There has long been an assumption that once someone was given a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of progressive dementia, the only option was nursing home care. After all, it is not possible for someone to experience life at home alone with dementia and be safe – or is it?
Statistics demand the necessity for all of us to think this through for the people we love, and maybe even for ourselves one day. Approximately 14 million older adults are currently residing at home alone – 33% with dementia, and 15% specifically with Alzheimer’s disease. Even more alarming, 50% of this population not only lives alone, but has no identified caretaker.
There are numerous key aspects of concern for a senior loved one who lives alone with Alzheimer’s:
- The skill to take care of activities of daily living independently, for example, meals, personal hygiene, household management, and problem-solving
- An elevated susceptibility to exploitation and senior scams
- The isolation that arises from an anxiety about unfamiliar places and situations as confusion grows
Yet we also understand that remaining at home throughout aging for someone with Alzheimer’s allows for numerous advantages, such as:
• The convenience of familiar surroundings and belongings, which provides stability
• The ability to keep regular routines, making life easier to navigate
• Self-identity that comes through maintaining a sense of belonging
One option that is beneficial for a great many is bringing in an expertly trained dementia caregiver to provide the perfect level of support to cultivate as much independence and freedom as possible, while ensuring safety and wellbeing to those living at home alone with dementia.
It is important to note that the sooner you can bring in support for someone with dementia, the better. Even in the very earliest stages of the condition, the progression can happen quickly, 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 housework, laundry, and meals, you can then build up to an increased level of care easily as needed.
At Independence-4- Seniors Home Care, we create a customized plan of care that is reviewed and adjusted as needed – so whether the need is for just a few hours each week of assistance, or full-time, 24/7 care, we can help seniors continue to live at home with dementia safely for a lifetime.
Our highly trained dementia care team can ensure comfort and safety throughout each stage of the condition, easing challenges such as:
• Wandering
• Agitation
• Frustration
• Cognitive challenges
• And much more
Providing come care to La Grange Park and the surrounding area, our professional caregivers offer the social interaction, mental stimulation, and support to remain physically active, which all result in a better quality of life. Contact us online or at (630) 323-4665 for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help someone you love continue to live where it is most comfortable – at home – for a lifetime.