A care home is generally not required for seniors with dementia, regardless of how far the condition progresses. While there may be times that obligate you to take your senior loved one to a medical facility for treatment, the final decision is generally up to you and other caregivers. Therefore, it’s best to develop ways to keep your home safe while caring for an elderly parent with dementia.
Daily Challenges
If your loved one with dementia is facing difficulty with bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning, or situations that put his or her safety at risk, it’s usually time for around-the-clock care. Your family will need to decide if a care home is the best option to maintain your loved one’s physical, mental, and emotional health.
The challenges seniors with dementia generally experience don’t necessarily mean a nursing home or other medical facility is required. There are steps you can take, such as hiring a professional who can come to your loved one’s home. Some professional caregivers specialize in dementia care, which means they know how to meet the challenges of dementia without compromising your loved one’s needs.
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be a challenging task for anyone. The responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming, but help is available. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted provider of dementia care management. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need more extensive assistance that their families are not able to provide. Companioa by IOA is here to help.
Medical Procedures
If your loved one is being treated for a surgical procedure or other severe medical conditions, he or she may be required to recover in the hospital. This puts your loved one in the constant care of doctors, surgeons, physical therapists, and other essential caregivers.
Once the issue is treated, returning home is likely an option unless the doctors require your loved one to go into a care home during the recovery process. In these instances, you must follow the requirements of the doctors, which are beneficial to your loved one’s recovery and safety.
Difficulties for Family Caregivers
As dementia progresses, your parent may begin to talk aggressively, fight and harm you or others, and wander around frequently, causing challenges for caregivers and making a senior living facility the best option. If you’re having difficulty meeting your parent’s physical, mental, and emotional needs due to your current professional or personal schedule, this could also be the time to discuss moving your loved one into a care home. This is a choice your family should make together to ensure the situation doesn’t compromise each person’s wishes, workload, and capabilities or your loved one’s health and wellbeing.
Families who are caring for aging loved ones with dementia can get the personalized support they need with Concierge Client Care from Companioa by IOA. Our three distinct service offerings—Personal Concierge, Caregiver Coaching, and Care Management—ensure the highest level of compassionate professional concierge senior care that’s tailored to each client’s unique needs. We can be your trusted partner, providing the expertise and attention to detail that will help you navigate the complexities of dementia care.
Legal Requirements
If you share guardianship with siblings and other family members, you may be required to let your parent live in a care home when everyone cannot reach an agreement or others have more legal authority than you. Before the situation escalates, find out your parent’s wishes and have them legally documented so you can decide what happens with his or her living arrangements in the future. However, if your loved one’s condition deteriorates, the window for documenting their wishes may close, making it important to take action now.
Regardless, it would be best never to assume your wishes are unimportant, so speak with a legal representative and learn your rights.
At Companioa by IOA, our Concierge Client Care service includes high-quality, compassionate care management for dementia. Our licensed Care Managers advocate for families, offering personalized care planning, medical coordination, lifestyle assistance, and improved family communication. With our expert guidance, families are able to navigate healthcare complexities and access the best resources for their loved ones’ wellbeing. Call one of our friendly Connect Specialists at (415) 750-4111 to learn about ways our experienced caregivers can help your loved one.