Dementia Care, Memory Care, Alzheimer’s Care

Finding just the right person or Dementia Care facility to care for your loved one with dementia is challenging. Caring for someone with dementia takes an extra level of patience, compassion, and empathy. Thankfully, specialized care is available for those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Finding the right in-home care or Memory Care facility can help your loved one improve their quality of life and maintain some of their independence.

Caregivers who are trained in the care of dementia patients have a comprehensive understanding of the disease, its symptoms, and the various behaviors patients may exhibit. Because they are specially trained and experienced in dementia patient care, they’re able to provide supportive, compassionate care that meets each individual patient’s unique needs.

Depending on your loved one’s needs caregivers can come into the home to provide care or for more advanced needs, residential options exist. For those with very advanced dementia who need more hands-on care or supervision there are Assisted Living facilities with secure dementia units to prevent wandering and provide an extra layer of safety.

Family caregivers should also be aware of the various financial and legal issues related to dementia care while providing support for family members. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, cognitive thinking, and ultimately behavior. It’s not uncommon to see changes in personality, fearful behavior, confusion, poor judgement, and paranoia. This can be scary for both the patient and the family members, but trained professionals can help you and your loved one understand and deal with these behaviors while still maintaining the patient’s dignity.

Alzheimer’s is the most well-known cause of dementia. It often begins with mild memory loss that worsens over time. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience difficulty with thinking, reading, recalling words, communication, mood changes, and eventually difficulty with daily activities.

Finding a facility or caregiver for your loved one with dementia can be a difficult process. Trusting someone else to provide the level of care your loved one deserves is stressful and guilt-inducing. That’s why it’s so important to make sure the caregivers (or facility) are trained specifically in the care of dementia patients. One of the hardest parts of finding care for a loved one is acknowledging that you, as the family caregiver, cannot do it all. It’s ok to ask for help.

Understanding the symptoms and progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is necessary to provide the most effective and compassionate care. Prospective caregivers should be made aware of the care recipient’s unique needs and preferences, including their communication style, interests, and routines. Caregivers should also be aware of the different stages of the disease and potential challenges that may arise such as combative or fearful behavior as well as the best ways to respond.

Compassionate care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease involves creating a safe and supportive environment, communicating in a style that is most effective for the individual, and addressing the individual’s personal preferences and unique needs. The best caregivers are patient and understanding and continue to provide reassurance and emotional support as the disease progresses. They must also be sensitive to the individual’s physical needs, including nutrition, maintaining their medications, and attention to hygiene.

In addition to providing direct care, caregivers also provide support for family members. Family members will likely experience stress, frustration, and grief as they watch their loved one decline over time. Good caregivers should be able to communicate effectively with family members, providing updates on the individual’s care as well as offering available resources and support to help during this difficult time.

Among the many challenges family caregivers face when caring for loved ones with dementia, in addition to the physical and emotional demands of caregiving, family caregivers should be aware of the various legal and financial issues related to dementia care. An attorney that specializes in eldercare can help to establish power of attorney, create a living will, and/or help manage your loved one’s finances as needed. Remember, you are your loved one’s best advocate.

If you are in need of Home healthcare providers or homemakers trained in memory care, or Assisted Living facilities with specialized Memory Care/Dementia Care for your loved one, you can start your search here on  www.Begincare.com for free. Search by location, radius, name, or service provider type to find the best care for your loved one.

Here at Begincare.com you can search for a wide variety of services, programs, organizations, and providers curated from across the United States that will best serve the needs of your loved one in their time of need, confidentially, and always free. (Unlike other sites, we will never ask for your personal contact information to access the resources you and your loved one need.)