Should I use home care for someone with dementia?

This is a tough question that many people ask themselves if a patient with dementia is someone who can be cared for at home, or may need specialized assistance. Dementia is often one of the most difficult diagnoses to treat and can be one of the most insidious as it is an illness of the mind. Most home care givers are accustomed to treating the needs of body as they can be seen, diagnosed and attended to readily. Dementia is not as cut and dry.

What is dementia exactly?

Many often assume that dementia and Alzheimer’s are one in the same. In fact, Alzheimer’s is only a symptom of dementia. Dementia is not a disease, but a culmination of many diseases, Alzheimer’s being the most common one of them. Dementia is often a result of many causes; diabetes, medications, brain injury, hearing loss, drug and alcohol abuse and even a poor diet. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease also affects all demographics, it is not just relegated to the elderly. Dementia also comes with a host of symptoms aside from forgetfulness and confusion we mainly associate it with. Behavioral changes, strange food cravings, impaired judgement on speed and distance, insatiable appetite are just a few. Finally, and sadly, there is no cure for dementia. A lot of work is being done to find a cure, however, the human mind is vastly complicated and we are only at the start of being able to understand how it works.

You may be thinking, “I’m not sure if I’m equipped to care for dementia patients at home”. There is good news. While dementia is not curable, it is treatable. Many of the aforementioned causes of dementia can be easily mitigated by a quality home caregiver. Dementia patients often suffer because they are ill equipped to make the necessary changes to their lifestyles that will help slow down the speed of the disease. These patients often struggle in full time facilities because they are not getting the focused care they require to treat their specific needs. Dementia patients, with proper care, can still lead active, healthy lifestyles. An at home care giver can do simple, but highly effective, actions like placing a heavier emphasis on proper diet, exercise, taking nutritional supplements playing brain stimulating games and simply engaging them in discussions that force them to use their memory.

It is expected that the rate of dementia in the population will increase drastically over the next 30 years. The at home care giver should be prepared to handle this uptick in patients as they will be the first line of quality care.

When to consider home care

If someone in your life that has just been diagnosed with dementia, consider at home care to be one of the best options for their wellbeing. Being home, surrounded by familiar sights and sounds and people they know and love, is healing for any ailment, but especially for a disease like dementia. 2nd Family was created to ease suffering and allow patients to remain feeling comfortable and safe in familiar surroundings. We also provide a support network and provide families with a wealth of options and information when they are making these difficult decisions.