Dementia is a degenerative brain disease that can cause significant challenges for the affected individual and their loved ones. One of the most challenging aspects of dementia is when it becomes necessary for an individual to move out of their home and into a care home. This can be a difficult decision to make, but it’s essential to consider when it’s no longer safe for someone with dementia to live at home. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the signs that it’s time for someone with dementia to get additional support.
Safety Concerns
One of the primary reasons why someone with dementia may need alternative care solutions is concern about safety. Dementia can cause memory loss, confusion, and disorientation, leading to accidents and injuries. For example, an individual with dementia may forget to turn off the stove or wander outside and become lost.
Care Needs
As dementia progresses, an individual’s care needs will likely increase. This can include help with personal care, such as bathing and dressing, and assistance with medication management and other medical conditions. If you’re finding that you’re struggling to provide the level of care your loved one needs, it may be time to consider a care home or additional help for them in their own home.
Social Isolation
Social isolation can be a significant problem for individuals with dementia who live at home. As dementia progresses, an individual may have difficulty communicating and become withdrawn. This can lead to social isolation, which can have adverse effects on mental and physical health.
Family Caregiver Burnout
Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging and exhausting, both physically and emotionally. As a result, caregivers may become burnt out from the demands of providing care around the clock. This can negatively affect the carer’s mental and physical health and their ability to provide care for their loved one. If you’re finding that caring for your loved one is becoming too much to handle, it may be time to consider a care home, live-in care or respite care.
Financial Considerations
Care homes can be expensive, and it’s essential to consider the financial implications of moving your loved one into a care home. However, it’s crucial to balance the cost of care with the benefits a care home can provide. In some cases, it may be possible to access financial assistance to help cover the cost of care. Additionally, live-in care is often a cost effective solution, especially when care is required for a couple.
Care Homes are Not the Only Solution
Deciding to move your loved one into a care home can be difficult, and it’s important to consider the factors discussed above. In addition, it’s important to involve your loved one in the decision-making process as much as possible, to help them feel empowered and to ensure that their needs are being met. If you’re struggling to make the decision, speaking with a healthcare professional or a social worker who can provide guidance and support can be helpful.
It’s also important to remember that care homes are not the only solution for dementia patients. At Eximius, we understand that the decision to move a loved one with dementia into a care home can be difficult. That’s why we’re here to help.
We provide dedicated and compassionate live-in care to people with dementia, ensuring they receive the care and support they need to thrive. In addition, our caregivers are trained to provide specialised dementia care, including assistance with personal care, medication management, and other medical needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
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