If you are wondering whether you should hire a professional to care for a senior with symptoms of dementia, you probably have needed expert help for some time. A person who cannot be left on his or her own needs a professional with them in the house.
1. Do we really need help?
An elderly spouse or adult children are not trained, professional caregivers. Taking care of someone with dementia can be mentally and physically exhausting when trying to do “everything.” For example, it is unsafe to try and lift or maneuver someone without specific training in senior care safety.
People with dementia who can no longer work out how to manage the necessities in life and can’t do simple things like eat, manage hygiene or get dressed need special help.
2. Couldn’t we just take turns staying over?
There is a big difference between a professional caregiver and a daughter or son trying to care for a parent with dementia. Being in a situation where a child is taking care of a dementia patient can bring up so many family issues and be a recipe for disaster. You don’t want more stress in a situation where a person with dementia is already fearful and confused.
Some dementia patients are combative or depressed and may do things like put their shoes in the freezer and frozen dinners in the linen closet. Family members are just not “built” for the job of “carer.”
Studies have shown that less than 25% of families hire home help for seniors with serious memory care needs. Without the benefit of paid help, children are doing the best they can without any professional training and usually do not take much needed breaks for their own, personal mental wellbeing. A professional caregiver in the home is best for everyone involved.
3. Isn’t it too expensive to hire professional help through a company?
When you think about what it costs to plan and be with the patient 24 hours a day, 7 days per week and the toll it can take, hiring a caregiver even part time brings great relief and helps prevent burnout.
4. Should we hire a professional through a home health care company?
Agencies can provide the elder and their families with a feeling of long-term security by sending someone who will develop a trusted relationship with the patient. Your caregiver will have the necessary qualifications and credentials, and they will be capable companions with the skills needed to monitor and manage seniors with dementia.
The right caregiver may end up being with you for the long term and will match the rhythm of your loved one’s needs. A home health care company will provide help if your regular care person needs a sick day and will manage paperwork such as payroll, benefits or liability insurance.
Your caregivers come pre-screened and pre-vetted. Best of all professionals who work with dementia patients continually bring companionship, safety, hope and reassurance.
It is our goal and theme of our company to keep the patient in their home and not end up in a facility. For a dementia patient, staying at home is less disorienting and much more comfortable.
5. Are there different types of dementia? Yes.
Here are the most common dementia diagnoses:
• Alzheimer’s Disease – The most prevalent type of dementia
• Vascular Dementia – Where blood vessels cannot get enough blood to the brain
• Lewy Body Dementia – a progressive dementia that has many severe systems
• Fronto Temporal Dementia – initially affecting behavior and speech