Opciones de atención

In-home care allows someone to assist the person with Alzheimer’s in their own home. Services may include:

• Daily tasks: Help with dressing, bathing, grooming, and moving around.
• Homemaker services: Assistance with cooking, cleaning, and running errands.

You can hire help through home care agencies or by privately recruiting a caregiver, such as a nurse aide. If you hire privately:

• Check references and criminal records (through the Department of Public Safety).
• Make sure the person is trustworthy, kind, and skilled.

Adult Day Care centers provide a safe, engaging space for individuals with Alzheimer’s. These centers are generally open on weekdays (7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) and may also offer evening or weekend respite care. Services may include:

• Meals, activities, and games.
• Supervised trips.
• Social interaction in a safe environment.

Costs vary based on services offered. Some centers charge fees based on income. Be sure to check the staff’s training and the center’s atmosphere to make sure it’s a good fit.

Assisted living facilities provide housing and help with daily activities like:

• Dressing, bathing, laundry, and housekeeping.
• Medication assistance or monitoring.

Features of assisted living include:

• Private or shared rooms.
• Meals (1–3 per day) and activities.
• Staff available 24/7.
• Special secure units for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia in some facilities.

Costs depend on the level of care provided. In Texas, facilities with Alzheimer’s/dementia units must train staff with 4 hours of dementia-specific education before they start working.

Nursing facilities provide 24/7 care for those who need constant supervision and medical assistance. Services include:

• Full-time care from nurses and aides.
• Special secure units for dementia residents, offering activities tailored to their needs.

Nursing facilities can be expensive, but Medicaid may help cover the cost for those who qualify. The facility must have designated Medicaid beds, and families must meet income guidelines.

Facilities may also offer short-term stays (respite care) if caregivers need a break or are going on a trip.

Hospice care supports individuals in the final stages of life and their families. Hospice focuses on comfort and meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients. Services include:

• Nurses, social workers, clergy, and counselors.
• Help with pain management and end-of-life care.

Hospice care can be provided at home or in a facility. To qualify, a doctor must determine the individual has six months or less to live.