Dementia Care for Seniors at Home | What To Know

When confronted with the onset of cognitive problems in an elderly loved one, it’s not rare to feel powerless. Indeed, the development of dementia raises its share of challenges, as much for the senior who is suffering from it as for the family and close relatives. Fortunately, dedicated resources and strategies exist to help cope with this reality. Let’s take a look at dementia care for seniors at home, and discover some of our best tips and advice to guide you in everyday situations.

Dementia in Seniors : Definition and Symptoms

First of all, let’s take a moment to fully understand : what exactly is dementia? Also referred to as “major neurocognitive disorder”, dementia is defined as a loss of mental abilities such as reasoning, memory, language, judgment and others, leading to a decrease in self-care and autonomy.

Evolution of Dementia Symptoms

As it must be differentiated from more temporary problems, such as acute confusional state (delirium), the diagnosis of dementia rather implies non-reversible symptoms, characterized by a progressive deterioration of the affected person’s cognitive functions.

Learning More About the 5 Main Types of Dementia

Frequently associated with Alzheimer’s disease, there are actually several different types of dementia. Although symptoms may be similar depending on the stage of dementia, distinctions do exist between each of these cognitive disorders.

  1. Alzheimer’s Disease : The most common chronic neurodegenerative disorder, mainly characterized by impaired memory and thinking abilities. 
  2. Vascular Dementia : Second most common cause, this form of dementia often results after a stroke or brain aneurysm. Cognitive symptoms are variable, and may involve different aspects such as language, reasoning, mood and so on.
  3. Mixed Dementia : A combination of multiple types of dementia, knowing that the causes of those cognitive problems may frequently coexist. Mixed dementia therefore requires special attention, to ensure optimal care.
  4. Lewy Body Dementia : The symptoms of Lewy body dementia (LBD) affect both the cognitive and motor aspects of the person. In addition to difficulties with attention, reasoning and language, an alteration in movements similar to those seen in elderly Parkinson’s patients is often noted.  
  5. Frontotemporal Dementia : Because it affects 2 specific areas of the brain (the frontal and temporal lobes), the symptoms of this kind of dementia are closely related. Depending on the severity of the condition, behavioral and personality disorders can co-exist with memory loss.

Interested in learning more? Check out our special article exploring and explaining the 5 most common types of dementia among seniors.

Understanding Dementia at Home and Its Daily Challenges

Dementia can take many forms, but one thing remains constant : the progressive evolution of symptoms. For seniors living alone at home, it’s important to remain vigilant regarding the impact of cognitive impairment on the daily activities of your elderly relatives.

As cognitive symptoms associated with dementia reduce the autonomy of those affected, even the simplest everyday tasks may become more difficult : 

  • preparing meals and eating ;
  • choosing clothes ;
  • carry out household tasks ; 
  • managing schedules and appointments ; etc.

In-Home Dementia Care and Resources for Seniors

Thankfully, some helpful solutions are available to help you manage the challenges of dementia at home. Here are a few tips to consider, in order to maintain maximum well-being for older loved ones suffering from cognitive disorders while still living in the comfort of home. 

1. The Crucial Role of Family Caregivers

Family caregivers occupy a vital place in the daily lives of seniors suffering from dementia. Knowing your elderly parent or relative better than anyone else, you are in a unique position to detect the evolution of degenerative symptoms, and their impact on the person’s autonomy on a day-to-day basis. 

Although the role of family caregiver can be physically and emotionally demanding, it also represents, most of all, an unparalleled level of dedication that is essential to help maintain the independence of seniors with dementia disorders at home. 

As a family caregiver, however, it’s important to find that precious balance between work, personal life and supporting the person you care about. Don’t be afraid to accept your limits, to share tasks with other family members where possible, and to seek help from others. All this will only reinforce the crucial role you play in the day-to-day care of your elderly loved one.

2. Stable and Predictable Home Care for Seniors

Personalized and adapted to each individual’s needs, home care services are the solution of choice for ensuring the health, safety and well-being of seniors living with dementia at home.

  • Dementia care at home by qualified professional caregivers;
  • Mobility and transportation assistance;
  • Hygiene care;
  • Support with eating and meal planning;
  • Reassuring presence day and night ;
  • and much more, depending on the person’s needs.

A detailed care plan ensures stability and predictability in the services offered to seniors living with dementia at home. These are essential aspects that help seniors maintain maximum autonomy, while respecting their individual abilities.

3. Emotional Support Groups

Did you know that support groups and assistance services are available for both people suffering from dementia (Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive disorders) and their close relatives? First and foremost, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and that specific programs are designed to provide you with moral support and resources to ensure the day-to-day well-being of your elderly relative. 

Please, do not hesitate to ask about the support available near you, so that you can take advantage of these resources. 

Ultimately, in order to properly navigate through dementia care at home, it’s essential to be able to recognize the problems of dementia for seniors living at home, as well as the challenges involved. With a devoted approach from family caregivers and quality care from professional caregivers, it is possible to minimize the negative impact of cognitive impairment on the person’s daily life. 

Noticing that symptoms related to dementia at home are becoming more restrictive and threatening the health and safety of your elderly relative still living at home? Maybe the time has come to consider a gentle transition to a more adapted environment, offering all the necessary services under the same roof. If so, you can count on Visavie’s Senior Living Advisors to provide you with caring support, focused on the well-being of seniors and the support of their families. With no cost and no obligation, you can quickly find someone you can trust near you from our team of over 60 Senior Living Advisors across Ontario and Quebec

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