How Home Care Needs Can Change When a Loved One Has Dementia

Learn how your senior loved one’s care needs can change when they’ve been diagnosed with dementia

Dementia is a term that refers to memory loss and changes in cognitive abilities. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, while other types include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), mixed dementia, Parkinson's disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Huntington's disease, and more. With proper memory care from Senior Home Care by Angels, aging at home is a viable option. Even with memory loss and cognitive decline, your loved one can remain safely at home where they will receive high-quality care and support.

Is It Actually Dementia?

Just because your mom or dad has started forgetting things is not a reason to panic. It is important to remember that conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), vitamin deficiencies, and thyroid problems have dementia-like symptoms. Therefore, before making any conclusions and hiring dementia care services, it is important to get a doctor’s opinion.

Getting a Diagnosis, Directing Care Decisions

Before you start considering memory care options, it is important to determine what type of dementia your loved one has. After all, different types have different symptoms and, therefore, require different treatments. For example, seniors with Parkinson’s disease need mobility assistance due to their balance issues. On the other hand, Alzheimer’s patients often maintain physical abilities even when cognitive decline has begun.

Different Dementias, Different Options for Care

These days there are so many care options for seniors who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. You can move your loved one to a senior living community, a stand-alone memory care centre, a nursing home, or an adult day facility. However, if they wish to age in comfortable and familiar surroundings, keeping them at home for as long as possible is your best option. With in-home dementia care from Senior Home Care by Angels, your parent can receive the level of care and support they need to remain happy, safe and active.

What Type of Alzheimer’s or Dementia Care is Best?

When looking for a caregiver for your loved one, make sure you hire an experienced and trained professional, because their skills will be critical to helping your loved one remain comfortable, safe and happy at home. Before you make your decision, make sure that they have past experiences with dementia or with your parent’s specific diagnosis. You should also look for a home care agency like Senior Home Care by Angels that offers dementia care services and affordable hourly rates.

If your parent has been diagnosed with dementia, please consider contacting Senior Home Care by Angels today to learn how we can help your loved one get the care they need.