Exploring Dementia Home Care Options And Resources
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 55 million people worldwide currently have dementia. It most commonly affects older adults and is, in most cases, irreversible. As dementia gradually worsens in severity, those experiencing it often lose the ability to complete daily tasks and engage in basic self-care. For those who prefer to keep their loved one with dementia living at home, it may be worth exploring options for dementia home care. See below for more information about dementia, the potential benefits of dementia home care, and resources that may help you find the right fit for your loved one.
Understanding dementia
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dementia isn’t a specific illness but a broader term that refers to “the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with doing everyday activities.” The most well-known and common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. That said, there are various types of dementia, which are divided into three distinct categories.
Primary, secondary, and reversible dementia and long-term care
Primary dementia is when dementia is the primary illness, such as in the case of Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia (dementia as a result of strokes), frontotemporal dementia (caused by damage to frontal and temporal lobes), and Lewy body dementia. Secondary dementia is dementia as a result of another condition, such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease, or traumatic brain injury. The third category is reversible dementia, which can occur as a result of certain medications, thyroid problems, or vitamin deficiencies. Long-term care planning is often necessary for managing primary and secondary dementias, as symptoms progressively impact daily life and independence. Infections such as COVID-19, HIV, syphilis, and others may cause symptoms of dementia as well.
Dementia symptoms and progression with health care considerations
Symptoms of dementia can vary depending on the individual, the type of dementia they have, and its severity, but they commonly include things like memory loss, confusion, irritability, depression, paranoia, hallucinations, trouble with executive functioning, and others. Eventually, a person with irreversible dementia will typically lose the ability to care for themselves. That’s why making a progressive plan for care when an individual is diagnosed with dementia can be important.
Coping with dementia in a loved one: Health care support options
Seeing a loved one in a state of persistent cognitive decline due to dementia can be extremely difficult, as can being their caregiver in any capacity. To avoid burnout, depression, and other potential results of having an ill loved one and/or providing care, it can be important to engage in healthy coping mechanisms and self-care practices regularly.
Positive strategies for coping with a loved one’s dementia
Some positive strategies for coping with dementia in a loved one include:
- Practicing acceptance. Methods such as therapy or support groups for those in the same situation can help promote positive mental health for those with a loved one with dementia, as they may help them move toward acceptance.
- Engaging in self-care. Neglecting your own well-being can result in negative outcomes for both you and your loved one with dementia. That’s why making time to engage in self-care practices like exercising, eating nutritious foods, and working on hobbies or other enjoyable activities can be important.
- Leaning on social support. Social support from friends and loved ones can be crucial for health and well-being in general, and this can be especially true for those coping with the serious illness of a loved one. Asking for help, setting boundaries, and taking time for social interaction may all be helpful.
Looking into resources and services that may help you with the care of your loved one can also be helpful, as we’ll discuss below.
Potential benefits of home care and long-term care options
Dementia home care is when a trained care provider visits an individual with dementia in their home to help with a variety of tasks. This type of can offer a variety of potential benefits that may improve the quality of life for both you and your loved one with dementia. Additionally, exploring long-term care options can help families find solutions that adapt to the changing needs of dementia patients over time. There are several types of home care that each address specific areas of care that dementia patients may need.
Types of dementia home care options and resources and benefits
Some common types of dementia home care include:
- Companion services. An individual who provides this type of service helps with recreational activities and supervision to ensure your loved one is safe and has a good quality of life.
- Household services. These services are designed to help dementia patients keep their homes in order. Professionals who specialize in this area might help with cleaning, organization, and other household tasks.
- Personal care services. This type of home care aims to help dementia patients complete their daily tasks, such as bathing or preparing food.
- Medical care. This type of home care helps dementia patients with things like medication or physical therapy and is administered by licensed healthcare providers such as nurses.
Is dementia home care the right choice for Alzheimer’s disease?
Exploring home care options and resources for Alzheimer’s disease
One common deterrent in seeking out dementia home care is the cost, but there are often community resources that can help. Another common deterrent is simply not knowing where to start, and there are resources for this as well.
Resources for finding dementia home care
Some resources for exploring dementia home care include:
- Friends and relatives. If you know anyone personally who has sought out dementia home care for their loved one, you can ask for their input on agencies to look into or to avoid, what questions to ask, etc.
- Your loved one’s doctor. You can ask if the doctor who treats your loved one with dementia can refer you to a home care service they trust.
- The Alzheimer’s Association. This nonprofit offers a Community Resource Finder tool, which can help you find home care options and other services in your area.
- Alzheimers.gov.This government website offers a wealth of resources designed to help individuals find community support resources, care services and facilities, and financial aid information.
Seeking therapy as a dementia caregiver
Again, the stress of having a loved one with dementia and providing any level of care for them can be significant. Caring for your own mental health along the way can be paramount for your well-being. Some research suggests that positive mental health in dementia caregivers may even improve longevity and other outcomes in individuals with this type of terminal cognitive condition.
Importance of therapy for mental health and caregiver support
Seeking therapy can be a powerful way to look after your own mental health. A licensed therapist can act as a listening ear, provide emotional support, and help you learn to manage stress and challenging emotions in a healthy way. However, many people—especially those with caregiving responsibilities—find it difficult to make the time to attend in-person therapy appointments.
Advantages of online therapy for dementia caregivers
In cases like these, online therapy can represent a more convenient option for receiving support, since virtual therapy platforms allow you to meet with a licensed therapist from the comfort of home—no commuting required. Research suggests that online therapy for dementia caregivers may help reduce depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and anxiety, all of which may benefit the individual with dementia whom they are caring for as well.
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions
What are some dementia home care options and resources available to families?
Families can choose from a range of dementia home care options, including personal care services, companion services, and medical care at home, each tailored to help with the specific needs of their loved ones.
Where can families find resources to support dementia care at home?
Resources like the Alzheimer’s Association, local community centers, and online tools such as Alzheimers.gov provide guidance and assistance in finding reliable dementia care home health services.
What type of care is best for dementia patients?
This can depend on what stage of dementia that the patient is experiencing, and what level of care is necessary. In the early stages of dementia, an individual may be able to stay in their home with some light supervision, or with one of their family members living with them. As the dementia progresses, home health care services may be enlisted to assist with daily care.
As higher levels of assistance are required for personal care needs, some families find it necessary to seek short-term care in the form of rehab facilities to address falls or create safer routines, and some may enroll their parent in assisted living facilities or long-term care facilities. Geriatric care managers in these facilities can supervise medical treatment, daily routines, and encourage the individual to participate in things like reminiscence therapy and group activities. Some facilities offer hospice care for end of life planning, or have connections to a nearby hospice facility that offers hospice services.
What can you do for dementia patients at home?
If you are a caregiver for a dementia patient at home, you may be a key component in allowing them to enjoy life in a safe and familiar environment for a longer period of time. Duties that a home caregiver can have include medication management, supervision or assistance with ADLs, transportation services, offering encouragement to participate in personal hobbies or activities with friends and family, and many others.
What is dementia home care?
In-home services can include assisting the patient with activities of daily living like bathing and toileting, as well as supervising or helping with meal preparation and light housekeeping. In-home care allows individuals experiencing dementia from neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease to remain in a familiar environment for as long as possible.
What are some resources for caregivers of clients who have Alzheimer's disease?
The Alzheimer's Association website has an expansive collection of resources for patient caregivers, including home health services, specialists, lists of clinical trials, support groups for caregivers and patients, government programs that can cover services that require payment, or offer a reduced price, educational materials, and more.
What facility is best for dementia patients?
A long term care facility that offers multiple levels of care can be ideal. This can begin with assisted living, and continue into long term nursing care, rehab services, a memory care unit, and even hospice care. Having all of these services under one roof can ensure that as a patient requires more care, they do not need to be moved from place to place, but can continue in a place that is familiar to them.
What is an example of dementia care?
Dementia care can be the implementation of any number of helpful services to a person who is experiencing dementia. Dementia care typically consists of a multidimensional team approach, including medical and services, therapies like talk therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, in-home care and supervision with a loved one or paid professional, and support services.
What type of home does a dementia patient need?
A dementia patient can function most effectively in a familiar and safe environment where routine is followed, and they feel independent and respected.
What are the four qualities of care for dementia patients?
The Four R’s of quality care for dementia patients include: Reassure, Routine, Reminisce, and Redirect.
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