Navigating Dementia Care Options

Caring for a loved one with dementia is an experience that can be filled with a lot of challenges and questions. One of the biggest decisions you will face when a loved one is diagnosed, is whether to seek professional care in their home or move them into a specialized memory care facility. It is a tough decision and there isn't a one size fits all answer. This article will help look at some of the pros and cons of the different options and help you explore what might work best for your loved one.

Understanding Dementia

Before getting into the different options for care, we need to clarify what dementia really is. Dementia isn't about occasionally forgetting names or where you left your keys. It can affect a person's memory, thinking and also their behavior. As dementia progresses, it can cause every day tasks like getting dressed, bathing and cooking to be challenging. People living with dementia may also experience changes in mood and personality. 

 Option #1: Care at Home

For many families, the concept of keeping their loved on in their home seems like the best choice. Their home provides them with a sense of comfort and familiarity in their own surroundings. It is often less stressful for the person living with dementia as they are able to maintain their routine and be in an environment that they know well. Hiring a professional home care agency allows them to remain in their home while receiving care and support from trained, compassionate caregivers. 

Benefits of In-Home Dementia Care:

• Helps your loved one maintain a sense of independence.
• Your loved one is able to receive personalized 1:1 care.
• The cost of hiring a home care agency to assist is potentially less expensive than moving to a memory care facility.

Challenges of Staying Home:

• Many seniors living with dementia need 24/7 care. This can be demanding and stressful for family members if deciding to keep care within the family.
• There is a risk of isolation and loneliness for your loved one if they live alone.
• Home modifications and safety measures can lead to added costs.

Option #2: Memory Care

When keeping your loved one in their own home isn't an option, or is too difficult to arrange, a specialized senior community may be the better option. Memory care facilities offer professional supervision and often have access to specialized therapies that benefit those living with dementia.

Benefits of Memory Care

• There is no direct responsibility placed on family to do the caregiving.
• Many memory care facilities offer specialized support and care.
• There are more opportunities for social engagement within the building.
• Your loved one will be in safe and secure surrounding.

Challenges of Memory Care

• There is potential for feelings of isolation and loss of independence.
• Higher cost compared to in-home care.
• Loved ones will need to adjust to a new home environment.

Key Factors to Consider When Deciding on Dementia Care

Choosing between home care and facility care can be a difficult decision. There is no right answer and what works for one family may not work for others. Here are a few important things to consider when you are faced with this decision:

• Severity of the dementia: As the disease progresses, the level of care required will potentially increase.
• Financial resources: Both home care and facility-based care have costs associated with them.  In many cases, both will accept long-term care insurance, but not always able to accept Medicare or health insurance.
• Your loved one's preferences: It is important to consider your loved one's wishes. If possible, discuss the options and preferences with them before make the decision. 

Asking the Right Questions

When considering the different options and talking to potential home care agencies or senior living communities, it is essential to take into account a number of factors. Here are a few key questions to consider:

Home Care

• What type of care do you provide? (personal care, medication management, 24/7 care, etc)
• What are the caregiver qualifications?
• What is the cost of care? Are there additional fees for overnight or 24/7 care?
• What happens if our loved one's needs change?
• How do your caregivers handle emergency situations?

Facility-Based Care

• What type of facility is the best fit? (assisted living, memory care, etc)
• What services are included in the cost?
• What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
• How long is the process for admitting a new resident?
• What if we start in assisted living and need to move to memory care? What does that look like?

The Role of Visiting Angels

At Visiting Angels, we understand the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia. Our goal is to provide compassionate, personalized care that allows your loved one to age-in-place wherever they call home. That can be a private home or even an assisted living community. Our caregiversare highly trained in dementia care and have the skills and knowledge to provide a variety of services including daily living activities, medication management, companionship, and much more.

In the end, the decision to choose home care or facility-based care for a loved one with dementia is a deeply personal one.  Again, there is no right or wrong answer. The most important thing is to choose the option that meets the needs of both your loved one and your family. Even if you decide to move your loved one into memory care, Visiting Angels is still available to provide additional 1:1 support if needed. This way, your loved one received the benefits of the facility and their specialized services, while caregivers from Visiting Angels fills in the gaps to provide the time and personal attention they may need.

Remember, you are not in this alone. There are resources available to help you navigate this journey. Support groups, counseling and education can provide valuable guidance and support. Reach out to us today if you need assistance or if you would like to schedule a no-obligation consultation to discuss how we can best support you, give us a call at 952-935-0789 or use our contact form and we will get in touch with you.