If your loved one has dementia, you’re likely to be faced with some difficult decisions. In an ideal world, you might prefer to care for them yourself, in your own home, so they can remain in familiar surroundings where they are happiest and least likely to feel confused. But as their condition worsens, it can be increasingly difficult to keep them safe and healthy without help.
We know a diagnosis of dementia can be frightening both for the person who receives the diagnosis and their family. You might be wondering how you’re going to cope as their illness progresses.
If you’re caring for someone with dementia, these are some of the issues you might face and some ideas about how you can get help.
The symptoms of dementia
Dementia presents itself differently in different people. Some are relatively unchanged in the early stages. Others suffer from advanced symptoms earlier.
Many people with dementia experience confusion, memory loss, mood changes and have difficulty performing everyday tasks. As their condition progresses, they might not appear to be the same person they used to be.
In the later stages of dementia, many people suffer from advanced-memory loss and may not recognise the people closest to them. Some people have difficulty chewing and swallowing, so may lose weight. Sometimes they become incontinent, have unusual behaviours, and even lose the ability to walk.
Caring for a loved one with dementia
If you’re caring for someone with dementia, it’s very important to take care of yourself too. It’s easy to forget your own needs when you’re busy and it can be difficult to share your feelings with other people who don’t have experience of what you’re going through.
Caring for someone with dementia can be both physically and mentally exhausting. You might experience a wide range of feelings such as guilt, sadness, and anger. If you’re struggling, talk to your doctor who will be able to help you find the support you need.
Live-in care for dementia
Many people who have dementia end up in care homes as their condition progresses and their family can no longer cope with them at home. The truth is many people don’t realise there is another option.
Live-in care is a cost-effective alternative to residential care. It’s particularly appropriate for people with dementia as it means they can stay in their own home, in familiar surroundings with all their possessions around them. It’s also much easier for their family and friends to spend time with them if they remain at home.
These feelings of familiarity are so important for people who have memory loss or confusion and can mean they continue to enjoy a much better standard of living.
An experienced, professional support companion can help your loved one follow familiar daily routines, look after their medication requirements, help with personal care, and ensure they eat and drink properly.
They can take the pressure off the family, ensure the home is happy and calm, and give peace of mind that their loved one is safe and well cared for.
Eximius Dementia Care
At Eximius, we’ll work with you to identify a companion that meets the needs of your loved one and your family exactly. We’ll ensure our carers have the right skills to keep them safe and healthy, and the right temperament so they form a lasting friendship with the client and their family.
Unlike many live-in care companies, we will strive to identify a companion who will stay with you long-term, so your loved one can develop trust in, and form a strong relationship with, someone who is familiar to them. We can provide 24-hour care if necessary.
All our companions are employed by us, so you don’t have to take care of employment obligations, and we can provide back-up whenever necessary, so your loved one is never left without the care they need. Our companions are fully vetted, trained and enjoy good salaries and benefits. They are the backbone of our company and the care and attention they give to our clients is the reason why the CQC has rated our service as outstanding.
If you would like to find out more about live-in care for a loved one with dementia, either for now or the future, please contact Eximius. We’d love to help you.