Dementia can be a scary and high-risk condition. It is the general term for memory and cognitive decline that are severe enough to affect the person’s everyday life. There are different illnesses under it like Alzheimer’s. Generally, it is caused by abnormal changes in the brain, which causes a decline in thinking and affects behaviors, feelings, and relationships.
People with dementia are at risk of accidents so they need a lot of assistance. Accidental falls are the leading cause of death for people aged 65 and above.
With dementia, the risk is higher. Since the brain is affected, the person has a huge chance of forgetting important people and details of their life, forgetting how to do basic tasks, and even becoming restless. This can cause distress, especially to their family and caregivers.
What can we do to help our older loved ones, especially if they have dementia, avoid accidents?
Fortunately, nursing care at home for dementia patients is available and accessible. They offer great services to help you and your loved one live comfortably and at ease.
Things to Consider About In-home Care Services for Your Senior Loved One:
Do Your Research First
Research and educate yourself about the condition.
It’s great that you’re there and willing to offer help, but it would be better if you were knowledgeable enough about their condition so you would know how to cater to their needs.
Taking care of an elderly with dementia will have a lot of challenges, so it would be great to prepare yourself and know what to expect.
If you realize that you might need professional help in taking care of your loved one, there are options available.
Whether it’s assisted living in a facility or a home care agency, take your time in checking these options to know what is best for them. If you have decided on an in-home care option, research the facilities that offer them.
You can also ask for recommendations from your loved one’s doctor or your friends and family.
Open the Conversation
Just because they have dementia, doesn’t mean there would no longer be discussions with them. It is still their life and we’re trying to encourage independence and make their lives more comfortable. Here are some tips to remember when discussing home care options with them.
- Make sure that your loved one is in a relaxed state to be able to discuss the topic properly. Find a place where they are most comfortable.
- Try to discuss it as a family. Show them that you are all there for them no matter what.
- Be reassuring. This would be scary for them, especially with their condition. They might feel like they are a burden or being abandoned. Reassure them that you are only getting extra help.
- Focus on the benefits. There might be resistance and refusal, so be ready. Try to steer the conversation where the benefits are highlighted and why this would be good for them. Tell them that with professional in-home services, they won’t need to move to a nursing home to receive proper care.
Be Prepared to Answer Questions (or Reluctance).
Having a condition that causes confusion is scary and any change for them can be daunting.
They may feel reluctant to accept help from a stranger so here are some tips on how to address them.
- Why do I need senior care at home? Because we want to make sure that you are always safe. We might not be able to be here all the time and we want someone compassionate to be with you.
- Am I becoming too much of a burden? Of course not! We are getting professional home care services because we want you to receive the best personalized care for your health and well-being. We want you to still be able to enjoy your life and independence, but at the same time still meet your needs.
- Are you going to leave me? No. We are here and we will never leave you. There might be times that we will be unavailable, so we want you to have companionship that can assist you with your needs.
Get Them Involved in the Decision-making Process
When deciding, encourage and support your loved one to take part. Be sensitive and encourage them to share their opinions. Consider their values and beliefs as they will be a big factor when choosing a homecare provider.
Conclusion
Having a condition that hinders your ability to perform daily tasks can be stressful, especially for the family and caregivers. It poses risks and challenges, especially for your aging loved one. There are steps you can take to avoid accidents and prevent them from wandering out of your property and getting lost.
How about when you’re not around? We want to make sure that there’s someone compassionate that would help them navigate through their life while you’re gone.
This is where home care options are helpful. Extra help is never too much. This is for your loved one’s comfort, safety, and your peace of mind.
In the course of these conversations, the topic of transitional care often arises. This involves a coordinated approach to ensuring continuity of care when moving between different stages or settings. Whether it’s transitioning from hospital to home or adjusting to escalating care needs, our experts are here to ensure a smooth journey.
Finally, discussing personal care services in Claremont is essential. These services include assistance with everyday activities like bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management. By choosing our care, you’re not just securing a service provider; you’re welcoming a compassionate caregiver into your family’s life, offering reassurance that your loved ones are in safe, caring hands. Feel free to contact us today so we can discuss your loved one’s care needs.
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