Home care services may help prevent aggressive mental decline for Alzheimer’s patients who are returning home after a hospital stay. 

Bloomfield Hills, MI, August 1, 2012 – One recent study links hospital visits with increased mental decline in elderly Alzheimer’s patients and encourages caregivers to help prevent this by providing transitional home care services during the recovery period.

According to a study published in the June 19 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine, Alzheimer’s patients have a greater chance for accelerated mental decline following a hospital stay.  However, according to study researchers, having someone familiar at the hospital or who can give Alzheimer’s care services during the transition to being home again, can help slow the decline process.

The study followed 800 participants who visited the hospital for reasons such as falls, heart problems, abdominal pain or fainting.  Researchers noticed that if an Alzheimer’s patient experienced symptoms of delirium including heightened confusion and unusual mood or behavior during their hospital stay, they were more likely to experience significant mental decline.

According to the study, 41% of patients who were hospitalized with delirium experienced accelerated mental decline in the following year (as measured by a memory and concentration test).  In contrast, only 23% of patients hospitalized without delirium or not hospitalized at all experienced later accelerated mental decline.

To help prevent the onset of delirium, the researchers suggest having family members, friends or caregivers provide support and companionship at the hospital and throughout the “back to home” transition period.

ComForcare Home Care offers recently-discharged patients award-winning transition of care services and professional support during this crucial time.

“Our transition of care program provides clients the individualized care they need to ease back into life more comfortably and recover successfully following a hospital stay,” said ComForcare Home Care President Mark Armstrong.

About ComForcare Home Care

ComForcare is a premier provider of private-duty home care services to people of all ages with offices conveniently located nationwide. Each office provides caregivers who make life easier for those coping with a chronic medical condition, recovering from an illness or injury, or dealing with the challenges of aging – in the comfort of their own home. ComForcare offers elderly care services including personal care, homemaking, transportation, companionship and family respite services to improve the quality of life and level of independence for every individual and family receiving its services.  Each ComForcare office is independently owned and operated.

ComForcare Home Care

2510 Telegraph Road, Suite 100

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

248-745-9700

http://www.comforcare.com