Taking care of a family member with dementia requires continuous adaptation to the individual’s changing needs. As the condition progresses, there comes a point when full-time Alzheimer’s care becomes not only beneficial but necessary for ensuring the safety, well-being, and quality of life for the individual.
Listed below are key indicators that signal the appropriateness of transitioning to round-the-clock care:
- Safety Concerns: One of the major reasons for considering 24-hour care is an escalation in safety concerns. Wandering, forgetting to turn off appliances, or experiencing challenges with activities of daily living increases the risk for injuries or accidents.
- Sleep Disturbances: As dementia advances, sleep patterns often become disrupted. Nighttime confusion, agitation, or wandering may lead to sleep deprivation for the individual and you as their caregiver, impacting overall health and well-being.
- Inability to Perform Basic Tasks: When the person begins to have trouble with basic tasks such as bathing, dressing, or eating, full-time Alzheimer’s care ensures continuous support for these activities, promoting dignity and empowering the individual to maintain the best possible quality of life.
- Decline in Physical Health: Dementia can affect an individual’s physical health, leading to challenges with mobility, coordination, and self-care. Round-the-clock care ensures prompt help with any physical needs that may arise.
- Medical Monitoring Requirements: Some people with dementia have underlying health conditions that necessitate regular monitoring. Continuous care allows for close observation of medical needs and timely intervention.
- Frequent Hospitalizations: If the individual is experiencing frequent hospitalizations as a result of complications related to dementia, 24-hour care may be necessary to provide consistent monitoring and preventive measures.
- Communication Barriers: Advanced dementia often results in communication challenges. Professional caregivers experienced in communicating with those with dementia can enhance the person’s overall quality of life and reduce frustration.
- Caregiver Burnout: The demands of providing care for a person with dementia can be overwhelming. If you’re experiencing exhaustion or any other signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout or depression, it might be an indicator that 24-hour care is needed.
- Increased Behavioral Challenges: Aggression, agitation, or challenging behaviors may intensify as dementia progresses. Professional caregivers trained in managing these behaviors can offer a more secure environment and prevent potential harm.
Note that if the person’s behaviors are causing you or the individual to be in danger of harm, it’s a good idea to investigate care home options, where multiple caregivers are readily available to ensure everyone’s safety.
At Superior Senior Home Care, we offer specialized dementia care from skilled, trained, and experienced caregivers, customized to the needs of the individual. During the early stages of the disease, this might mean just a couple of hours of support and help. Once the disease progresses, we can increase the level of care to ensure safety and comfort, up to and including around-the-clock care.
Contact us any time at 805-737-4357 for more information on our in-home dementia care in Lompoc, Santa Ynez, Arroyo Grande, or throughout San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.