Dementia Care at Home

Dementia Care at Home

If your loved one is suffering from dementia, but they aren’t ready for a permanent memory care facility, professional dementia care at home is a great solution. There are numerous types of in-home care services. The most common in-home services for those with Alzheimer’s are Companion Services, Personal Care Services, Homemaker Services, Skilled-Care Services, and 24/7 Care Services.

Companion Services: The caregiver spends time with your loved one, keeping them company, doing fun activities, supervising them during the day.

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Personal Care Services: This is a more detailed service. The caregiver helps them with their basic daily needs such as bathing, dressing, eating, etc.

Homemaker Services:  This service is for the daily items not specific to personal care.  For instance, shopping, preparing meals, doing the laundry, and other housekeeping chores.

Skilled Care Services:  This is medically focused service. Nurses and skilled licensed practitioners will assist with medications, wound care, physical therapy, and other medical needs. This is done in conjunction with the patient’s doctor.

24/7 Care Service:  Round-the-clock care so your loved one with dementia will have assistance all day and night. The services include those listed above and are specialized to specific needs and/or challenges.

To find the right partner for your family, you should do some research. Talk to your loved one’s doctor, as well as their local friends and neighbors for recommendations. Personal experiences are important when making this decision. Also, check with organizations that deal with elder care and Alzheimer’s disease, such as Medicare and non-profit organizations. These groups are great resources to help those living with dementia.

After you find a memory care provider that seems like a good fit, you should interview them to make sure they will be the best partner for your loved one. While you should ask them about any specific concerns or needs, the follow questions are important to gather general information about the memory care facility and their process:

  • Are your caregivers trained in first aid, CPR, etc.?
  • What type of dementia training do your caregivers have?
  • Is there a consistent caregiver that visits? What’s the back-up policy if they can’t make it?
  • How are your caregivers supervised?
  • Are your caregivers screened for diseases and illness?
  • Can you meet/interview the caregiver ahead of time or are they assigned?
  • What are the costs? Is financial help available?

In-home care ensures you loved one is well cared for while being able to stay in the comfort of their own home. It can be a great option for seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia but not ready to reside in a memory care facility.

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