Alzheimer's Care Options: Where Should My Loved One Live?

August 25th, 2017 by admin

Caring for someone with dementia is never easy. While many seniors wish to stay at home, the reality is that those with dementia diseases (like Alzheimer's) require a level of care that most family members aren't equipped to provide. And unfortunately, most of us underestimate the likelihood we'll ever need long-term care: while 37% of people over age 50 say they may need long-term care in the future, around 70% of us actually will. If your loved one didn't think far enough ahead, it will be up to you to explore treatment centers and other options in your area. But how do you know which type of dementia care will work best for your loved one? Let's take a look at some of the options for treatment for Alzheimer's and other dementia diseases that may work for your situation.

Home Health Services

Early on, you may have taken responsibility for your loved one's needs. But once their dementia disease reaches a certain stage, that situation may become unsafe or too stressful for both parties. For those seniors who are determined to remain at home, home health services may be an option. It can certainly relieve caregiver burnout and can help you make the home safer for your loved one.

Assisted Living Facilities

In some cases (usually with patients who do not yet need constant medical care), your loved one may benefit from moving into assisted living. This can help if your loved one needs help with bathing, dressing, or meal preparation. Ideally, the goal is to keep your loved one active and independent for as long as possible. So if they're able to participate in social and recreational activities but just need a bit of extra help completing daily tasks, this may be a good choice for now.

Memory Care Centers

Alzheimers care centers, also known as memory care or dementia treatment centers, are usually special units located within existing residential facilities (like independent or assisted living). These treatment centers are specifically for those who have dementia diseases or other memory issues. The staff who work in these units are specially trained to deal with common situations that arise and know how to provide proper safety measures for those with dementia. This is often the best choice for those with advanced memory conditions, but with the types of therapies offered, it can be a good choice for patients at any stage.

While there are other care options available for those with dementia, these are typically considered "the big three." If you still aren't sure which option will work best for this stage of your loved one's life, your doctor and the staff at these facilities can assist you and provide additional information.

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