Did you know that over 11 million Americans currently provide unpaid care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. The estimated value of the care they provide is about $257 billion.
This unpaid care can have a profound impact on the individual living with dementia and that individual’s family. Overall, this unpaid care is often insufficient and, in fact, harmful for the family of the patient.
Home care for dementia patients is an effective solution to this crisis for the patient and their family alike.
The Burden of Caregiving on Loved Ones
When a loved one is struggling with Alzheimer’s, it’s natural to step into a caregiving role. In fact, 26% of Americans care for a family member or friend with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. These informal caregivers are unpaid and step into the role of caregiver out of necessity without any formal training.
Unfortunately, the burden on unpaid caregivers is great. The stress of caring for a loved one increases the risk for many chronic conditions. It can also cause financial strain when the caregiver misses work to care for their loved one.
Caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s requires nuanced and complex care. Loved ones are likely not qualified to provide this level of care. Instead, they are balancing their own daily responsibilities, like work, childcare, and socializing.
Additionally, 53% of informal caregivers have reported a decline in their own health. Knowing this, it’s likely that informal caregivers are not providing the level of care that’s necessary.
The Benefits of Home Care for Dementia Patients
With the burden being so great when loved ones step into the caregiving role, home care is a great alternative. It benefits both the family of the patient and the patient themselves.
Here are some of the main benefits of home care for dementia patients:
Remaining in the Comfort of Your Own Home
Moving to a senior living facility can be very disruptive for a person with dementia. They may already be experiencing memory loss that causes them to forget familiar places and relocating to an entirely new place has a great chance of causing shock. Additionally, senior living facilities can be very costly for many families.
On the other hand, home care allows the patient to remain in the comfort of their own home. A familiar environment that is close to family and friends is the ideal place for the care of a person with dementia. It not only ensures dignity and independence but offers personalized one-on-one care for that loved one.
Routine
Routine is crucial in care for patients with dementia. Maintaining a routine has proven benefits for dementia patients. These benefits include reducing anxiety, gives them a sense of familiarity and can prevent challenging behaviors.
Home care providers are able to assist patients with daily living activities, such as grocery shopping, housekeeping, transportation to doctors and other appointments, and bathing.
Maintaining these routine activities not only supports family members who might otherwise have to assume the responsibility of the tasks, but also has a positive impact on the mental health of the person living with dementia.
Companionship
Alzheimer’s impact on the brain means that as the disease progresses, people may have trouble recognizing family and friends and experience changes in their personality.
Because of this, people living with dementia are at greater risk for social isolation. This can have a devastating impact on their mental health and physical health.
For dementia patients with home care, they develop companionship with their caregiver. Social interaction with their caregiver is an important element of their overall wellbeing.
Health & Safety
For patients with Alzheimer’s, safety is a top priority. There are a number of precautions that caregivers can take to help to mitigate risk at home for loved ones with dementia. But it is time-consuming and burdensome to maintain a safe environment for your loved one.
At any stage in the disease, a patient with Alzheimer’s may become unfamiliar with their surroundings. This will occur for six out of ten people living with dementia. This wandering can be dangerous for the patient and unnerving for family members.
Medical Care Management
Managing the medical care of your loved one can be complex. As with any elderly care, the patient’s needs can change frequently, including their medication, and require regular monitoring.
Home care ensures that a certified provider is tasked with managing your loved one’s care. Additionally, home care services providers will work directly with the patient’s family and physician to establish a medical care management plan that is personalized to meet the patient’s specific health needs.
Taking the First Step to Finding Home Care
Knowing when it’s time to find home care for your loved one can be hard. There are many factors to weigh in making sure that you’re providing the care that your loved one needs.
The first priority is the safety of the person living with dementia. As soon as you recognize that your loved one’s disease poses a safety risk, it is time to start seeking out home care.
Each patient’s needs will differ depending on the progression of their disease and the other support systems that they have available. These support systems might include family, friends, neighbors, healthcare providers, and support groups.
As Alzheimer’s progresses, the patient may need additional care. It’s a good idea to search for providers that offer a variety of services. These providers can help to meet the changing needs of the individual living with dementia and their family.
Creating a care plan that outlines the areas in which you or your loved one needs care can be helpful before meeting with potential providers.
Find Qualified Home Care Today
When it comes to the care of your loved ones, you want to make sure you are picking the right provider. You want superior care from professionals while also trusting that your loved one will be treated like family.
JANCARE prides itself on providing compassionate and comprehensive care in the comfort of your own home. You can trust that our home care for Alzheimer’s & Dementia patients is delivered with loving hands.
Contact us today to learn about our services and get your loved one the support they need.