or become disoriented

Goals of the In-Home Assessment

In each assessment, a dementia nurse will meet with the family, any caregiver, and the loved one.  The nurse will answer any questions covering a variety of topics and develop a plan to keep the adult with dementia in the home as long as possible.  The key topics covered include:

  • Home safety assessment
  • Assessment of judgement, orientation, behavior, physical ability, senses
  • Planning for the future
  • Working with the doctor
  • Caregiver support
  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Driving privileges
  • Knowledge of dementia

 

While the disease is common, dementia and Alzheimer’s affects each individual differently.  Depending on the type and progression of these diseases, loved ones may be OK living at home or require assistance.  As the disease progresses, those needs may change.  To help aid your research, we identified the following resources as helpful for those families struggling with tough decisions.

Regardless of your loved one’s current abilities, we are always available for consultation and guidance.  We believe this free service provides families comfort in their decision making process.  As you review the material, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

There are 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

  1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
  2. Challenges in planning or solving problems.
  3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure.
  4. Confusion with time or place.
  5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.
  6. New problems with words in speaking or writing.
  7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.
  8. Decreased or poor judgment.
  9. Withdrawal from work or social activities.
  10. Changes in mood and personality.
Those with Alzheimer’s generally experience seven different stages.

  • Stage 1: No impairment
  • Stage 2: Very mild decline
  • Stage 3: Mild decline
  • Stage 4: Moderate decline
  • Stage 5: Moderately severe decline
  • Stage 6: Severe decline
  • Stage 7: Very severe decline