80% of people suffering from dementia receive in-home care. Still, making the decision to hire in-home care for a loved one with dementia can be difficult. It involves both practical and emotional considerations for families.
While it is vital to keep loved ones secure and at ease in their familiar settings, managing the difficulties associated with dementia development and how it affects day-to-day activities may be rather daunting.
This blog post will empower families by addressing common concerns, providing helpful resources for assistance, and examining important indicators that suggest in-home dementia care may be the best choice.
What Is the Right Time for Professional Help?
There’s no single answer, no universal “right time” for in-home dementia care. Every situation, every individual, is unique. However, some signs and indicators can guide us on this journey. These signs can help us understand when additional support might be beneficial for both our loved ones and ourselves. These include:
Increasing Confusion and Disorientation
Individuals with advanced dementia often struggle with orientation – knowing where they are and how to get around. They may also have difficulty understanding time and place.
If your loved one frequently gets lost on familiar routes or becomes disoriented in their own home, it may be time to seek additional support.
Changes in Memory Function
Dementia is characterized by memory loss. However, as the condition progresses, memories of present events may disappear completely, while memories of former events remain.
People may also ask the same questions or repeat themselves frequently. When a loved one’s memory begins to interfere with their ability to conduct activities of daily living (ADLs)alone, such as taking medications or cooking, it is critical to consider seeking outside assistance.
Difficulties with Daily Activities
As dementia progresses, people may find it more difficult to conduct daily tasks such as cooking, dressing, and showering. For example, someone who has difficulty following directions or recalling step-by-step instructions may routinely burn meals.
If your loved one requires constant reassurance or help to carry out daily duties securely, it could signal the need for a professional.
Safety Concerns
Safety issues arise as dementia progresses because people lose awareness of potential hazards. They may leave appliances running unattended, forget to turn off the stove, or wander away from home without any supervision.
Such risks pose a serious danger and require immediate attention to prevent accidents.
Benefits of In-Home Dementia Care
While the decision to seek in-home dementia care services can be emotionally challenging, there are numerous benefits worth considering. Some of them are outlined below:
Tailored Care Plans
Individuals suffering from dementia have unique requirements, inclinations, and abilities. Personalized care plans are created by in-home dementia care professionals based on the needs of each client, encouraging choice, dignity, and individuality.
Flexibility & Adaptability
In-home dementia care, as opposed to typical institutional settings, enables clients to stay in familiar environments, maintaining a feeling of regularity, continuity, and autonomy.
Additionally, schedules are more flexible, accommodating changing circumstances, as caregivers arrive at the house directly rather than needing transportation.
Family Support and Education
In-home dementia care services can teach family members how to foster socializing, communication, engagement, and emotional connection with patients. They also help to improve the quality of connections between patients and their loved ones.
Specialized information and Resources
Individuals providing in-home dementia care are equipped with advanced information about the disease process, drugs, diet, mobility, sleep hygiene, and other factors that impact dementia patients. By employing resources and procedures based on research, they provide all-encompassing, individualized treatment.
Encouraging self-sufficiency and raising living standards
In-home dementia care promotes freedom and a higher quality of life through a range of activities such as music therapy, physical activity, and memory treatment. These kinds of therapy are good for one’s spiritual, mental, and emotional wellness.
Making a Decision Together
The choice to hire in-home care is often best made in collaboration with your loved one, their doctor, and other trusted family members. Open communication, understanding, and collaborative decision-making are essential for navigating this critical phase.
Remember that you are not alone on this path. There are resources available to assist you with the complexity of dementia care. By identifying the indications and getting help when required, you can ensure that your loved one receives the care they need while maintaining a strong connection.
