In-Home Dementia Care: Navigating Care for a Loved One at Home

When a loved one receives a dementia diagnosis, it’s difficult for families to know what to do or who to turn to for help. Understanding the disease and navigating care presents unique challenges.

Dementia is a progressive disease, as the condition progresses, individuals require increasing levels of support, which can be emotionally and physically exhausting for family caregivers.

During the early stages of dementia, many people can successfully live alone. However, as the disease progresses, getting help from a professional in-home care becomes necessary.

Knowing when to ask for professional help can be confusing for families.

Here’s a guide to help navigate the complexities of in-home care for a loved one with dementia.

Create a Care Plan

Obtain an evaluation and care plan as soon as you have a diagnosis. This will allow you to make decisions when you’re not in crisis or overwhelmed with caregiving and the responsibilities of day-to-day life.

Talk with your healthcare provider to understand the diagnosis, where your loved one is in the diagnosis, what you can expect, what you should prepare for, and memory care referral recommendations.

Access Your Needs

It’s vital to assess your loved one's needs and capabilities, as well as your current and future needs and capabilities.

Caregiving is difficult, and although many families think they can handle it long-term, it can be taxing.

In addition, it’s common for family caregivers to feel guilty for not being able to care for a parent, spouse, or grandparent.

However, caring for a loved one requires skill and specialized training. It’s okay to struggle with this, but not everyone is meant to be a caregiver. Don’t feel guilty or upset about skills you don’t have.

Consider having a professional caregiver come in to do an assessment. They can evaluate your loved one’s care needs and give you advice on your capabilities.

They can assess your loved one’s needs to determine if they need:

• Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and grooming
• An occupational therapist for assistance with techniques to help encourage and maintain independence
• An assisted living or memory care community
• Professional in-home support

In-home support doesn’t have to be all or nothing; it can be every day, once or twice a week, or a few hours per day.

Before hiring someone to come into your home, ask for references and perform a background check.

Types of In-home Care

Once you determine that in-home care is needed, ask your physician, the local Alzheimer’s association, friends, family, church, or a Google search.

Here are some options for in-home care:

Home Health Care

Licensed professionals, such as nurses and occupational or physical therapists, can provide in-home medical services.

Respite Care

Respite care provides full-time care and manages everything from medical care to personal care and housekeeping. It can be arranged in your home, memory care, or an assisted living community.

Respite care allows caregivers to take a break from caregiving to travel or relax.

Adult Day Care

Adult daycare programs are perfect for caregivers who need a day to run errands, catch up on housekeeping, or enjoy a nice dinner.

Seniors can enjoy the day socializing with peers or enjoying classes and recreational programs.

Creating a Safe Environment

A person’s medical and safety needs will change as dementia progresses.

Creating a safe and comfortable environment is crucial for the well-being of people with dementia and their caregivers.

Create a safe space with the following home adjustments:

• A walk-in shower and shower chair
• Medical equipment such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers
• Grab bars, handrails
• Removing tripping hazards such as loose rugs, clutter, and electrical cords
• Secure doors and windows to prevent wandering

Financial Considerations

Consider the financial implications of having in-home healthcare. Speak with a financial advisor and family members for advice and guidance.

Consider the cost of home modifications, in-home care services, health care, assisted living, and memory care communities.

Explore financial resources for your loved one, such as Medicare Part B, Medicaid long-term care insurance, veterans’ benefits, investments, and savings.

Caregiver Well-being

Caregiving is physically and emotionally demanding. It’s not uncommon for caregivers to experience burnout and exhaustion.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 74% of dementia caregivers are concerned about maintaining their health since becoming a caregiver.

Caregivers must manage stress and recognize the signs of burnout, including impatience, anger, and sleeplessness.

If caregiving interferes with your quality of life or affects your relationships, don’t hesitate to join a support group or speak with a therapist.

If in-home care becomes too much, memory care communities are designed to enrich the lives of seniors with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease or other memory-related issues.

Wrap-up

Navigating in-home care for a loved one with dementia requires careful planning, information, support from professionals, and patience.

Creating a care plan with your loved one’s physician, assessing your needs with an in-home healthcare professional, and preparing your home for in-home care will help with a successful transition.