Facing Alzheimer's with Support from VNA of Florida

Admin

July 18, 2025 / 5 mins read

Alzheimer’s affects millions of families, bringing daily challenges to both patients and caregivers. At Visiting Nurse Association of Florida, we are committed to supporting patients and caregivers at every stage, whether through skilled home health services, private duty care, or memory care at our Grand Oaks assisted living communities.

If you’re navigating Alzheimer’s in your family, you don’t have to do it alone. Our team is here to provide expert care, practical support, and guidance that meets your unique needs.

Understanding the Signs and Stages of Alzheimer's

Knowing what to look for can help families take action early. Some of the most common early signs of Alzheimer’s include:

Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Difficulty following conversations or repeating questions
Confusion about time or place
Trouble with problem-solving or completing familiar tasks
Changes in mood, personality, or withdrawal from social activities

If these signs are becoming more frequent, it may be time to speak with a healthcare provider. Our team at VNA of Florida is trained to recognize these early changes and can help families begin the next steps toward evaluation and support.

As the disease progresses, care needs to grow. In the early stages, someone may just need occasional reminders or help with meals and errands. Over time, more consistent personal care, safety supervision, and skilled medical support often become necessary. VNA of Florida provides care that adapts to every stage, whether through home health services, private duty care, or transition into one of our Grand Oaks memory care communities.

Supporting the Family Caregiver

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be emotionally and physically demanding. Many caregivers take on this role without much support, which can lead to stress, exhaustion, and burnout. VNA of Florida offers services designed to ease that burden, including:

Respite care, so caregivers can take needed time for themselves
Private duty services, for help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, meals, and companionship
Skilled nursing, for medication management, wound care, and other medical needs
Support in creating dementia-friendly routines and safe home environments

If you are starting to feel overwhelmed, we are here to help. Our goal is to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while giving you the support you need to keep going.

Knowing When to Seek More Support

It can be hard to know when it's time to bring in professional help. If your loved one is no longer safe on their own, needs care during the night, or requires more assistance than you can provide, VNA of Florida can help you evaluate your options.

For some families, in-home care remains the right fit. For others, a transition to memory care becomes necessary. Our Grand Oaks assisted living communities offer secure, supportive environments specifically designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. With trained staff, engaging activities, and 24-hour support, families can feel confident their loved ones are in good hands.

Helpful Tools and Medicare Coverage

There are tools that can help make caregiving more manageable and support safety at home. These include:

Medication reminder apps
GPS trackers or wearable alerts
Digital calendars or automatic pill dispensers
Communication devices for nonverbal patients

Our team can help families explore and choose the right tools based on their situation.

We also help families understand what services may be covered under Medicare. While Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care, it may cover home health visits, skilled nursing, or therapy when medically necessary. Our staff will guide you through the coverage details and help with any paperwork or referrals.

Raising Awareness and Taking Action

Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect one person, it impacts families and communities. You can join a local Walk to End Alzheimer’s, participate in a memory cafe, or simply share helpful information with others in your community.

At VNA of Florida, we are proud to stand with patients and families facing this disease every day. Whether through home visits, caregiver relief, or memory care at Grand Oaks, we are committed to providing the care people need and the support they deserve.