How Long Can a Person with Dementia Live at Home?
Understanding the Crossroads of Care and Comfort
Having a loved one who has developed dementia can be overwhelming. . In addition to the physical care that might be needed, this can be emotionally challenging for the whole family. You and your loved ones will have tough decisions to make as you navigate through the dementia progression. Trinity Life at Home, serving Metro Atlanta and Alpharetta, has in-home memory care professionals to assist your loved one with their day-to-day needs.
What to Consider When Making the Decision to Stay Home.
Everyday Tasks
After developing dementia, maintaining one’s independence will grow increasingly difficult. Tasks that were once simple, such as running errands or cooking, can become more challenging with dementia. Experts suggest that families with a loved one in the early stages of dementia should plan for the future. This includes making arrangements to receive support with everyday tasks.
However, some people with dementia can be relatively independent at home with the right processes in place. Examples include having a pill organizer for medication, labeling cabinets and drawers, keeping a diary and incorporating other small management practices. You can also consider technologies such as MapHabit.
Health and Safety Concerns
Living at home may be unsafe for those with dementia, especially for those who live alone. Below are a few ideas that may keep your loved one safe and well during this time.
Install a security system. Your loved one may be more vulnerable now. You may want to consider installing a security system and enrolling in a service to help protect them at all hours. With smart technology widely accessible now, there are user-friendly options available on the market.
Arrange daily visits. Visiting in person is important and helpful, especially if you assist with tasks such as meal preparation, medication management and housekeeping. If you are unable to drop by every day, coordinate with other family members or friends to plan who can visit.
Schedule check-in times. You may not always have the capacity to visit in person, but you can reach out by calling or texting your loved one regularly to make sure they are safe and well.
Planning for the Future
The stress, the emotions and the responsibilities of caring for a person having dementia can be overwhelming. Your family needs to discuss the best options to move forward with your loved one’s care. Conversations such as these can be challenging for families to come to an agreement. In these situations, you may want to consider connecting with a geriatric care manager. They can assist you with navigating the entire health care continuum including family conflict resolution and options for care.
Your family may have escalating concerns about your loved one living at home with dementia. Thankfully, in-home memory care is a suitable and valuable solution to provide comfort and safety while receiving the care they need.
The Solution: In-Home Care
Get Started with Trinity Life at Home
Trinity Life at Home provides in-home memory care in Atlanta and its surrounding areas such as Alpharetta. We provide the professional support your loved one needs and deliver it with unmatchable heart and care. We understand that you want the best for your loved one. Our mission and promise is to care with a servant heart and helpful hands.
For more information about in-home memory care, please contact us on our website or give us a call at 678-731-0831. You can also follow us on Facebook and learn more about Trinity Life at Home.
A servant heart and helpful hands.
This is the soul of Trinity Life at Home: Our promise to you.
