"We can't bear the thought of putting Dad in an 'institution.' Isn't there any alternative?"

There was a time when families had few options in caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's. They could either try to provide the care themselves - quickly realizing how impractical or even harmful that could be as the disease progressed - or they could place their loved one in a nursing home.  Today, as a growing number of sociologists and medical professionals acknowledge the failings of "institutions" in providing his type of care, more are advocating "patient-centered" alternatives such  as the concept pioneered by our family in 1993.

A ComfortCare Home is just that - a single-family residence where specialized, individually-focused care is provided in a familiar, comfortable, home environment.  Typically no more than six residents share the home with a CareTeam.  With a higher certified staff-to-residents ratio, we can provide a combination of personalized care and professional expertise not available in either an institution or the family's own home.

Doug Stark, President, ComfortCare Homes (This article featured in the Wichita Eagle, May 26, 2011)

"What kind of enviroment is best for caring for someone with Alzheimer's?"

In quality medical care, as a general rule, bigger is better.  Where memory loss is concerned the opposite is more often true.  In addition to loss of memory, Alzheimer's disease causes loss of judgement and communication skills.  As the disease progresses, physical coordination diminishes and the person with Alzheimer's faces increased risk of injury, becoming disorientated or wandering off.  A proper caregiving environment takes all of these factors into account, not only in planning, but also in staffing and daily operations.

As functioning becomes increasingly impaired, the person with Alzheimer's becomes more dependent on caregivers for help with tasks such as dressing, washing and even eating.  And with this dependency comes an increased demand for safety.  For these reasons, care is best provided in a secure, home-like environment with familiar surroundings and a high ratio of caregivers to residents, where there is greatest opportunity for one-on-one attention and interaction.

Doug Stark, President, ComfortCare Homes (This article featured in the Wichita Eagle, May 25, 2011)

"How do we know when it's time to look for care outside the family?"

Caring for a family member with Alzheimer's is an ominous task.  In addition to the physical demands, there can be untold mental stress as you witness a loved one evolve from the self-sufficient individual you knew into a helpless stranger.  The decision to seek an alternative is one each individual or family must make on their own.

Obviously the most important consideration is the health and well-being of the person with the diease.  When their physical and social needs become more than you can satisfy in the normal functioning of your daily life, it's time to look for an alternative.  But other considerations are important too, including your own health and well-being.  More than 40% of Alzheimer's caregivers rate the emotional stress as "high" or "very high", and approximately one-third show symptoms of depression.  At some point, care outside the family is in everyone's best interest.

Doug Stark, President, ComfortCare Homes(This article featured in the Wichita Eagle, May 24, 2011)

"My dad has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. What changes can we expect in his behavior?"

People diagnosed with Alzheimer's may initially react with a sense of dread.  As the disease progresses and things once easy for them become increasingly difficult, we find the can get frustrated and depressed.  We know that understanding an emotional support are just as important as physician support.

In addition to loss of memory, Alzheimer's disease causes loss of communication skills and loss of judgment.  Family members often notice changes in the person's behavior and personality.  This can be devastating to relationships.  Recent studies we've seen estimate that nearly 10 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia.  More than 40 percent of caregivers rate the emotional stress of caregiving as high or very high, and approximately one-third show symptoms of clinical depression.  Thus the victims of Alzheimer’s extend beyond just those with the disease to include their networks of family and friends as well.

Doug Stark, President, ComfortCare Homes(This article featured in the Wichita Eagle)