The majority of seniors living with dementia prefer to age in place. The comfort, familiarity, and security offered by a home environment is beneficial to adults diagnosed with dementia. Living at home with dementia can be accomplished with the following strategies and the right level of in-home support.
Alzheimer’s disease is a common form of dementia and prevalent in the U.S. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that, currently, over six million seniors in the U.S. suffer from this progressive brain condition. By 2050, this number is expected to rise to almost 13 million.
In Home Care or Nursing Home?
While most seniors choose to remain at home for as long as possible, families may be uncertain as to how to facilitate memory care at home. Without sufficient and proper support, family caregivers can become overwhelmed and begin to feel the sting of caregiver burnout.
Start helping a senior live at home with dementia by learning about what the diagnosis means. Dementia is a general term that describes memory loss, difficulty thinking, and language challenges that emerge and interfere with the senior’s ability to independently perform the activities of daily living.
How To Take Care of A Loved One Who is Developing Dementia
As the dementia patient’s cognitive abilities decline, her behavior, relationships, and feelings may also be affected. Dementia is not a normal part of aging. Rather, the condition is caused by abnormal brain changes. Alzheimer’s disease is progressive; it cannot be reversed, and a cure is unavailable.
Seniors with dementia should be aware that they can still enjoy a good quality of life. Caregivers can ensure a better quality of life by making environmental modifications, adjusting communication techniques, using daily living aids, relying on technology and, in general, planning ahead.
- Modify the home
Equipping the home with assistive devices is key to preventing accidents. Install grab bars in the bathrooms to promote balance and prevent slips. Tack down carpets to prevent trips and falls. Lock the gun closet to guard against mishaps. The number of safety supports is correlated with quality of life.
- Arrange for transportation
Seniors with dementia may no longer be able to drive since their condition significantly impacts memory. As dementia progresses, the senior may get lost, be unable to follow directions, and fail to operate a vehicle safely. Arranging for alternative transportation methods will help the senior get around.
When families are too busy to drive the senior, professional caregivers are available to provide safe transportation to grocery shops, the post office, senior centers, and the doctor’s office. Reliable transportation services around the community prevent the senior from becoming isolated at home.
- Participate in a medical alert program
Wandering away from home is common in dementia patients. Preserve the senior’s safety at home by enrolling her in a medical alert program, such as the Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return Program. Such programs provide medical IDs that can be used in the event the senior gets lost.
- Enroll in an adult day center
Dementia care at home can be a stressful task. Family caregivers who need a break can enroll an elderly care recipient in an adult day center. Providing entertainment and experienced care for seniors, adult day centers are an ideal daytime option for quality senior care.
- Use smartphones and apps
A smartphone or tablet can help dementia patients remember important dates and times. These devices feature alarms and calendars that can be used to remind seniors about doctors’ appointments or when to take medications. Caregivers can set the alarms for the senior if she has difficulty.
Smartphone apps offer a wide range of brain games that will stimulate the dementia patient’s mind. In addition to brain apps, like Lumosity or CogniFit Brain Fitness, devices can store digital photos. Seniors who reminisce may be comforted, as looking at photos reduces social isolation and depression.
- Arrange for meals
Operating a hot stove may not be advisable for seniors diagnosed with dementia. Due to impaired memory, it is possible the senior may forget to turn off the stove. Fire hazards are a concern, especially if the dementia patient lives alone at home.
Instead of cooking, seniors can rely on food delivery services. Some grocery stores also deliver fresh produce. Alternately, engage the services of an in-home caregiver who will prepare balanced meals in accordance with the senior’s dietary restrictions. Professional caregivers also shop for groceries.
- Hire home care
In-home memory care is the ideal choice for helping seniors live comfortably at home, even as their condition progresses. Dementia caregivers are trained to identify dementia symptoms and experienced in providing all the necessary services to ensure the senior receives optimum care at all times.
Getting The Right Caregiver
Dementia caregivers provide safe transportation and provide medication reminders. While the senior may benefit from a medical ID, memory caregivers will monitor the senior continuously to ensure safety. Additionally, memory care providers are invaluable sources of companionship for dementia patients.
When your elderly loved one receives the diagnosis, plan ahead for home care from Assisting Hands Home Care. Our memory caregivers are experienced in dementia care. We provide compassionate memory care services to seniors living with any stage of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
Our memory care services ensure seniors with dementia stay safe at home. We secure the home to help prevent wandering. If they still manage to wander, our caregivers guide them back to safety. The senior’s incontinence issues are discreetly handled by our dementia caregivers.
Benefits of Personal Companionship Services
The companionship provided by our dementia caregivers is essential to the senior’s emotional health. Social isolation and loneliness contribute to a decline in health. We build strong relationships by starting conversations, taking seniors on safe outings, and encouraging them to pursue enjoyable hobbies.
Assisting Hands Home Care memory care services also include help with the activities of daily living, like help with personal hygiene tasks. When your elderly loved one suffers from dementia, give her a better quality of life by starting dementia care with us. Call today for an in-home consultation.
