Allen Kuhn, Owner
Right At Home
Monmouth County (732) 566-6711

In-Home Support Provides Care for Alzheimer’s, Dementia Patients

MATAWAN, New Jersey — Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementia disorders are among the most devastating of chronic conditions for the elderly. Such a diagnosis can often trigger worst-case scenarios in the minds of senior citizens and their families. However, with education, families can realize they are not alone and that care options are available.
The face of Alzheimer’s disease has recently been made clearer through high profile cases. For example, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor recently announced her retirement to care for her husband, John O’Connor. John has been living with Alzheimer’s disease for several years.
Caregivers of the 4.5 million individuals with Alzheimer’s and/or related disorders in the United States are no longer in the minority. In fact, an estimated 60 to 70 percent of Alzheimer’s patients live at home.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 80 percent of America’s elderly are affected by one or more chronic conditions that limit daily activities and impact quality of life.
“A diagnosis of a memory disorder, such as Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, is overwhelming for many individuals and their families,” said Allen Kuhn, owner of the Right at Home Monmouth County office. “People can begin to doubt their own abilities. Families worry about safety, particularly if they live far away from the individual. The first diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is a time to turn to family, in-home and other community-based supportive care services for care and peace of mind in a familiar and secure environment throughout the early to middle stages of these disorders.”
Memory loss can be frustrating for early-stage patients with Alzheimer’s or related dementias. Caregivers can help structure the person’s day and help develop reminder systems to alleviate some of the difficulty.
Families should gather information from medical experts, community resources and caregivers to learn what local options are available.
“Individuals with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias can continue living relatively independent lives in the familiar environment of home with the support and supervision of a dedicated caregiver,” Kuhn said. “Extra assistance in the home can help those with these and other chronic illnesses maintain the lifestyle they choose and a higher quality of life than in an institutional setting.”
Right at Home is a national franchise organization, with a local office that serves the communities of the Omaha metropolitan area. Right at Home offers in-home supportive care to seniors and other adults to help them continue living independently. Medical home healthcare is offered through some franchise offices. RAH Staffing Services, a division of Right at Home, provides temporary staffing solutions for the healthcare industry. Right at Home is based in Omaha, Neb., with franchise offices throughout the United States. For more information on Right at Home, visit the company’s Web site at www.rightathome.net or the Omaha office Web site at www.rightathome.net.

# # #
Editor's note: Right at Home franchise owner Allen Kuhn is available for interviews.
Please call (732) 566-6711 to schedule an interview