How Long Can You Stay at Home with Dementia?
Living with dementia can be a challenge for both the person with dementia and their loved one who becomes the primary caregiver. It's important to have as much information as possible about the condition, to make the best choices for care. In this post, we will answer some of your most pressing questions about dementia and the options for keeping your loved one at home longer as the disease progresses.
How long can someone with dementia stay at home?
You and your family may have concerns about how long you can remain independent after a dementia diagnosis, especially if you live alone. Although the progression of dementia symptoms can vary significantly between individuals, the right support can help many people to stay in their own homes for several years. It is important to note that everyone's experience with dementia is unique and changes over time.
Alzheimer’s Disease versus Dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term that covers several different diseases which impact memory, thinking, and behaviour. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. While each condition has unique symptoms, they all share the common symptom of cognitive decline as dementia progresses.
Seek help if you need it.
“We remember their love when they can no longer remember.”
Studies from Health Canada suggest that, on average, a person will live around ten years following a dementia or Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. However, this can vary significantly between individuals - some people might be living with dementia for more than twenty years. It's important to try not to focus on the figures and to make the very most of the time left.
What are Family Caregivers?
Family caregivers, usually a spouse or adult children, provide care to a loved one with dementia. This can be a very demanding and challenging role.
Family caregivers often bear the brunt of care.
“Dementia care—it’s not rocket science, it’s heart science.” - Gail Weatherill
How the initial diagnosis of dementia affects the family
If you or a loved one are diagnosed with dementia, one of the most common reactions is to feel like you are alone and have no idea where to turn for help or what support services are available. Other common feelings may include shock, confusion, fear and, sadness.
These feelings affect the person living with dementia or Alzheimer's disease as well as their loved ones. It is common for the person with dementia to feel like they are a burden and that they are losing control of their life as they go about their daily living. They may also feel isolated and alone.
The family members of someone with a diagnosis of dementia may feel overwhelmed, guilty, frustrated and, sad. They may feel like they are walking on eggshells around the person with dementia and don't know how to help them. Learn more about how to banish burnout and Caregiver Stress.
Finding advice after a dementia diagnosis
It is important to know that you are not alone and there are many organizations and support groups that can offer help and advice. The Alzheimer's Society is a good place to start.
The Alzheimer’s Society is an excellent resource.
“Release in your mind who your loved one used to be and accept who they are today.” - J Rusnak
They offer a dementia helpline that provides information, support and, advice to people affected by dementia. They also have an online forum where you can find peer support from other people in a similar situation.
Other organizations which may be of help include the Dementia Friends program run by the Alzheimer's Society, local dementia support groups, your family doctor or health care provider.
An important step is to reach out for help. Getting a support system in place will help you to cope with the challenges and memory loss ahead.
The first few years following a dementia diagnosis
The first few years of living with dementia can be very challenging for both the person with dementia and their loved ones. The person with dementia may experience changes in personality, mood swings and, memory loss. They may also find it difficult to communicate or to do everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing and, cooking.
Behaviour, mood and personality changes are common.
Challenging your loved one with a complex task may delay cognitive decline when they have early stage dementia.
Family members will need to adjust to the changes in the person with dementia and may need to take on more responsibilities. It is important to remember that everyone copes with dementia in their own way and there is no right or wrong way to do things, however, their are things you can do that will make daily life more peaceful and easier.
Making life easier
There are a several things you can do to make life easier for your loved one with dementia.
Some ideas include:
Create a routine and stick to it as much as possible. This will help your loved ones to feel more in control and may make it easier for them to remember things.
Encourage the person with dementia to keep up their hobbies. This can help to keep their mind active and may provide a sense of continuity.
Make sure the person with dementia has plenty of social interaction. This can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Find dementia-friendly activities in your local area. These could include going for walks, visiting the library or attending a dementia-friendly swimming class.
Put labels on everything in the house to make it easier for the person with dementia to find things.
Make sure the house is dementia-proofed to make it safe for them to move around in.
Self care for the family member
You will need to find time for yourself to relax and recharge or else you will quickly become overwhelmed.
Our best advice is to seek help before you think you need it. There are many people and organizations who are more than happy to help. Don't be afraid to ask for help – it is what they are there for!
Choice Dementia Services offers a range of home care support for you and your loved one with dementia.
Options for Dementia Care
There are several options available for dementia care that can be tailored to meet your loved one's needs. The three main types of dementia care are public community care services, specialized professional dementia home care and, nursing homes. Let's explore each of these options.
Community services for someone diagnosed with dementia
There are a number of community service organizations that offer support to people living with dementia. These services can include home help, senior daycare and limited respite care The Alzheimer’s Society in your province is a good resource to identify these services.
When your loved one is in the early stages of dementia, assistance with IADL’s (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living), may be all the assistance you need.
IADL stands for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. These are activities that help people live independently and can include things like preparing meals, shopping, managing money, going to medical appointments and, sometimes medication management.
Home help
You can organize home help including a range of services such as preparing meals, light housework and shopping. These non-specialist services can ensure that the day to day tasks of your loved one are taken care of. It is important to realize however, that the individuals providing service are not dementia specialists and may not know how to deal with your loved one’s changing needs. They can, however, lighten the load to allow you as the family care giver to provide some of the more demanding support required.
Daycare
There may be an option for drop in or regular daycare through your local senior’s centre. It is a great option for those with dementia who need some social stimulation during the day. It can also be a respite for caregivers. Centres for Alzheimer's care will offer different activities depending on the needs of their clients, so it's important to find one that suits your loved one.
Respite Care
Your family may also be able to access respite care or home health care services. This is short-term care provided to someone in their own home or in a residential setting, to give the primary caregiver a short break. Public programs are usually income based and are in high demand. They can be helpful if you are caring for someone with dementia on your own and need a break from time to time. It is important to evaluate the care available through these programs in your local area to ensure that they meet your and your loved one’s needs.
Professional At Home Care for Dementia
Depending on your loved one’s situation and the disease progression, you may need specially trained support for their needs. Professional home care services can provide all of the services that community care provides through caregivers that have been educated in the unique needs of those with dementia. In time, the needs of most people with dementia will expand from IADL’s (defined above) to the basic activities of daily living (ADLs).
ADL’s are the activities of daily living including such as bathing, dressing, and using the toilet. Eventually, most people with dementia will need assistance in this area and a professional home care provider can be of great assistance. We generally recommend brining a professional in before your loved one’s needs reach this level, as it makes integrating the care into everyone’s daily routine much easier.
Benefits of keeping my loved one at home
There are many benefits to keeping a loved one with dementia at home for as long as possible. Firstly, it allows them to retain their independence and dignity. It can also be less expensive than moving them into a care facility, and it allows you to continue providing them with the love and support they need. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, studies have shown that people who stay in their own homes for longer generally experience less psychological decline than those who move into care facilities.
Considerations of keeping my loved one at home
There are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to care for your loved one at home. Firstly, it is important that you have the necessary resources and support in place. This includes having your budget aligned with hiring help as needed, as well as finding someone who can provide quality respite care so you can take a break now and then. Secondly, it is important to be realistic about what you can manage. If your loved one starts requiring more intensive care, it may no longer be possible for you to provide it yourself. In this case, it is best to seek professional help rather than trying to struggle alone.
When should I bring in a dementia care professional
In general, this is sooner than you think. Too often we see Family caregivers handing on to the notion that they must provide their loved one’s care directly for much longer than is healthy for the family caregiver or the person with dementia.
When your loved one's condition starts to deteriorate, they may need more support at home including the help of a dementia care professional. This can be an extremely difficult decision to make, but it is important to remember that you are doing what is best for your loved one. It is often better to bring in this help early as you can decrease any resistance that your loved one has to having non-family member’s in their home.
There is no shame in admitting that you can't provide your loved one with the level of care they deserve and seeking out professional help.
There is no shame in seeking help.
“Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” – Socrates
Dementia care professionals are experienced and equipped to deal with many difficult situations. They have specialized training in dementia care and can provide your loved one with the support they need to live comfortably in their own home.
There are many options for dementia care at home, so it is important to do your research and find the right provider for you and your loved one.
Some things you may want to consider include:
The level of care needed
The type of dementia the person has
The location of the dementia care professional (local or long distance)
Whether you would like hourly or live-in care
Once you have found a dementia caregiver that meets your needs, be sure to discuss what services they will be providing and what expectations you have. This way, there are no surprises down the road.
We would be happy to meet with you for a free in home consultation to help you assess your needs. Just call and we can schedule an appointment.
How much does professional home care cost?
Professional at home care usually costs more than public community services, but it is also usually more affordable than nursing homes. Our clients find that they save money by choosing our dementia care at home program and more importantly, the achieve all of the benefits of keeping their loved ones at home longer. We understand that finances can be a concern, which is why we offer a variety of pricing options to fit your needs.
The amount you will pay depends on a variety of factors, including the services provided, the frequency with which your loved one needs care, and whether you require live-in or hourly care.
The value of care cannot be measured in dollars. The peace of mind and relief that comes from knowing that your loved one is being well taken care of is priceless.
Check out our Comprehensive Guide to the Cost of Providing Dementia Care at Home.
What is Residential Care?
Residential care or nursing homes provide 24-hour nursing and personal care for dementia patients who can no longer live at home safely. Seniors living in these residences are there permanently and receive all of their meals there.
What are the downsides of residential care?
Unfortunately, residential care can be very expensive. The cost for a single resident can range from $4000 to $12,000 per month, depending on the location and level of care provided. We have also found that dementia patients in residential care often experience a significant psychological decline very quickly after moving into the nursing home. They may become isolated from their friends and family. We have seen significant evidence of this over the past two years. If you are considering residential care for your loved one, be sure to do your research and choose a home that meets your needs.
Decline can occur quickly in the wrong environment.
“She is not sailing into the dark: the voyage is over, and under the dark escort of Alzheimer’s she has arrived somewhere. So have I.” – John Bayley
How will I know when I can no longer keep my loved one with dementia at home
This is a difficult question to answer, as it can vary significantly from person to person. Working with a dementia care professional at home early in the process can provide insight as they will help you assess your loved one's decline over time. If you are starting to feel like you can't provide the level of care your loved one needs, it is important to seek professional help.
Choice Dementia Services is only a phone call away.
Finding Help for My Loved One with Dementia
There are many dementia care agencies out there, so it can be tricky to decide which one is right for you. Try to find an agency that has a lot of experience with dementia patients and make sure they offer a wide range of services, from personal care to help with household tasks.
It's a good idea to interview both the agency and the person who will be providing support. This will give you the chance to ask them any questions you have and to get an idea of their experience and personality. You should also make sure that they are familiar with dementia care and know-how to deal with any challenging behaviours that you have identified in your loved one.
What questions should I ask?
Some questions you may want to ask include:
What experience do you have with dementia care?
How would you deal with challenging behaviours?
What services do you offer?
Do you have a policy of continuous supervision?
What should I expect from home care for my loved one with dementia?
Wrap Up
Dementia and Alzheimer's disease are progressive brain disorders that affect many people and can be difficult to manage. The dementia care experts at Choice Dementia Services want to help you and your loved one regain independence in the comfort of home, while making sure they're taken care of with dementia-specific services for as long as possible.
Do You Need Help at Home for Your Loved One with Dementia?
Choice Dementia Services has been providing high-quality, compassionate in-home care to seniors diagnosed with dementia and their families since 2016. Our team of caregivers is dedicated to helping you live happier, healthier lives at home. We are trained professionals who are ready to help with any task from housekeeping and meal prep to personal hygiene and transportation. And we offer 24/7 emergency support and respite care and always put your loved ones first.
You can trust us with your loved ones because we understand the importance of creating a safe environment where they feel comfortable living. We know that every person has unique needs – which is why we customize each care plan based on what matters most to them and you so they can stay true to themselves as long as possible without sacrificing quality of life along the way. Whether it’s getting groceries delivered right outside their door or having someone come by twice a week for an afternoon chat, Choice Dementia Services will make sure your loved one feels happy and cared for at all times during their time with us.