th her careThere’s no one-size-fits-all approach when caring for a patient with dementia. Their needs change at every stage, and each situation is unique. That’s why choosing the proper care is a tough decision for families or primary caregivers. Often, they seek hospice and home care to address the patient’s needs, whether physical, mental, or social.
In this article, we’ll talk about the different care options for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease and the type of services they offer.
In-home care
Home health care or in-home care is a combination of assistance and medical care provided within the patient’s own home instead of a hospital or nursing community. The term “home health care” refers to a wide range of services that offer caregiving or medical services. This may include professional nurses, therapists, dietitians, and social workers.
In-home services vary from medical to non-medical help, such as daily living assistance, while others include medical care administered by a licensed medical professional.
Types of in-home services
- Companion services — Help with visiting or supervision
- Homemaker services — Help with shopping, housekeeping, and meal preparation
- Skilled care — Help with medical needs.
- Personal care services — Help with daily living activities, such as eating, bathing, and dressing.
In-home care staff can come to your home and assist the patient for a given number of hours. Families can ensure their loved ones are in good hands since staff members receive proper training when dealing with people with dementia, including challenging behaviors, incontinence, and other care challenges.
When searching for the proper in-home care, you can consult a geriatrician, the local Alzheimer’s Association, or anyone who avail of in-home care services before.
Adult daycare centers
Most local neighborhoods have adult care centers. These are the same with childcare centers that look after your love and assist them in their daily needs. What sets them apart is they are for seniors with dementia, and staff members are trained in handling various aspects of this disease.
Although most programs require funds, other agencies provide grants for financial assistance. Adult care centers are a great way to provide your senior loved one with the care they need when you can’t balance your caregiving duties with your job. Service hours depend on the program, but they’re often available from seven to 10- hours. Patients will undoubtedly enjoy their stay at the program because of the opportunity to socialize with other patients and friendly staff.
Adult day centers offer social activities for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s, such as fitness and music programs. When turning them in, allow them to adjust to the environment since most seniors resist going. Guide them throughout their experience from joining activities and meeting people until they begin to look forward to each visit.
Respite care
Caregiving can be demanding. That’s why primary caregivers will need help at times and are required to take a break. But seeking help doesn’t make them a failure. They also need to take a rest from the daily caregiving routine to care for their health and well-being. This is where respite help comes to provide caregivers a temporary break from caregiving while the patient continues to be cared for in a care facility.
Also known as replacement care, respite care is also available in nursing facilities or as an additional service of home health care. This works for families who want a break or go on a vacation to overcome caregiving burnout.
As you spend time for yourself, respite care services will provide your loved one the opportunity to socialize and participate in activities in a safe and supportive environment.
Hospice care
If your loved one is already in the later stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s, they will undoubtedly benefit from hospice care. Hospice care or palliative care is a form of supportive care that focuses on comfort and dignity in the late stages of one’s life. It also caters to families who decide not to seek aggressive treatment or care for their senior loved ones.
Hospice care facilities specializing in Alzheimer’s educate families about the final stages of dementia and offer support during the end-of-life phase. Their primary purpose is to help patients manage their pain and symptoms throughout the remaining months of their life and focus on providing comfort instead of curing their disease.
When caring for a loved one with dementia, it’s essential to consider the best care options to help you provide all the support and care they need. When looking for care options, take time to study each program, including the benefit, type of services, and cos. Early planning will help you and your loved one receive the best care they need as they try to achieve a quality life.
