Alzheimer’s Awareness Month: Early Signs of Dementia and When Home Care Can Help
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to raise understanding about dementia, support families, and highlight resources that help people live safely and with dignity at home.
At Care At Home Services, we work closely with individuals and families navigating Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Early recognition and timely support can make a meaningful difference – for both the person living with dementia and their caregivers.
Early Signs of Dementia to Watch For:
Dementia is not a normal part of aging. While occasional forgetfulness can be expected, persistent or worsening symptoms may signal something more. Early signs can include:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Difficulty completing regular tasks
- Confusion with time, place, or routine
- Changes in mood, personality, or behaviour
- Challenges with communication or finding words
- Poor judgment or difficulty making decisions.
Recognizing these signs early allows families to seek medical guidance and begin planning supportive care sooner, reducing stress and improving long-term outcomes.
When Home Care Can Help
Home care plays a vital role in supporting individuals living with dementia, especially in the early and middle stages. Professional caregivers provide consistency, routine, and reassurance while helping clients remain in the comfort of their own homes.
Dementia-focused home care may include:
- Personal care and assistance with activities of daily living
- Meal preparation and nutrition support
- Companionship and cognitive engagement
- Medication reminders and routine support
- Safety monitoring and fall prevention
- Respite care for family caregivers.
Just as importantly, Care At Home Services supports families by easing caregiver burnout and providing hands on support, guidance, and peace of mind.
Supporting Families Through Education and Partnership
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be emotionally and physically demanding. Education and support are essential. Our team works alongside families to help them understand disease progression, manage behaviours, and adapt care plans as needs change. We also collaborate with other health professionals and community partners to ensure care is well-coordinated and responsive.
Accessing Support Through the BlueCross Client Directed Home Care Program in Alberta
Many Albertan families are eligible for subsidized home care through the BlueCross Client Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI) Program. This program allows eligible clients to receive funded home care services while choosing an approved provider like Care At Home Services.
Through CDHCI, individuals living with dementia can access:
- Personal care and home support services including companionship, homemaking, meal preparation, and nursing care
- Flexible care hours based on assessed needs – 24hours a day, 7 days a week
- Support coverage without paying out of pocket.
If you or a loved one is living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, home care can help maintain independence, dignity, and quality of life – right at home.
