Dementia and Alzheimer's Defined: Is A Memory Care Facility Right For Me?
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Ask These 35 Questions To Ensure You're Choosing Right
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When determining what kind of care is best for your loved one, consider the following: Am I able to provide adequate care or should I look into an assisted living facility? Is 24-hour supervision and/or medical attention needed? Are there any special needs that must be addressed such as primary medical problems (heart disease, diabetes)? Do you want to pursue options with facilities that specialize in Alzheimer's/dementia care? How will the costs of care be covered?
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Dementia & Alzheimer's Care:
No matter how you look at it, Alzheimer's care is a tough job. In the early stages of the disease, loved ones may still be able to perform daily tasks and care for themselves to a certain extent, allowing a person to live independently. As Alzheimer's disease progresses, those abilities diminish, making it impossible for a person to live and function without constant care.
What is Dementia and Alzheimer's care?Eventually, Alzheimer's patients need long-term medical attention. Depending on the circumstances, this can be delayed for years, especially if the primary caregiver is a close relative and lives with the patient. However, when it is time to seek long-term and professional care, there are still options available. One such option consists of regular home visits by a qualified health aide or nurse. This allows your loved one to continue to live at home while receiving the necessary medical and personal assistance.
Another option for long-term Alzheimer's care is to move a loved one into an assisted living or nursing home. Such facilities provide the 24-hour medical attention that ultimately becomes necessary. Retirement homes, assisted living communities, specialized dementia care facilities, and nursing homes are all viable options that provide appropriate care at any stage of the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The most difficult part of moving a loved one into an assisted living facility is generally a reluctance on the part of the caregiver to relinquish care responsibilities.
Whichever option you choose, it is important to asses your needs as a caregiver as well as the needs of your loved one. Be sure to consult the primary physician and any other members of your care giving community to help you determine your level of assistance needs in the short and long term. Keep in mind that not all senior care assistance correlates to Alzheimer's care. Managing and treating Alzheimer's disease may require specialized help in a specific setting designed to provide such medical attention.