JUNE 16, 2022 - BY DR. SHERAZ KHAN
If you have an aging parent or grandparent who is struggling with dementia, you may be wondering if it's time to send them to a care home. It's a difficult decision to make, but there are some signs that can help you know if dementia home care is the best option.
Here are five circumstances or behaviors that indicate your loved one with dementia may benefit from nursing home care.
Trouble Doing Daily Activities
One of the first signs that your loved one may need dementia care is if they start having trouble doing everyday activities. This can include things like personal hygiene, cooking, and cleaning. If your loved ones can no longer take care of themselves, it's time to consider a care home.
You may feel like you can help them with these activities, but it's important to remember that as their dementia progresses, they will need more and more assistance. It's best to get them into a care home before their condition deteriorates to the point where they cannot do anything for themselves.
Behavioral Changes
Behavioral changes such as aggression, agitation, or hallucinations also indicate that your loved one may need nursing home care. These changes can be very distressing for you and your loved ones, and getting them the help they need is essential.
Had they become withdrawn and isolated themselves? If they used to enjoy social activities but no longer want to participate, it may be a sign that they're struggling. Dementia care homes can provide social activities and opportunities for interaction with other residents.
Disorientation
If your loved one is becoming disoriented, it's a sign that they may need more help than you can provide at home. Disorientation can include things like getting lost in familiar places, not knowing what day it is, or forgetting how to do simple tasks. If your loved one shows signs of disorientation, a dementia care center can provide the structure and supervision they need.
Disorientation may imperil their physical safety. For example, they could start a fire if they forget how to use the stove. They could be in danger if they wander out of the house and get lost. If they forget traffic rules, they could get into a car accident. In a care home, your loved one will always be safe and supervised.
Declining Physical Health
As dementia progresses, it can take a toll on your loved one's physical health. If they are losing weight or becoming frail, it's a sign that they may need dementia home care.
Your loved one will have access to 24-hour medical care in a nursing home. If they experience a decline in their physical health, they will be able to get the treatment they need right away.
Care homes can also provide physical therapy and other services to help your loved ones maintain their strength and mobility.
Caregiver’s Deterioration Or Death
If you are the primary caregiver for your loved one with dementia, you must have a backup plan in place in case you become ill or die. Or, if someone from your family who previously provided care for your loved one can no longer do so, a dementia care center can fill that gap.
This is one of the most important reasons to consider a care home. If something happens to you, your loved one will need a place to go. A dementia care home can provide the care and supervision they need.
The Bottom-Line
The decision to send your loved one to a nursing home is complex and needs to be made with great care. But, if your loved one is showing any of the signs discussed above, it's time to start considering dementia care in their better interest.
Dementia care homes can provide the level of care and supervision that your loved one needs. If you're unsure whether a nursing home is the right option or not, they can also join dementia day-care centers where they’ll participate in social activities. It will also give you some time to take care of yourself.
If you are exploring nursing home options to support your loved one's care planning, you may check out :
https://www.aic.sg/care-services/nursing-home
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