Choosing the Right Dementia Care for Loved Ones

Seeing a loved one cope with dementia could be emotionally disturbing. As dementia progresses, it often affects a person’s ability to take care of themselves and complete daily activities that once were simple.

This blog will explore the kinds of dementia care we offer to support your loved one. You can also contact us to speak with our experienced team members, who can help you find at-home care for dementia patients.

Understanding Dementia – More than Just Alzheimer’s Care

Dementia represents a constellation of symptoms resulting in overall cognitive decline. This grouping of symptoms can develop due to various diseases that damage parts of the brain. 

The most common disease—in fact, so common that it is often used as a synonym for dementia—is Alzheimer’s disease. However, this is just one of the many ways people can develop dementia. Other types include frontotemporal dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and vascular dementia. Care professionals are trained to help people with dementia, which means they understand the subtleties between each type and can provide customized care accordingly.

What Carers for Dementia Can Do for Your Loved One

An important tenet of modern health care—as client-centered care grows in popularity—is that no two care recipients are the same, even if their diagnoses are identical. It is important to view people as more than what ails them. This is why care services will, and should, differ from person to person. 

However, there are common services that are provided within customized care plans, including:

• Light Housekeeping: Helps ensure the care recipient is in a clean, safe environment, and always has clean clothes to start their day.
• Hygiene Help: Includes toileting and showering. There is no shame in needing help. Maintaining hygiene is essential for overall health.
• Activities: These stimulate the brain and encourage engagement; examples are puzzles, card games, and targeted cognitive exercises.
• Meal Preparation: While this is typically an add-on service for at-home care, it is a great way to ensure the care recipient is eating consistently and healthily.
• Transportation: Whether to and from events, doctor’s appointments, or social activities, this service allows ongoing freedom and independence. However, it is also usually an add-on.

Understanding Your Loved One’s Alzheimer’s Dementia Care Needs

The best way to find quality care for your loved one is to fully understand what their needs are, so it is important to:

• Consult their doctor to understand non-negotiable care needs.
• Assemble your budget.
• Determine what frequency of care is needed.
• Speak with family members.

Your Answer to Finding Long-Term Care for Dementia

If you’re unsure of what to do for your loved one with dementia, consider home dementia care. According to the Alzheimer’s Project, there is significant evidence showing that routine and familiarity can help people with dementia retain more of their cognitive functioning. The next step is to find care professionals you can trust.

Contact us here at ComForCare to speak with our DementiaWise training advisors. They’ll build a care profile specific to your loved one’s needs. Our compassionate caregivers will deliver excellent care to your loved one.