Under the best circumstances, watching a loved one age is difficult. And as time marches on, you might start to notice new and more worrisome behaviors. These can include forgetfulness, disorientation and problems communicating. When issues begin to escalate, it may be time for the next step with professional dementia care services.
What is Dementia Care?
Dementia is a general term used to describe loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that interfere with an individual’s daily life. This diminishing mental capacity is not only frustrating and stressful, but might even put individuals in danger.
To keep them safe, comfortable and as independent as possible, dementia care services are designed to offer personalized support to those individuals with the condition. It can also give family caregivers a critical respite break, so they don’t get burned out or overwhelmed.
Some of the specific ways dementia care services can help your loved one include assistance with:
- Mobility support to avoid slips and falls
- Wandering prevention
- Bathing, dressing, grooming and personal hygiene
- Transportation
- Medication reminders
- Meal preparation
- Light housekeeping
In addition, beyond practical assistance, dementia care is designed to provide conversation, comfort and encouragement to your loved one through companion services. This all combines to improve an individual’s sense of well-being and overall quality of life.
Signs It’s Time to Consider Dementia Care Services
Everyone becomes more forgetful as they get older. So how can you know if the situation has escalated beyond common memory loss that comes with age? Some signs to look for include:
- Getting lost on routes they take often, like going to the store or for a walk around the neighborhood.
- Weight loss and a decline in health because they’re forgetting to eat, drink or take their medications.
- Leaving burners or appliances on after they’re finished cooking.
- Confusion and disorientation leading to accidents or falls in the home.
- A living environment that’s cluttered and dirty.
- A pet that isn’t receiving the proper attention they once did.
- Struggling with bathing, dressing and incontinence.
- Having bruises or injuries they can’t remember getting.
If these red flags sound familiar, then it’s a good time to talk to your loved one’s doctor. They may want to conduct an exam to check your loved one’s physical and cognitive health. Make sure during the visit you bring up any safety or health concerns you have.
In the meantime, if you’re interested in hiring professional dementia caregivers to ensure your loved one is in secure hands when you’re away, consider FirstLight® Home Care.
Ways We Can Help with Dementia Care Services
FirstLight Home Care offers home care for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s to provide everyday practical help, as well as emotional and social support. Our caregivers can help your loved one cope with their condition and any of the associated anxiety, depression, confusion and isolation that often accompany the disease. As a result, they will be able to enjoy life more and regain some independence.
Part of what sets FirstLight Home Care apart is our personalized care. Every individual is different in terms of their physical needs, as well as preferences, routine and personality. We take all these into account when delivering care. In fact, not only do we consider the whole person, but the whole family too, so we can guide you through this challenging new journey.
We create a care plan that’s completely individualized, and we also work hard to match your loved one with the right caregiver or team of caregivers. We even invite you to be a part of the selection process through one-on-one consultations. This will ensure the best experience possible, giving you peace of mind every step of the way.
With the team at FirstLight Home Care, we can provide care whether your loved one is still in their own home or in a senior living community. Whatever their needs, we want to ensure they feel safe and secure with us, particularly since their world is suddenly filled with so much uncertainty.
We can be a stable, regular and compassionate source of care and support on a part-time basis, full-time or even 24/7. We also provide respite care if family caregivers need a break.
Throughout our relationship, we also stay in regular contact, addressing any new concerns and working to modify our care if new issues arise. We also continually evaluate our services with regular client satisfaction surveys, ensuring the clients we’re caring for are satisfied, happy and living their best lives.
If you’re looking for peace of mind and help with a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s, consider our team for dementia care. Simply contact your local FirstLight® Home Care today.