For many, the very notion of admitting an elderly relative into a nursing or care home can be a very difficult choice. Doing all that is possible to keep your loved ones at home may quickly become a priority – although this may change if they are diagnosed with dementia. Whether from Alzheimer’s disease, atherosclerosis or any other causes, a cognitive disorder such as dementia should prompt families to rethink caring for their loved ones at home rather than them receive special treatment in a care home.
There are typically several stages of dementia, and in the early stages, home care may be efficient. Early stages of dementia can include such things as forgetful behaviour and minor mood swings. For the most part, people experiencing early dementia may just need a helping hand with their daily activities and responsibilities. As the condition progresses, however, the level of care required can increase significantly and may render home care inappropriate and unaffordable. Before it reaches this point, families should research and perhaps consider a care home.
These care homes provide 24-hour, trained staff to assist with a dementia sufferer’s needs, whether by providing companionship and participation in activities or assisting with basic care such as feeding and hygiene. Staff at such facilities are familiar with and well skilled in dealing with dementia, with nursing and medical staff onsite to oversee the patient’s care and respond to medical emergencies. Dementia specialists are also there to ensure that patients are receiving the appropriate level of care and that everything is being done to ensure quality of life for their patients. Home care, even if it is around the clock, cannot offer a similar level of care.
Of course, not every care facility actually specializes in treating dementia. Families should be sure to fully investigate a care home before admitting a dementia patient. True dementia care facilities will take steps to ensure a calming, quiet environment; this includes being located in a low-traffic area in order to protect patients who may wander. Staff will be sufficiently trained and include a dementia specialist. A quality facility will have a high staff to patient ratio, which allows for more in-depth care, as well as security precautions such as locked doors to protect patients. Finally, should a dementia care facility be part of a larger nursing home complex, it will be segregated from the general nursing home population so that the staff can focus on the needs of dementia patients.
Although keeping an aging relative at home may be a noble goal, a diagnosis of dementia should cause loved ones to reconsider their priorities slightly. Once dementia has progressed to a later stage, sufferers require a higher level of care than home care can provide. The best option for stable, healthy living is a care home that specializes in the treatment of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The trained staff in these facilities can provide an appropriate level of care to such patients.
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