Families who are navigating the challenges that come with dementia care likely have a lot on their plate. While some may be able to handle care on their own, it’s important to get help from someone who has experience with Alzheimer’s and dementia care to guide you along the way. Finding the right support during such a trying time is crucial.
In home memory care offers a compassionate alternative to traditional nursing facilities, providing seniors with a personalized solution that allows them the opportunity to remain safely and comfortably at home while still receiving the care they need. This type of specialized care ensures a more flexible plan that evolves as your loved one’s needs change.
Delve into the many benefits of memory care, discovering why it may be the optimal choice for families seeking an improved quality of life for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
The Benefits of Dementia Care
Hiring a professional caregiver can be pivotal in supporting seniors on their dementia journey—and there are many reasons why. From reduced anxiety to flexible help, find out how this type of care can best help your loved one.
Reduced Anxiety
For those struggling with symptoms of dementia, uneasiness can skyrocket. One effective way to ease this anxiety is to keep your loved one in the familiarity of their own home. This will allow them to find comfort in what they know while also maintaining a sense of independence.
Social Interaction & Family Connection
Mental health in older adults can be tough to manage, especially if they are experiencing dementia symptoms. That’s why memory care is so important. It allows seniors to maintain social interaction and loving connections with their family members, which also combats feelings of isolation.
One-on-One Attention
A skilled nursing facility employs well-trained staff, however the patient to caregiver ratio is usually not one-to-one. One of the biggest advantages of having a caregiver is knowing that your loved one will have one-on-one attention for a higher level of comfort and focused assistance.
Safety at Home
Ensure your loved one’s safety with in home memory care. Because they are already familiar with the layout of their home, they may be able to better navigate spaces without falling. In addition, keeping seniors out of nursing homes or hospitals reduces their risk of infection or illness.
Personalized Care Plans
Get curated care that is tailored to your loved one and their needs, with personalized plans that dictate how many hours the caregiver is present and what they help with while there. Depending on what you require, this can also be more cost-effective than residential care options if your loved one doesn’t need round-the-clock assistance.
Knowledge & Expertise
The effects of dementia on caregivers can be vast, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the disease. Memory care professionals have experience dealing with seniors experiencing Alzheimer’s and dementia and, as such, understand what to look for as symptoms progress as well as how best to calm patients who are struggling with anxiety or confusion.
What to Look Out For
If you’re not yet sure if your loved one could benefit from home care, keep an eye out for these 3 early signs of dementia.
While forgetfulness can be common in seniors, especially with things like the exact word to complete a thought or a celebrity’s name, losing knowledge of objects can be an important early sign to look out for. If your loved one is struggling to remember not just what something is called, but what it is used for, they may be in the early stages of dementia.
Two other telltale signs include frequent falls or stumbles and reduced gaze, a symptom of dementia that can affect the ability to move your eyes normally. While it may look like your loved one is simply staring, reduced gaze can also impact their ability to read, causing them to skip lines.
If you notice these signs, talk with a caregiver about how best to support and aid your loved one.
Plan for Peace of Mind
Selecting the proper dementia care for seniors is essential for ensuring your loved one’s safety, well-being and comfort. Navigating these changes can be frightening for both the senior and the family, but specialized in home memory care can be an essential tool that allows your loved one to maintain their dignity and quality of life.
Start your journey with FirstLight Home Care today to get professional dementia care you can count on. With curated plans that adjust as your loved ones symptoms change, you’ll get the help you need with day-to-day tasks as well as peace of mind that your loved one is receiving high-quality care in a familiar environment.
Reach out today for your own personalized quote on memory care services or call 844-879-7300 to locate your local FirstLight team today.