If you have recently been diagnosed with dementia or you have a loved one who is going through a recent diagnosis, you may find yourself looking to the future and wondering what you should do when your or your loved one’s health begins to decline.
For those who are trying to make their way through the complicated realm of dementia care, this article explains the different types of care, which will hopefully help people decide which kind best suits them or their loved one.
1. Home Help
The first option that many people choose is home help, especially if the person with dementia has only recently been diagnosed and can live with some semblance of independence.
Throughout this time, you, as a family member, may want to take on the role of carer for them. However, if this is not possible due to other commitments or lack of knowledge and experience in care, the next option is to find a home carer who is trained to look after those with dementia.
Professionals like these can help your loved one take their medications and complete their daily routine, such as washing and dressing, as well as household chores, like cooking and cleaning. Overall, this type of care lets your loved one live at home and retain some level of independence. You might also consider taking this one step further by opting for live-in care, which can ensure that your family member gets 24/7 support.
2.Residential Memory Care
There may come a time when home help is not possible anymore, and you might decide that it is not safe for your loved one to live alone without constant supervision and medical care. If this is the case, you might consider residential memory care for your loved one.
This type of care will require your relative to move to a state-of-the-art facility that has been built with dementia patients in mind. These specialist environments are run by trained and dedicated staff who will ensure that your loved one can get the best out of their life, even if they are struggling with elements of their health condition.
Additionally, these care facilities ensure that your loved one gets the care and companionship they need when they need it, as well as three meals a day and activities that have been tailored for people living with dementia. If you feel like this kind of specialist care could benefit you and your loved one, check out care homes for people with dementia in your local area, like Signature care homes, for example.
3.Daycare
Alternatively, if you do not want your loved one to live in a care home, but you are struggling to take care of them, you may decide to opt for daycare instead. This short-term kind of respite care can offer your loved one the care they need throughout the day, after which you take the reins come the evening.
This route offers a great balance for those whose health is declining but not yet at the point where they need constant supervision. Respite care – be it daycare or longer-term respite care – can be useful for you as the carer as well, especially if you are the sole caregiver and you struggle to balance taking care of your loved one while maintaining your own life and responsibilities.
