Dementia is a disease that affects far more than just the person afflicted. When dementia strikes, family members must often come together to care for a person with unique and often challenging needs. Though many people opt for care at an assisted living facility, the benefits of providing in-home care for dementia patients make it an important consideration. In fact, the majority of patients with dementia live at home, even those in advanced stages of the disease.
Navigating dementia’s challenges while maintaining independence and quality of life is complicated. But in-home care is a significant first step to helping seniors with dementia continue to live life to the fullest.
Staying At Home Reduces Confusion and Disorientation
Dementia affects many areas of a person’s life, from memory to cognition and behavior. Moving to a new location, such as an assisted care facility, can often worsen symptoms such as confusion and disorientation. On the other hand, living at home can provide the familiarity and structure that dementia patients need to continue functioning independently. By creating recognizable structures in everyday home life, dementia patients are less likely to become agitated and can continue through their usual routines. Being in a comfortable location surrounded by happy memories provides a huge number of benefits.
One-on-One Monitoring
People with dementia often need a broad spectrum of care, depending on the progression of their symptoms. On top of that, a person who starts out mostly self-sufficient will likely need an increasing regimen of time as the disease progresses. As such, the benefits of one-on-one monitoring cannot be overstated. A caregiver can keep a close eye on a senior with dementia to ensure their individual needs are met.
Maintaining Quality of Life
Quality of life is one of the most critical components of in-home care. Aging in place allows people to maintain their dignity and autonomy, while in-home care takes care of any more complex needs they can’t see to themselves. At home, seniors can access all their treasured belongings, stay with their pets, and feel more comfortable in their preferred settings. But maintaining quality of life doesn’t end in the home. It’s also important to ensure that seniors continue to have access to social contact and outdoor activities such as walks and gardening. Ensuring that seniors continue to have access to the things that bring them joy is one of the most significant benefits of in-home care for dementia patients.
Relief for Family Caregivers
Of course, providing in-home care is not always an easy solution. Loved ones who opt to become family caregivers face both physical and emotional challenges that often go unacknowledged in the shadow of their loved one’s dementia. As geriatric psychiatrist Deirdre Johnston, M.D. puts it, “The care of dementia is actually the care of two people: the person with the illness and the person taking care of them.”
Unfortunately, caregiver burnout is a common occurrence, as making the time to rest and recharge when caring for a loved one with dementia can be a real challenge. That’s why in-home caregiving services are essential, even for people already providing family caregiving. If you’re struggling to ensure your loved one gets the most out of their in-home care, a professional caregiver can help. At Generations Home Care, we provide highly-trained caregivers who can adapt to your schedule and needs to make sure both you and your loved one stay healthy and happy. Providing in-home care for dementia patients is challenging, and you don’t need to face it alone.
About Generations Home Care
Generations Home Care personalized in-home care and support services help those recovering from illness, injury, or surgery, living with a chronic disease, or dealing with the natural process of aging. We help people live a fuller, healthier, and independent life.
Our caregivers are trained in the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended COVID-19 safety precautions. We offer levels of care ranging from companionship, to respite for the primary family caregiver, to homemaking services, to assistance with activities of daily living, to Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Generations Home Care takes a holistic approach and emphasizes a consistent, client-centered plan of care.
Our Specialty Services Include:
- Rehab or hospital-to-home programs for safe discharge.
- Short-term post-operative care during recovery periods.
- Non-medical life management services for people with chronic conditions.
- Veteran’s connection to care program.
- Live-in services and couples care.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you, contact us today at 602-595-HOME (4663) or by filling out the contact form on our website.
