If you are planning to get dementia in-home care for your loved one, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. These tips can help you choose the best possible service and make sure that you are happy with the care your loved one is getting.
Respite Care Vs. In-Home Care
If your loved one has dementia, respite care is a good option. Research suggests that it can help both the family and the individual. Respite care is a form of in-home care that supports the caregiver. It’s often available for short periods. The caregiver can take advantage of this break to run errands or attend to their needs. In-home care such as dementia care at home San Diego, CA, can be arranged directly or through an agency. These agencies can handle payroll and provide substitutes for absent personnel. They can also offer support for activities such as shopping and meal preparation. Adult day centers can provide socialization for dementia patients. They cost approximately $74 per day, the cheapest respite care.
Dressing For Dementia Patients
Getting dressed is physically demanding for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other health conditions. However, some things can make this process easier for your loved one. For example, you can set up a daily routine to ensure you get your loved one dressed at a certain time. This can help to alleviate stress and give your loved one the freedom to choose what to wear. It can also be helpful to have some basic items on hand. These include comfortable clothing that can be worn without ironing. You can also provide shawls that can be used to add warmth when needed. If your loved one can dress, try to buy duplicates of their favorite clothing. This way, you will not have to fight over the choice of outfits.
Dealing With Dangerous And Difficult Behaviors
If you’re considering dementia in-home care for your loved one, it’s important to understand the risks of dementia behaviors. This includes aggressive and dangerous behaviors. These can cause harm to both the caregiver and the person with dementia. Dementia symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, sleep problems, and confusion. The disease also affects the brain’s ability to process and handle information.
For the caregiver, these difficult behaviors can cause anxiety and exhaustion. However, they can be managed and changed. There are many strategies to help with these behavioral issues. One approach is to focus on the emotional stimulus. For example, if the person with dementia is upset, the caregiver may want to try distracting the person. Another way to manage complex behaviors is to identify their causes. Understanding the reasons behind the behavior can reduce the frustration and anger associated with it.
Preventing Falls
The best way to prevent falls is to maintain good physical and mental health. To avoid injuries, it’s important to check blood pressure and eye and hearing health. Also, keep your house free of tripping hazards.
Your doctor should review your medications to ensure they don’t affect your balance. Many medications can cause dizziness, sleepiness, or even reflexes to change. This can cause a fall. Ask your doctor if you can switch to a safer medication or ask if you can do more exercise. One in four seniors over 65 will fall each year. Falls are a major source of injury and disability in the elderly. Family and friends should monitor seniors who spend much time alone at home. A risk factor assessment tool can help you identify factors that increase the fall risk. Some tools include scoring systems. You may also want to consult an occupational or physical therapist. They can recommend exercises to strengthen muscles and improve balance.