Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care That Feels Familiar

Yes. While all Personal Support Workers receive general training in senior care, caring for cognitive and neurological conditions requires a higher level of aptitude and experience. At Love From The Heart, we specifically vet our staff for their ability to handle these complex cases.

Training for dementia involves understanding the why behind behaviors. Our staff learns that aggression is often an expression of fear or pain, rather than anger. They are trained in validation therapy—a method of communicating that accepts the client's reality rather than trying to correct them. For Parkinson’s, our team is educated on the physical manifestations of the disease, such as the mask-like facial expression (which can be mistaken for depression) and the specific risks associated with balance and swallowing.

Furthermore, our founders, Nicole and Cindy, are deeply involved in the care planning. If a client presents with challenging behaviors, we don't just send a PSW in blind. We develop a strategy. We look for triggers. We coach our staff on what works for that specific individual. It is this hands-on, sister-led oversight that ensures the care is of an expert level.

Sundowning or Sundown Syndrome is a symptom pattern that affects people with dementia and Alzheimer’s. It typically occurs in the late afternoon and early evening, coinciding with the fading of daylight. Clients may become suddenly confused, anxious, aggressive, or restless. They may pace the floors, shadow the caregiver, or demand to go home even when they are sitting in their own living room.

Biologically, this is often linked to a disruption in the body's internal clock (circadian rhythm) and mental fatigue after a full day of trying to process a confusing world. Our approach to managing sundowning is proactive and effective. We control the environment. As the sun sets, we turn on bright lights inside the house to reduce shadows, which can cause hallucinations or fear.

We also adjust the routine. We try to schedule energetic activities for the morning and switch to calming, repetitive activities in the afternoon. We might play soothing music or engage in a simple comfort activity, such as folding warm towels. Our goal is to reduce stimulation and provide a sense of safety and structure during this vulnerable time of day.

Wandering is one of the most dangerous behaviors associated with dementia. A senior can walk out the front door and become lost in their own neighborhood within minutes, leading to hypothermia, falls, or traffic accidents. Safety is our absolute priority.

Our PSWs act as a gentle but firm line of defense. We monitor the environment constantly. We ensure doors are secured (often using simple visual deterrents or chimes). However, we do not use physical restraints. Instead, we use redirection. Usually, a person wanders because they are looking for something—a bathroom, food, or a person from their past.

If a client tries to leave, we don't just say No. We walk with them for a moment, ask them where they are going, and then suggest a detour. Oh, you want to go to the bus stop? Let's have a cup of tea first while we wait. This technique distracts the brain and allows us to guide them back to safety without a confrontation. For high-risk clients, our 24-hour care options provide the ultimate safety net against nighttime wandering.

In the world of memory care, the face of the caregiver is the most important tool we have. Short-term memory is the first thing to fade in Alzheimer’s patients. They may not remember what they had for breakfast, but their emotional memory remains intact much longer. They remember how a person makes them feel.

If we sent a different caregiver every day, the client would be in a perpetual state of stranger anxiety. They would constantly be on guard, refusing showers, refusing medication, and feeling unsafe. By assigning a primary PSW, we allow the client to develop a sense of familiarity. Even if they can't recall the name, they recognize the face and the voice.

This consistency also allows the caregiver to become an expert on the client. They learn the subtle non-verbal cues. They know that a specific furrow of the brow means pain, or that tapping fingers means anxiety. This deep knowledge allows us to intervene before a behavior escalates. It creates a smoother, happier day for everyone involved.

Absolutely. In fact, we view the family caregiver as our second client. We know that caring for a spouse or parent with these conditions is a 24/7 job with no holidays. It has a profound impact on your own physical health, sleep, and mental well-being.

Our services are designed to give you respite—a break. This isn't just about you running errands; it's about you getting restorative rest. You can hire us for a few hours so you can take a nap, go to a yoga class, or have lunch with a friend. You can hire us for overnight support, allowing you to sleep through the night without worrying about footsteps in the hall.

We also provide coaching. Because our founders and staff have years of experience, we can share with you valuable tips and strategies for managing behaviors. We can show you how to bathe your loved one with less resistance or how to maximize the safety of your home. We are on your team, helping you sustain your ability to care.