Alternative Housing Options for Elderly People with Dementia

Housing and support services are crucial problems for individuals with dementia. The demands of a person will change dramatically throughout the ailment, which may last more than a decade. Following a diagnosis, a person may be able to live at home with some changes to their daily routine and the assistance of family and friends. 

As symptoms worsen, a person may require personal treatment assistance to help with cooking, cleaning, and laundry. More intensive continued care services will be needed to deal with the ongoing loss of cognitive function such as thinking, judgment, memory, language, and behavioral disorders.

Different Types of Housing

Different types of assisted housing are easy enough at first look, but choosing where and when to take aging loved one becomes significantly more daunting when they have dementia. One would believe that the duration of long-term care would correspond to the progressive nature of Alzheimer’s disease and other signs of dementia, but this is not always the case. Choosing a long-term care Fullerton rehab center for a dementia patient consists of many considerations. Even if you get it right the first time, there’s no telling how long the perfect fit will remain.

Nursing Homes

Many seniors should eventually relocate to a skilled nursing facility that offers the best quality of long-term care. This facility provides competent nursing treatment and support with activities of daily living (ADL). Support staff personnel have varying levels of medical experience and can help with administering medications, IVs, shots, injury care, and much more. Unless other major medical ailments exist, dementia patients usually have advanced stages when entering a nursing facility. 

Many are very ill, unable to move, communicate, or feed themselves at this stage. These high-level needs necessitate nursing home care and guidance. You can schedule a tour of the nursing home facility or visit their Theri website here to get additional information regarding the health care services they offer for seniors with dementia.

Memory Care

Depending on the neighborhood’s resources, a dementia patient’s next move will be to a memory care center, often known as a special care unit. Memory care can be given in a different center, a secure wing of an assisted living facility, or a multi-level care campus. Memory care establishments provide long-term residential care personalized to patients with moderate to late-stage dementia. 

The staff at this level of elderly living are trained in dementia care. Staff members are educated to notice minor signals that can suggest changes in a resident’s mental or physical health. For more information about living facilities for people with dementia, you can consult with a doctor to provide you with recommendations.

Assisted Living

Assisted living facilities provide hands-on support with regular activities, and many offer a wide range of add-on care services at an additional cost. However, no professional nursing care is provided. Mild to moderate dementia patients generally spend much time here. Daily personal treatment allows them to maintain their health, safety, and independence, yet assisted living has its limitations. Rooms in assisted living facilities are still private, and staff is not expected to be available twenty-four hours a day.

Ultimately

Senior care housing may be too restrictive for those with early dementia who can live independently or only require occasional assistance. If your loved one suffers from everyday activities, needs constant help, or is afraid and lonely at home, it’s time to provide them dementia care. No matter which option you decide on, pick a community with deep expertise in helping seniors, regardless of your choice.