Hiring care professionals for your loved one with dementia who is living at home is no simple task. With so much to consider—from the cost of care, to your loved one’s health and safety, to their quality of life—it can be difficult to know exactly what to look for.
We have put together six important things to consider when looking for dementia care to ensure that you find excellent support for your loved one and peace of mind for you and your family.
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Specialized Training
Look for caregivers that have been trained in memory care specifically. It is important that the person caring for your loved one knows how to respond to the changes in mood and behavior that often accompany memory loss, and that they know the best approach to support your loved one and minimize any sudden changes in mood or behavior.
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Individualized Care
You know better than anyone that your loved one’s symptoms and care needs are unique. Seek out a dementia care specialist or team that will work with you to create a personalized care plan for your loved one, based on their individual preferences.
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Supported Caregivers
Hiring a caregiver that is the right fit for your loved one is very important. But the highest-quality care often stems from a team approach to dementia care where the caregiver receives ongoing support, training, and access to experts such as gerontologists and social workers. For example, a caregiver, a nurse, a social worker, and a family member are all able to support a person with dementia in different ways, and can work together as a team to provide the most comprehensive care.
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Focus on Engagement
Often, people with dementia struggle to structure their time, leading to boredom or confusion. A great dementia care provider will seek out activities that your loved one enjoys in order to facilitate social interactions and engagement throughout the day. Creating these meaningful interactions reduces frustration and enhances your loved one’s quality of life.
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Values Identity
An individual’s identity doesn’t fade just because certain memories are no longer accessible to them. Look for dementia care specialists that will foster your loved one’s unique identity by taking time to learn about who they are and what is important to them. At Seniors At Home’s Center for Dementia Care, for example, our Dementia Specialists talk to family members, friends and even neighbors in order to get to know our clients. Understanding each older adult in this way helps us make a connection with them and honor their dignity.
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Support for Family Members
Your experience with your loved one’s dementia care at home is important too! Look for a dementia care team that provides emotional and practical support to family members when it is needed so that you, your loved one, and other family members can spend more time enjoying one another.
Contact the Center for Dementia Care to learn how we can help your loved one and family:
415-449-3700
Info@SeniorsAtHome.org