If a loved one has dementia, you may wonder where the best place for them is. As a family caregiver, you have many options available for support. The first step is to understand what kind of dementia your loved one has and what stage they are in.
In this article, we will discuss your options and help you to determine the best place for your loved one.
How to Prepare for the Dementia of a Loved One
As you probably know, dementia is a progressive illness that can cause memory loss, difficulty thinking and problem-solving, changes in personality, and behavioral problems. It can be a challenging and emotional experience for the person with dementia and their loved ones.
If you are facing a dementia diagnosis for a loved one, there are a few things you can do to prepare:
- Educate yourself about dementia. The more you know about the disease, the better equipped you will be to care for your loved one. Many resources are available to help you learn about dementia, like online forums, books, and educational programs.
- Talk to your loved one about their diagnosis. It is essential to be honest with your loved one about their diagnosis and what to expect as the disease progresses. It will help them to understand what is happening and to make informed decisions about their care, when the time comes.
- Make a plan for your loved one's care. This plan should include decisions about where your loved one will live, who will provide care, and what kind of care they need. It is crucial to start planning early, as the needs of people with dementia can change rapidly.
Types of Support Available for You
How Do I Prepare to Give Dementia Care at Home?
To be prepared for the inevitable, it's essential to be aware of the signs of dementia. As your loved one's condition progresses, they may have trouble remembering recent events or conversations, become confused about time and place, experience mood changes, such as depression or anxiety, or have difficulty performing simple tasks like dressing or cooking meals.
You can also try the following:
Make your home dementia-friendly
This means changing your home environment to make it safer and more accessible for your loved one to live with dementia. Some modifications include removing clutter and tripping hazards, installing grab bars in the bathroom, using contrasting colors on walls and furniture to make it easier for your loved one to see, and providing clear signage throughout your home.
Get support for yourself
Caring for someone with dementia can be a demanding and stressful experience. It is vital to get support for yourself, both emotional and practical. Among the resources, you’ll find support groups, respite care, and home care services.
A Nursing Home
A nursing home is one option, if you're looking for a place to provide round-the-clock care. Nursing homes are designed to accommodate people who need more help than their families can give them and who may not have family members in the area. The staff at nursing homes are more experienced in caring for people with dementia than most families, so they can give your loved one the specialized attention they need.
A nursing home also offers 24-hour supervision by trained professionals - something that even the most attentive family member cannot provide at all times of day and night. Having reliable care in place means that your loved one won't be left alone without immediate medical attention, if needed. This is especially important if their health declines rapidly due to changes in diet or medications. In addition, these changes could cause seizures or other severe complications that require hospitalization immediately after being diagnosed.
Rotating Family Schedule
Rotating family schedules can be a great way to ensure that everyone in the family gets equal time with each other. However, we understand they can also be challenging to manage, especially if young children are involved.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when creating or managing a rotating family schedule:
- Be flexible. Sometimes, things don't go how we plan, so your schedule must be flexible. Be bold and adjust the program if there's an unexpected event.
- Communicate with everyone involved. Ensure that everyone in the family knows the plan and when they'll be together. This will help to ensure clarity and satisfaction.
- Be patient. It may take some time to get used to a rotating family schedule. Be patient with yourself and your family as you adjust to the new routine.
Continuing Care Retirement Community
A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is a housing community for senior citizens. Unlike traditional retirement homes, which provide care only while you live there, CCRCs offer various services and amenities that can be accessed throughout your life.
In addition to providing a safe place to live with other people who share similar interests and values, CCRCs offer many different levels of care depending on your loved ones’ needs:
- Independent Living: This option offers residents independent apartments, but no assistance with daily tasks, such as cooking or cleaning. These residents still have access to all the amenities provided by their community, such as social activities and transportation within their neighborhood; however, they only pay extra fees for assistance from staff members if they specifically request it at some point during their stay.
- Assisted Living: Residents who choose this option receive help with daily tasks, such as bathing or dressing, while still having access to all available amenities, including meals prepared by professional chefs daily. This level might also include skilled nursing care if necessary due to injury or illness that prevents independence without assistance from others around them 24/7 until recovery occurs.
How to Find Care Options in Your Community
Finding care options in your community can be daunting, but it's essential to start by understanding your loved one's needs. What kind of care do they need? How much care do they require?
Once you understand your loved one's needs well, you can start looking for care options in your community. Here are a few resources that can help you get started:
- Talk to your family and friends
- Ask for referrals from your doctor, who can help you find out if any local services are available in your area
- Check out senior centers, churches, and other community organizations that may have information on care options in your community
- Look online for care options
Vista Springs Assisted Living Community
If your loved one can still care for themselves but needs assistance with daily tasks, an assisted living facility might be the best option. Vista Springs Assisted Living offers various services to help seniors with their daily needs, including dressing, bathing, grooming, and medication management. Our communities also have a dedicated memory care unit for seniors with dementia or other cognitive impairments.
It's important to note that not all assisted living facilities are created equal. Some facilities offer more services than others, so comparing your options is important before deciding. Vista Springs Assisted Living is proud to provide a comprehensive range of services, including:
- 24-hour care
- Personal care
- Medication management
- Dementia care
- Social activities
- Meals
- Transportation
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
We also offer a variety of amenities, including a library, a fitness center, and a beauty salon. Our residents should feel comfortable and safe in their new homes, and we are committed to providing them with the highest quality of care.
We hope this blog has helped you consider where your loved one with dementia might be happiest. For further information about Vista Springs assisted living facilities, we encourage you to contact us. We are glad to show you around and answer any questions you may have.
