Is it time for “the talk?” If you’ve noticed some of the early signs of dementia or your loved one has recently been medically diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you should start considering care options. Approaching the subject of care can be difficult, especially if your loved one is suffering from dementia.
Elderly dementia patients pose their own unique challenges for finding care, as you need to find someone who is equipped and qualified to deal with some of the various challenges of caring for someone with memory loss. To find the care option that’s right for you and your loved one, remember these four things.
Keep You Loved One’s Comfort and Wellbeing a Top Priority
The first step when beginning to find the appropriate care for elderly dementia patients is to consider what living arrangements best suits their needs. If they require around-the-clock medical attention, you may consider a nursing home your best option. However, if they are still independent and able to function on their own, there is no need to remove them from their home and place them in an unknown environment, which will be even more confusing for them.
If your senior loved one requires only a bit of extra care, an in home caregiver can be the best option. A caregiver can ensure they’re taking the proper medications and can help prepare dinner so they don’t leave the oven on,. This way, you’re prioritizing your loved one’s comfort by allowing them to stay in their own home, while also considering their wellbeing. Hiring an in home caregiver truly achieves the best of both worlds.
Trust Experience
Caring for those who suffer from dementia is no easy task. It requires a specific skill set, an endless supply of patience, and expert knowledge on how to approach complex dementia-related situations. You want to leave your loved one in the hands of someone who has experience and training to manage these situations.
The longer someone has been caring for elderly dementia patients, the more equipped they will be to handle anything that comes their way. Trust experience for the wellbeing of your loved one.
Ask for References
Whether it’s a new restaurant or an accountant, you always check online ratings or listen to your friends’ reviews first, so you should do the same when searching for a caregiver for your loved one.
Listening to other people’s experiences is a great way to make an educated and informed decision. When it comes to the care and wellbeing of your loved one, you want to be assured they’re in the best hands possible.
Make sure to ask questions and get the answers you need to help clarify any concerns you may have to make the most informed decision for your loved one’s care.
Work within Your Budget
While it’s difficult to think of money as a determining factor in the decision making of your loved one’s health and safety, this is a reality for many Canadian families. Nursing homes and retirement homes can be especially costly for elderly dementia patients—a cost many people cannot afford. It’s important to find a care option that fits your budget.
Paying for an hour a day from an in home caregiver may be all your loved one requires for now. With affordable options like this, there are services available for any budget, helping all Canadian families afford the elder care their loved ones deserve.
