Care Options for an Elderly Person Living with Dementia

Dementia is a degenerative disease affecting the elderly. It is characterised by memory loss, changes in mood, failure to follow instructions and inconsistencies when holding a conversation. It becomes worse over time.

If you have someone at home with dementia, it is important to consider quality care services. You can do the job yourself and provide this type of help, but you need someone to keep a closer eye on the patient. Besides, you also have a job and a family to worry about. Even if you love the person in the family with dementia, you can’t be there at all times.

The good thing is that there are care service options available for those who are suffering from this problem.

Multiple daily visits

In this option, the care provider does not necessarily stay with the patient at all times. There are several rounds of visits during the day. This is to monitor the situation. If there are medical emergencies, you can count on this person to instantly help. Even if the patient is left alone, you won’t feel worried. The only downside is that it might take some time before help arrives as the care provider is not with the patient all the time.

Bespoke home care

This option allows the care provider to either be with the patient on a full-time or part-time basis. Bespoke means you can customise the kind of service provided. You can have someone work with the patient only when necessary. You can also have someone come over and provide basic assistance services for those who are already in the late stages of the disease. The types of services provided and the cost vary depending on the needs of the patient.

Live in care

This is perhaps the best option. If you choose dementia care at home, there will be someone at home at all times. Of course, this person has to rest, but in the event of an emergency, you know that a care provider will be with the patient right away. The Care Quality Commission also regulates the kinds of services provided. The care plan is well-thought out. You know that the patient will be getting just the right kind of help, given the disease.

Regardless of your choice, you need to find the right agency who can give you the best care provider. Dementia is not to be messed with. A lot of older people have died from dementia, not because of the disease itself, but the injuries they have sustained because of their lack of control over what they think and do. Having someone to look after the patient would be such a huge relief.

Image: Pixabay.com