Many home care agency websites promote Alzheimer’s care and dementia “programs.” These cognitive conditions are common among seniors, so it only makes sense for companies to prioritize them. However, the abundance of agencies with similar messages can make it difficult for families to identify tangible service features from less-substantive marketing pitches.
Simply put, most caregiver agencies want to help Alzheimer’s and dementia patients but some lack the resources to do so effectively. All of this begs the question: How can families separate company claims from actual care capabilities?
Ultimately, home care agencies with RN resources demonstrate their true commitment to Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Here’s how BrightStar Care’s unique use of licensed nurses for client assessments and ongoing supervision benefits seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
RN and Nurse Oversight Adds Value
Most home care agencies charge similar rates and provide similar services. But companies like BrightStar Care add real value through RN oversight. There’s simply no reason for a family to choose a company that lacks clinical supervision when alternatives are available at the same cost.
It’s true that home care is considered a non-medical service. So, some agencies will remind clients that BrightStar Care nurses aren’t providing day-to-day assistance. Instead, caregivers help with activities of daily living and ensure client safety. But that doesn’t mean RN and nurse case management doesn’t improve overall care and service.
Alzheimer’s and dementia are progressive diseases, and patients’ needs change with time. While non-medical caregivers may provide help with daily activities, it’s still important to have a licensed nurse for high-level case management. She can review the client’s condition and disease progression during regularly-scheduled visits.
Families should also know innocent mistakes can have very real consequences. Home care agencies that use unlicensed “case managers” for initial assessments and supervision are relying on feedback from non-clinical staff. While they are usually good-intentioned and have general industry knowledge, their lack of medical expertise increases the likelihood for potentially-dangerous errors.
What happens if a home care agency’s non-clinical case manager makes a mistake during the initial assessment and underestimates the client’s cognitive state or home safety risks? There are many concerning possibilities. For loved ones with Alzheimer’s and dementia, likely consequences may include wandering outside alone, tripping and falling over an unsecured rug or even starting a fire while attempting to light a stove burner!
“Caregiver Training” Isn’t Enough
As previously suggested, home care agency caregivers are classified as “non-medical” and assist clients with activities of daily living like bathing, personal care, cooking and light housekeeping. They can also help with the supervision of patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia. However, most caregivers are not licensed medical professionals.
The use of caregivers for activities of daily living and supervision is absolutely appropriate and beneficial for the cognitively impaired. And education is always beneficial. But no amount of company training will make up for a lack of RN supervision.
By definition, caregivers haven’t had the rigorous education of an RN or licensed nurse. They’re neither equipped to make judgments on cognitive aptitude nor decline. They also lack the expertise to fully vet a home in terms of fall risks and other hazards that are especially relevant to Alzheimer’s and dementia clients.
Although BrightStar Care also relies on well-trained caregivers to assist with daily activities, the RN assessment and continued oversight ensures better quality of care and improved safety. BrightStar nurses can even make updated care recommendations based on observations during regular check-in visits and reviews of care notes. Moreover, they’re better equipped to communicate any concerning findings to clients’ primary care physicians, given their own clinical backgrounds!
Final Considerations
Unlicensed caregivers are certainly capable of delivering basic non-medical home care services. Most daily duties are—and should be—performed by professional caregivers. They possess the necessary skills for the job and are more affordable than hiring licensed nurses. However, that doesn’t mean it’s ideal to use an agency that lacks high-level RN oversight when securing care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
While California law doesn’t require non-medical home care agencies to employ licensed nurses or case managers, companies like BrightStar Care recognize the benefits of clinical oversight. There’s simply no reason to leave a loved one’s care in the hands of non-clinical staff when BrightStar provides complimentary RN case management and supervision.
If you’re seeking help for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, dementia or any other care needs, be sure to schedule a free RN assessment today!