How to Choose the Right Care for a Loved One with Dementia

In most cases of Dementia, there will come a time when a person is unable to continue living completely independently. As sad and disappointing as this is, it’s important to be aware of the different care options available to you or your loved one, so that, when the time comes, you’re as ready for the next stage as possible.

Here we’ll explore the main options available for long term care for individuals with Dementia, and help you decide which is the best option for you.

Home Care

Many people live happy, independent lives with Dementia. Home care can prolong this stage for as long as possible by providing additional support where it’s needed, without restricting independence, or forcing an individual to move out of their home.

A home carer can support an individual with Dementia by providing companionship and helping them with day to day tasks that might otherwise make living at home too challenging, such as preparing food or looking after pets. Our home care services are flexible, so this is a great choice if you anticipate your care needs changing over time.

If your loved one has Dementia and you personally are unable to provide the care they need, enlisting the support of home care gives you the peace of mind that your loved one is well looked after, while still able to enjoy their home comforts. In the early stages of Dementia, home care enables users to bridge the gap to independent living.

To learn more about our home care services, click here.

Sheltered Housing

Sheltered housing is an option to consider if staying in your own home would require long term round the clock home care, or if you or a loved one has Dementia and is particularly isolated in their current home.

Sheltered housing properties can be bought or rented, and are usually part of larger retirement villages. Individuals live separately and have their own personal space, but with the benefit of access to 24 hour support if it’s needed. Another benefit of sheltered housing is that there’s usually a ready made community available with access to social activities. This is ideal if your loved one feels lonely in their current setting, but may not suit those who value their independence and current lifestyle in their community.

Care Homes

For those with advanced Dementia, living independently may not be possible. Alongside permanent live in home care, it’s worth considering if a care home is the right option for your family. Care homes provide the peace of mind that you or a loved one will always be taken care of, as well as having access to social facilities, meals and activities. The obvious downside of this is that it involves leaving the family home and sacrificing some independence.

If you do feel that this route is the best for your family, be sure to visit the care provider with your loved one several times to get as accurate a feel as possible for what it’s like. Visiting care homes at mealtimes, weekends and late in the evening, as well as talking to staff, can give you a better sense of what life would be like as a resident.

Respite Care

Even the most devoted carers aren’t superhuman. Respite care is a valuable resource to prevent carer burnout, ensuring you’re able to continue providing the best care for your loved one. Respite carers may spend a day, weekend or longer with your loved one while you take a break to recharge your own wellbeing. As well as leaving carers feeling refreshed, this is also an opportunity for individuals with Dementia to socialise with new people and enjoy a change of scene or new experience.

You can learn more about Greenwood’s Respite care services here.