Questions And Answers About In-Home Dementia Care

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Dementia (a state of cognitive impairment that makes everyday activities difficult or impossible) will impact an estimated 14 million U.S. adults by 2060. This common problem among older individuals typically calls for comprehensive care to help preserve these individuals' safety, health, and quality of life.

If you find yourself in the role of caretaker for someone who has dementia, you may want to consider engaging in-home dementia care instead of institutional memory care, at least during the early stages of the disorder. Give some thought to the following questions and answers about in-home dementia care.

Why Might You Choose In-Home Dementia Care?

In-home dementia care offers certain advantages over memory care services in a dedicated facility, starting with the familiarity of the home environment. The longer your loved one can safely remain at home, the less disorientation that loved one will encounter compared to suddenly being moved to an unfamiliar place.

If you have tried to care for your loved one on your own, you probably know first-hand how trying and exhausting this job can prove. In-home dementia care from trained specialists can give you a much-needed break without removing you from the equation entirely. 

What Services Does In-Home Dementia Care Include?

In-home dementia care can provide many of the same caregiver services your loved one would receive at a memory care center. In addition to monitoring your loved one's condition carefully through frequent check-ins, in-home providers can administer medications and physical therapy exercises to help maintain optimal wellness.

These providers can offer non-medical care as well as medical care. Your loved one may benefit from careful meal preparation according to a recommended diet, help with personal care needs such as dressing and bathing, transportation to and from doctor appointments, and general errand-running assistance.

When Should You Consider Memory Care Instead?

Although in-home dementia care can greatly extend your loved one's ability to remain in familiar surroundings, it may not prove sufficient for advanced cases of dementia. Once your loved one's condition has reached a certain degree of severity, your in-home provider may recommend making the transition to a memory care facility.

Memory care facilities can see to the needs of dementia patients at every stage of cognitive impairment. They also offer a variety of on-site therapeutic services such as art, music, and reminiscence therapy. Ask a neurologist or gerontologist about the most appropriate level of care for your loved one's particular needs.   

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22 June 2022

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