Alzheimer’s Disease and Age-related Dementia are becoming more common in older adults, and they need specialized care. As these conditions affect memory and the ability to work properly, different types of care services are needed to improve their quality of life. With the recent advancement in medical care, many specialized dementia care services offer good care. Learn about specialized dementia care facilities that are available for Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients and their evolution in this article. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you enhance your golden years.
The Evolution of Specialized Dementia Care Facilities
Many times, a dementia patient needs a more monitored environment when a family member can no longer take care of the patient at home. Specialized long-term dementia facilities are available for them to choose the appropriate care option:
1. Skilled Nursing Centers: These nursing centers offer 24/7 care and long-term medical treatment by skilled nurses who take care of nutrition, care planning, recreation, and medical care.
2. Personal care homes: A personal care home is a building where a small group of adults with cognitive impairment live under supervision. They don’t need nursing services but a visiting professional.
3. Assisted Living Facilities: In this living facility, patients get a chance to live independently but with the amenities of a nursing home. These units are like rooms or apartments, with staff who help with daily tasks.
4. Home Care Agencies: These agencies offer dementia care at home, where individuals receive one-on-one personalized support in the comfort of their homes.
5. Home Health Care Agencies: These agencies offer both medical and non-medical care services like nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other healthcare services that patients require at home.
6. Hospice: Hospice is a service that is offered at home and in nursing centers during the final stage of dementia. Their main aim is to make them comfortable during the final few months of their lives.
7. Respite care: Respite care is a temporary provision of care services for people with dementia at home or in a care home by people other than the primary caregiver. This is used to give the primary caregiver a break from their caregiving responsibilities (to rest, see friends and family, take holidays, catch up on other tasks) to lower their strain. This helps the caregiver to recharge, which helps to improve or preserve the relationship between the caregiver and the person with dementia. It is used to re-evaluate the needs of a person with dementia and offer rehabilitation. Respite care can be given at home for a person with dementia, a day care center, or a residential setting by trained or untrained staff or volunteers.
In-home care services for Alzheimer’s
In-home care services for Alzheimer’s patients offer familiar environments while giving them necessary support. Here are some of the most common types of in-home care services for Alzheimer’s patients:
• Companion services: Offer supervision and patient engagement in recreational activities to promote social interaction.
• Personal care services: This service helps with daily living activities, like bathing, dressing, and eating.
• Homemaker services: It helps in managing household tasks such as meal preparation and cleaning, to ensure a comfortable living space.
• Skilled care services: It offers medical assistance from licensed health professionals to handle complex health needs.
Each service focuses on meeting the unique needs of patients, ensuring a comfortable and safe environment at home. Caring for Alzheimer’s patients at home has many advantages, like care fosters a sense of security and lowers confusion by allowing patients to stay in familiar environments. Additionally, in-home care also offers:
• Personalized attention: Care providers only focus on the specific needs and preferences of the individual.
• Improved Independence: This support helps patients to maintain their autonomy in their daily life activities.
• Lower Caregiver stress: When some responsibilities are alleviated with another care team support, in-home care becomes less likely to cause caregiver burnout.
This shows that with the right support and resources, home care can enhance the quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients, contributing to better emotional well-being and overall health. Research found that the majority of 5.8 million people (about twice the population of Arkansas) with Alzheimer’s in the US live in their own homes, with caregivers often facing significant challenges, with around 97% to 99% reporting unmet care needs. Home safety is paramount, and over 90% of dementia patients need this aspect with practical modifications like grab bars and non-slip mats to enhance safety. Additionally, dementia care coordinators play an important role in managing legal, safety, and medical needs, which leads to better outcomes for both patients and caregivers. Overall, with proper resources and planning, home care significantly improves the quality of Alzheimer’s patients’ lives.
Need help with dementia care? Consult our behavioral clinic specialists for personalized care plans for specific Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Call us to book your appointment now! Consult with our home care services to get a reliable companion care provider for your loved one, who ensures they get the best quality of care and companionship to live a peaceful, happy life. If you want to know more about adult day care services, the professionals at HouseCalls Home Care offer excellent resources for learning more about how to care for your aging loved ones. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you enhance your golden years. Feel free to call HouseCalls Home Care at 718-922-9200 if you or a loved one requires compassionate and competent in-home care services. Our goal is to help you find the best support for your needs. You can also send an email to us at info@housecallshc.org for more information.