A Comprehensive Guide to Dementia Care: Support When You Need It

A Comprehensive Guide to Dementia Care: Support When You Need It

While aging is a natural process for us all, certain conditions like dementia can make those “golden years” more difficult for some than others. Dementia can mean seeing loved ones lose precious memories you shared with them or even watching their personality change.

If you’ve noticed cognitive decline in yourself or a loved one, it might be time to look for memory home care near you. For a reliable in-home care solution, contact ComForCare and we can find a care professional who is right for you and your needs.

It’s important to learn more before making any decisions; this guide will provide an extensive overview of dementia care, offering you initial support in information.

What is Dementia?

Dementia refers to a vast range of symptoms that represent cognitive decline stemming from various illnesses and diseases. It is most common in older adults but isn’t exclusive to this demographic.

Why Would I Need Long-Term Care for Dementia?

The decision to seek care for yourself or a loved one depends on your needs and circumstances. However, there are certain factors that can help you determine if finding memory care near you is the right choice:

• Missing important events: From doctor’s visits to family gatherings, repeatedly missing important events, even with numerous reminders, could be a sign that it is time to seek dementia support. Depending on how often this happens and the severity of related consequences, this symptom can have a serious impact on a person’s overall health and well-being.
• Consistent confusion: This typically manifests as difficulty keeping up with a conversation or daily living activities. Seniors experiencing confusion may suddenly get lost in familiar places or misplace common objects around their home.
• Issues with sight or hearing: Certain kinds of dementia can affect the parts of the brain associated with these senses, resulting in varying consequences.
• Changes in mood and personality: You may notice changes in behaviour that are uncharacteristic, such as depression, anger, or unpredictable outbursts. 
• Loss of short-term memory: Because this symptom affects many aspects of a person’s life, it is one of the most concerning and well-known signs of dementia. The deterioration of short-term memory capabilities can affect taking prescriptions, the ability to follow basic instructions, and sticking to a healthy diet.

Dementia Care: Exploring Beyond Alzheimer’s 

Dementia can be classified into different types of diseases; however, “Alzheimer’s” is often commonly known. Let’s briefly explore other common kinds of dementia:

• Vascular Dementia: This is named as such because its symptoms are brought about by damage to blood vessels in the brain. It typically manifests as memory loss, decreased interest in what a person used to enjoy, and slower thoughts.
• Frontotemporal Dementia: Any kind of dementia caused by brain disorders that affect the temporal and frontal lobes of the brain falls under this category. It has the most profound effects on a person’s personality of any kind of dementia. 
• Alzheimer’s Disease: This is the most common kind of dementia. Alzheimer’s is caused by misfolded proteins in the brain that manifest as plaques and tangles in the neurons. People with Alzheimer’s typically have short-term memory loss and difficulty with sequential tasks, so specific Alzheimer’s care is needed.
• Lewy Body Dementia: Named for the protein deposits that collect in the brain (Lewy bodies), this form of dementia causes memory loss, issues with movement and motor control, and hallucinations.

Dementia Care Homes vs. In-Home Care for Dementia Patients

Most people believe dementia care is only offered as a part of a care home, but there are many accomplished in-home care agencies that can help. Here are a few ways care homes differ from in-home care services:

Food

• Care homes typically offer a set menu but will adjust depending on any dietary restrictions or needs.
• In-home care can provide meals as part of their services and can be customized to the care recipient.

Care Plan Customization

• Care homes have made strides towards person-centered care, but because a set number of staff cater to many people at once, there are limitations.
• In-home care professionals are there for you and only you, so care plans can be customized to unique needs and preferences.

How Can Home Caregivers for Dementia Assist You?

An in-home dementia care professional is specifically trained to support seniors living with dementia. They can help with a wide range of tasks, such as: 

• Medication Management: Caregivers ensure that you or your loved one are taking your medications within the proper time intervals. They may also be able to help coordinate refills and medication delivery, if needed.
• Companionship: Care is about so much more than addressing the symptoms of dementia. A major component is providing company and support. Loneliness has tangible effects on health and in-home care professionals help to combat this.
• Mental Enrichment: Keeping our brains engaged helps slow down cognitive decline. An in-home dementia care professional can plan and execute activities for seniors to keep their minds sharp.
• Keep Family Informed: In the event of an emergency, in-home care professionals can provide immediate support, including informing family members of the situation.
• Transportation: An in-home care professional can take you or your loved ones to medical or social appointments. You can also use these services for grocery trips and other errands.

Your Trusted Source for In-Home Memory Care Near You

Managing the symptoms of dementia can be stressful, especially when you are also attempting to find in-home care for dementia patients. If you’ve never had to seek out care options for older adults before, it can be quite overwhelming. Thankfully, you’ve found a group of professionals ready to meet your needs.

Since 1996, ComForCare has been Canada’s leading provider of in-home dementia care. Our professional team of personal support workers is trained through our accredited DementiaWise program to meet the unique needs of older adults living with dementia.  

Contact us to speak to one of ComForCare’s friendly team members about what care solutions will work best for you or your loved ones.