Navigating Memory Care: How Cerna Homecare Supports Families and Aging Parents

If you’re reading this- you may have recently noticed that your parent has been starting to forget familiar faces, repeating the same questions, or missing medications. Or maybe you’ve been navigating the challenges of Alzhiemer’s or Dementia for a while now. Regardless, this can be very worrisome for you. We’re here to remind you that you’re not alone in this, there is help.

At Cerna Homecare, we specialize in cognitive impairments from Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s, Stroke, Injuries, Diabetes, and others. We work with top neurologists and memory care specialists to continue to develop and advance our in-home memory care program. Our program is designed to preserve your loved one’s dignity, safety, and independence for as long as possible. Let’s dive into the details!

Why Memory Care is Different Than General Senior Care

Senior care has many forms. At Cerna, we understand that memory care requires an entirely different approach than general home assistance. Memory-related conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease affect more than just recall- they impact behavior, safety awareness, sleep patterns, and changes in mood.

Our caregivers are specifically trained to handle the unique challenges that come with memory loss. This means creating beneficial routines that feel familiar, using calming communication techniques, and ensuring your loved one feels safe- even when they’re confused.

There are four categories that greatly impact a person’s lifelong ability to cope with a cognitive impairment and thrive:

  • Medications- Whether the doctor prescribes medications for cognition such as Cholinesterase Inhibitors: donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), that help boost acetylcholine levels in the brain, a chemical messenger involved in memory and thinking, Memantine (Namenda), a medication which is an NMDA receptor antagonist that regulates glutamate activity in the brain and often used for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease, drugs for preventing strokes or heart disease (events that can cause further injury to the brain), or prescribes medications that ease anxiety, depression, etc., medications can make a huge difference when it comes to one’s quality of life.
  • Diet- Fueling your body with foods like fish, or nuts and seeds, that are low fat, low sugar, and high in omega-three fatty acids can improve and prolong the memory and cognition of those with cognitive impairments.
  • Cardiovascular activity- Exercises that elevate the heart rate, such as walking, dances, chair exercises, etc. increase blood oxygen to the brain and can help combat the effects of Dementia.
  • Cognitive activity- Activities that exercise the mind, such as interacting with music and art, have proven to help neurological tissue become more vibrant.

How Do Our In-Home Memory Care Services Tie In?

Starting off with the “where” our care takes place, it is where your loved one likely feels safest and most familiar: home. For many families, in-home care is the ideal first step in the memory care journey, as it enables their aging loved ones to receive the care they need in the comfort of their own home.

Diving into what our memory care entails and how it ties into the four most important categories: medications, diet, exercise, and cognitive activity.

Here’s a brief list of our memory care service offerings:

  • Medication reminders and management
  • Meal preparation tailored to health needs
  • Safety supervision and fall prevention
  • Gentle memory-stimulating activities
  • Bathing, dressing, and hygiene assistance
  • Emotional support and companionship
  • Behavioral monitoring

Additionally, our Cerna caregivers are trained on and use The CARES® Training Program. This is a program that was developed by the Alzheimer’s Association and stands for:

C – Connect with the person
A – Assess behavior
R – Respond appropriately
E – Evaluate what works
S – Share with others

This evidence-based training is designed to help caregivers provide care that’s built around each person’s needs. At Cerna Homecare, we ensure our staff completes CARES Training so they’re equipped not only with practical tools and a program designed for best care, but also with the empathy and understanding needed to connect meaningfully with each client. It’s a proven approach that helps us support both cognitive function and emotional well-being.

Our goal is to provide care that feels like an extension of your family. We don’t just come in and take over- we listen, learn, and collaborate with you to build a plan that supports your parent and gives you peace of mind.

Who We Serve: Specialized Support Across Various Cities and States 

Whether you’re looking for home care in Orange County, Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Las Vegas, Dallas, Fort Worth, or elsewhere, our local Cerna teams are ready to help. We’ve worked with many families across these regions with the same concerns you’re facing now.

Our teams are built to offer flexible scheduling, customized care plans, and local caregivers that make life easier for everyone involved.

We know that this isn’t easy. Call us to schedule your free in-home consultation when you’re ready: (877) 577-6782.