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.

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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.

Stressed from caring for a loved one with dementia?

Connect with a licensed therapist

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.