There has long been an assumption that when someone received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of progressive dementia, the only real option was nursing home care. After all, it is not possible for someone with cognitive decline to continue to reside at home safely, especially living alone with Alzheimer’s – or is it?
Statistics demand the necessity for all of us to think this through for the older adults we love, and maybe even for ourselves one day. Nearly 61% of seniors with dementia in Canada are living outside of long term care or nursing homes. What’s even more concerning is that much of this population lives alone without an identified caregiver.
There are several key aspects of concern for a senior who is living alone with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia:
- The ability to take care of activities of daily living independently, such as personal hygiene, meals, household management, and problem-solving
- An increased vulnerability to senior scams and exploitation
- The isolation that arises from a concern with unfamiliar situations and places as confusion grows
However, we also realize that remaining at home throughout aging for someone with dementia provides many great benefits, including:
- The comfort of familiar surroundings and belongings, which provides stability
- The ability to help keep regular routines, making life navigation easier
- Self-identity that comes through preserving a feeling of belonging
One solution that is beneficial for a great many is bringing in a specially trained dementia caregiver to provide just the right level of support to cultivate as much independence and freedom as possible, while ensuring wellbeing and safety.
It’s necessary to note that the sooner you are able to bring in support for someone with Alzheimer’s, the better. Even in the very earliest stages of the condition, the progression can occur rapidly, during which time the transition to care would have to happen as soon as possible. By starting slowly with only a small amount of assistance, perhaps with meals, housework, and laundry, you can then build up to a higher amount of care seamlessly as needed.
At Serenity Home Care, one of the leading home care agencies in Victoria, BC and the surrounding areas, we develop a customized plan of care that is reviewed and modified as needed ongoing – so if the need is for just a few hours every week of assistance, or full-time, around-the-clock care, we can help seniors continue to live at home for a lifetime.
Our highly trained dementia care team can ensure safety and comfort throughout each stage of the condition, easing challenges such as:
- Wandering
- Aggression
- Agitation
- Frustration
- Cognitive challenges
- And much more
Our caregivers offer the mental stimulation, social interaction, and encouragement to remain physically active, which all result in a far better quality of life. Contact us online or at 250.590.8098 for a complimentary consultation to gain more information on how we can help someone you love continue to live where it’s most comfortable – at home – for a lifetime.