Paul E. Care Companion in Shreveport, LA 71105

My father battled alzheimers for nine years. The last two I was entrusted with his daily care as we discovered that being in an assisted living facility provided nothing to his quality of life. After being admitted his basic skills such as feeding and dressing were disappearing within the first week. My family noticed other families had hired sitters and realized that without the stimulation and constant interaction our father would soon be a mere vegetable. Facilities simply don't have the staff to do more than to get the basic needs met. I was asked to step in and not only take care of my dad doing the basic things, dress, shower, grooming, bathroom breaks, meals, etc... but also mind and physically stimulating activities. We would shoot golf balls down the hall, kick beach balls, throw a ball back and forth, do exercises, play kindergarten aged board games, color, paint, watch old movies or mass which was his favorite, listen to old music, read from his favorite books, etc... I would take him for hair cuts, to the doctor, out to lunch, for walks, pedicures and to visit other family members. I was a companion for as long as I could be until he could no longer fight anymore. Alzheimer and Dementia patients deserve dignity and respect. They want to do for themselves as long as they can. It is very difficult on caretakers to allow this as it is so much easier to do it for them. At the same time you want to be able to enjoy your loved one rather than to be taking care of them in this capacity. But if you let me work with them actively for as long as they can you will find the comfort and peace you are searching for.