When a parent is diagnosed with dementia, it can be a difficult and emotional time for the whole family. You might be wondering what kind of care options are available and which one would be best for your parent. Keep reading to learn more about what you can do for elderly parents who suffer from this unforgiving condition.
Nursing Home
This is the most common type of care for this issue because it ensures the best possible treatment. People from all around New South Wales send their elderly loved ones to a Sydney-based dementia care center that provides them with all the necessary nursing and medical care they need. These institutions can also provide a safe and secure environment for those living with dementia, as well as provide social interaction that is tailored to their needs.
Additionally, nursing homes often offer a wide variety of activities and services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other recreational activities. Nursing homes are staffed with trained professionals who are specifically dedicated to caring for the elderly and those with dementia, providing them with quality care.
Furthermore, nursing homes provide round-the-clock nursing care, which can be especially beneficial for elderly parents who have difficulty managing their own daily activities and require assistance with everyday tasks such as dressing or bathing. With nursing home staff on-site 24 hours a day, family members can be assured that their loved ones are always safe and secure.
Adult Daycare
If you have a busy lifestyle, you can also take your elderly parents with dementia to adult daycare. These centers provide a safe and secure place for seniors with dementia to interact with other individuals of their own age and receive professional medical attention, activities, and assistance from trained personnel. It allows you to have your elderly parent taken care of during the day while still working or doing other commitments outside the home.
Adult daycare centers provide specialized programming for those living with dementia, including occupational therapy, physical activities, socialization opportunities, and memory-enhancing games. They also provide meals and snacks as well as transportation services in some cases.
Assisted Living
An assisted living program provides various services inside the home of the patient. These may be the following:
- Daily assistance with activities of daily living such as meals, bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting.
- Help with medical needs such as taking medications correctly and making doctor’s appointments.
- Recreational activities and social events to prevent loneliness and depression.
- 24-hour security for safety purposes.
These programs help elderly patients who have dementia remain in their own homes while receiving the care they need. This can be of great comfort to both the patient and their family, as assisted living programs allow the patient to remain in familiar surroundings with people they know and trust.
Memory Care
This specific type of care is designed to assist older adults living with memory impairments such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other types of cognitive decline. Memory care provides an environment that offers both physical and mental stimulation, as well as a safe place for memory-impaired seniors to live in dignity.
These facilities are specifically designed for the needs of memory-impaired individuals, providing 24/7 medical care and assistance with activities of daily living. They offer specialized programming tailored to memory loss, including social engagement opportunities, therapeutic activities, and programs designed to help reduce memory impairments.
Hospice Care
Opting for hospice care is a viable option for elderly parents with dementia. Hospice care is specialized end-of-life care that focuses on providing comfort, rather than curative treatment. It provides physical, psychological, and spiritual support to both the individual and their family. Qualifying for hospice care requires a doctor’s certification that an individual has six months or less to live.
These services are provided by hospice teams consisting of doctors, nurses, social workers, aides, counselors, and other healthcare professionals who work together to provide the best possible quality of life for individuals in their last stage of life. The hospice team will make regular visits to assess the needs of your parent and manage any symptoms they may have.
Home Care
A lot of people tend to adjust their homes for their elderly parents with dementia. Home care services are available to help provide home care to your loved ones and make living at home more comfortable. The home care staff typically includes a combination of nursing, home health aides, physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and home helpers.
For example, home health aides can provide home-based personal care and many home helpers can help with light housekeeping, shopping, meal preparation, and laundry. Home care also includes home health services such as nursing care and physical therapy to help with activities of daily living.
Dementia is, unfortunately, the fate of many elderly people, which is why you need to know the option for their care. All of these provide a safe environment ensuring your parents live the best possible life. Make sure to do some research and pick the best option!
