Caring for a loved one who is struggling with dementia can be a difficult task for any family. With around 80% of aging Americans suffering from at least one chronic disease and 68% suffering from two or more, respite care services are becoming an increasingly popular choice for many families currently serving as their loved one’s primary caregiver. While it can be a difficult decision to make, bringing in an outside caregiver can be one of the best options, and it can help alleviate the stress of trying to manage everything on your own. If you are currently caring for a family member with dementia, here is what you need to know about your options.
Dementia Home Care Services
Dementia care services are a great option for loved ones, as they enable them to stay safely in the comfort of their own homes. While the level of care should always be considered, oftentimes those struggling with dementia do far better in a familiar setting as opposed to being placed in a memory care facility. At home dementia caregivers allow for this, while also enabling a more independent way of life. Dementia caregivers can provide assistance with many important activities of daily living:
- Help with personal hygiene
- Medication reminders
- Meal preparation and planning
- Mobility assistance and fall prevention
- Transportation
- Shopping
- Companionship
By taking advantage of these services, your loved one can continue doing the things they want, with the proper assistance they need. Furthermore, it enables you to be able to continue doing the things you need, without worrying about leaving your loved one alone. You can instead trust that they will be well taken care of by trained and caring professionals.
At home dementia caregivers can also be more beneficial than alternative solutions, especially if they do not require a high level of skilled care. While being able to stay in a familiar setting is beneficial in and of itself, having someone around during the day to engage with can help mitigate feelings of loneliness. The importance of companionship cannot be overstated enough when it comes to caring for an aging loved one, and this goes especially for those living with dementia.
Furthermore, because dementia caregivers can help with shopping, transportation, meal prep, and personal care, your loved one can continue doing familiar tasks with the proper assistance to ensure they remain safe. This can be especially important if they need help remembering medications, as they won’t be put at risk of missing a dose while going about other tasks.
Respite Care
As mentioned above, respite care is becoming an increasingly popular option for family members, especially those who need caregiver services, but only during specific windows where they cannot provide care themselves. Respite care can last as long as you need it to and is perfect for families that still want to serve as primary caregivers but need time off for themselves. This can be extremely important, as it can be easy to become burned out if you are trying to handle everything yourself. By taking advantage of respite care, you can ensure that you’re able to take care of yourself so that you can continue caring for your loved one.
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be difficult, but fortunately, you do have options. Dementia caregivers and at-home services allow your loved one to receive the care that they need without the need for placement in a specialized living facility. Whether you’re utilizing a caregiver for respite or for the foreseeable future, you can trust that your loved one is in the best hands possible.
