Although Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the nation, it’s a diagnosis that no one is fully prepared to receive. Because there are so many types of dementia and so much that we don’t know about these conditions, it can be tough to decide on the best course of action for care. For many, in home care can be an excellent option (particularly in the disease’s early stages) that allows the patient to be more comfortable while reducing the risk of familial caregiver burnout. Let’s take a closer look at why you might want to consider enlisting home helpers if you are caring for a loved one with dementia.
They can stay in a familiar environment
They can stay in a familiar environment
Change can be difficult at any age or in any circumstances, but dementia patients will find it especially challenging to be taken outside their familiar environments. Anxiety and agitation can be quite problematic for dementia patients, and it’s very easy for them to become overwhelmed. Many organizations feel that the best thing you can do is to keep dementia patients in surroundings that are familiar to them if at all possible. By working with certified caregivers, this can become a realistic course of action. Being able to provide comfort care in their own homes can go a long way for many patients.
They can stick to their routine
Much in the same way that the familiar location can be helpful, a familiar routine can provide comfort. Keeping the same schedule can allow for reduced anxiety and a sense of normalcy, which can be hard to come by when patients are moved into facilities for care. Even if a patient doesn’t get as much out of their routines as they once did, it can still be extremely valuable. In home caregivers will come up with plans that combine familiar routines and daily activities (such as bathing, dressing, eating) and that will allow patients to have more understanding and control over their lives.
They’ll receive more individualized care
Dementia care is never a one-size-fits-all endeavor. But in a facility, it can be harder to ensure your loved one is getting the personalized care they deserve. In home care can be more tailor-made to your wishes and schedule. Plus, securing quality care for your loved ones at home means that they’ll have a system that can evolve as their needs change.
They’ll have their safety monitored
While dementia facilities do offer high levels of protection in terms of wandering, not every patient will get that individualized attention that can keep them safe at all times. Having a caregiver whose sole purpose is to monitor your loved one will ensure their safety to a much more specialized degree. And because these caregivers are trained to recognize pain and discomfort in dementia patients, the level of care will be higher overall. In addition, many care providers will conduct a safety assessment of a patient’s home and will advise you on changes that need to be made.
Plus, familial caregivers can breathe a sigh of relief
Caregiver burnout can be a huge problem for many family members. Although you’ll of course want to care for your loved one on your own, the stress can be overwhelming for many people. You need to take care of yourself, too. By supplementing your own care with home care from certified caregivers, you can allow yourself to have the break you need without handing over the care of your loved one to a facility. It’s really the best of both worlds, especially because your caregiver can offer advice on best practices to use during your time with your loved one.
Caring for a family member with dementia can be extremely difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. To find out more about our services and how they may be able to help you and your loved one, contact us today.
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