Frequently Asked Questions
About Dementia
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There are many benefits of dementia care at home, including:
Your loved one can stay in their own home longer
You will have peace of mind knowing they are being taken care of by a professional caregiver who understands dementia and its effects to mood and behaviour
The caregiver can provide assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
The caregiver can also provide medication reminders, socialization, and other important support
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Every family is different and the support you need is unique to you. If you find you are stressed, unable to provide the support your family member needs, or just need a break, our dementia care at home program may be right for you. Our Choice caregivers are specially trained to provide compassionate care to your loved ones and can help them stay in their own home longer.
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If you are noticing concerning changes in your loved one's behaviour - it may be time for a formal assessment. The changes may be subtle, such as repeating questions more often, forgetting words when trying to talk, having difficulty following directions during their morning routine, and getting lost on short errands. If you recognize any of these symptoms in your loved one it's important to reach out for help so that our care providers can work with them to maintain independence for as long as possible.
Download our free assessment tool as a guide - but always err on the side of caution and seek medical advice.
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Activities of daily living, or ADLs, are the basic tasks that people perform every day in order to live. These activities can include bathing, dressing, using the toilet, grooming, and eating. IADLs are activities of daily living that involve more than one step or are a little more complex than basic ADLs. They can include things like preparing meals, taking medications, doing laundry, and getting around town
The difference between ADLs and IADLs is important because it can help you determine whether your loved one needs assistance with basic tasks or more complex tasks. If your loved one is struggling to complete IADLs, they may need more assistance than what a basic caregiver can give.
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There are many benefits of aging at home for those that have been diagnosed with dementia. Staying in one's own home allows for more independence and privacy, which is often important to those who have been diagnosed with dementia. In addition, staying at home allows for continued participation in familiar activities and interactions with familiar people, which can be comforting and supportive. Additionally, home care allows for more individualized care than what is typically available in institutional settings.
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There is no one answer to this question as every person with Alzheimer’s will experience the disease differently. However, there are some general things that you can expect to happen as the disease progresses.
As the disease advances, your loved one may become more confused and forgetful. They may have a harder time completing everyday tasks and may need help with basic activities such as bathing, dressing and eating. They may also become agitated, restless and paranoid. In the later stages of the disease, they may become completely bedridden and lose the ability to speak, communicate or recognize people.
For those who have been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, it is important to learn about the disease and understand what to expect. It is also important to have a support system in place, whether that be family, friends or a support group.
Over the next few years, your family will experience continuous change. We are here to support you through that process.
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When hiring a professional caregiver to provide dementia care at home for your loved one, you should look for:
Someone who has experience providing care to seniors with dementia
Someone who is patient, compassionate, and understanding
Someone who can provide assistance with activities of daily living, medication reminders, and other important support
Costs
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Generally, Choice Care is more affordable than traditional long term or hospital care options. Most of our clients find that they save money by choosing our dementia care at home program. We understand that finances can be a concern, which is why we offer a variety of pricing options to fit your needs.
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The cost of our at home dementia care services varies depending on the level of care that is needed. We offer a range of services, from basic assistance with activities of daily living to more complex care that includes IADLs. For a free consultation and estimate, please contact us.
But 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. We are here to help you and your family through this difficult time.
The current situation in long term care homes in British Columbia shows us daily that the best place for your loved one with dementia is at home, in a surrounding they know and feel safe in.
Unfortunately, not everyone has the option to keep their loved one at home, but for those who do, we urge you to take advantage of our services. Choice Dementia Services provides highly personalized dementia care at home so that your loved one can stay in their own home longer.
Let us give you peace of mind knowing your loved ones are being looked after by a Choice Caregiver who treats them like family.
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There are a few options for financial support for dementia care at home. Some government programs, like the Home Care Program in Canada, provide funding for in-home care services. There are also private companies that offer financing options for in-home care. And finally, many families find that they can explore options such as a CHIP Reverse Mortgage or Long Term Health Insurance. Another option is the Disability Tax Credit which is available to everyone who has Alzheimer’s or a related dementia and offers credits up to $10,000.00 on the annual tax return.
We can refer you to financial professionals if you would like to explore these options further.