Nearly 5.8 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form of dementia. In the early stages of the disease, most individuals can successfully manage activities of daily living independently, but they may experience forgetfulness, mood shifts, coordination problems, and difficulty learning new things. However, as the disease progresses into the middle and late stages, those with Alzheimer’s may be unable to communicate and will often rely on support for basic tasks. At some point, adults living with dementia may require 24-hour care to help manage their complex medical needs, especially as their ability to remain independent diminishes. There are many different housing options for those who need 24/7 care including hiring at-home caregivers or physically moving your loved one to a memory care or long-term care setting. While this may seem like an overwhelming decision to make, 24-hour care can provide many benefits for those living with dementia, especially when the time is right.
Signs It’s Time for 24/7 Care
Dementia can progress slowly for many years, which makes knowing when to transition to full-time care difficult, especially for family members. Many caregivers may experience guilt or hesitancy when deciding to transition their loved one into memory care or skilled nursing. While it may never feel like the “right time,” there are signs that may indicate additional support is needed.
When safety becomes an issue. Caregivers and family members should look for an overall decline in their loved one’s health. If an individual with dementia has unexplained weight loss, change in posture, or bruises, these are signs they’re no longer safe at home. In addition, those with dementia are also at an increased risk of falling as balance becomes an issue. If a loved one is experiencing falls or is sitting for most of the day, 24/7 care may be necessary. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6 in 10 individuals living with dementia tend to wander, which can result in falls and unsafe conditions. Those trained in caring for someone with dementia will be able to manage these behaviors while also preventing wandering.
When experiencing caregiver stress. Caring for a loved one with dementia is extremely stressful. Stress can exacerbate even minor medical conditions, which can make the physical and emotional aspects of caregiving even more difficult. It’s important that caregivers also take care of themselves. Sometimes, moving your loved one into a facility that provides 24/7 care is beneficial to both the caregiver and the individual with dementia.
When experiencing unhealthy living conditions. Managing a household while also caring for a family member or spouse is difficult to juggle. If you notice bills going unpaid, dishes piling up, expired food in the refrigerator, lack of general hygiene, or other signs of unsafe living conditions, it’s time to consider transitioning into an environment with more care.
When isolated and withdrawn. Those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia will become increasingly confused, often causing them to withdraw from social events they used to enjoy. This retreat inward can lead to social isolation, which can exacerbate the symptoms of dementia. Memory care communities have specially curated social activities for individuals with dementia that encourage social interaction and provide productive stimulation.
When having issues managing medication. Most older adults take medications to manage one or more chronic conditions. In fact, according to the National Institute on Aging, approximately 85% of older adults have at least one chronic health condition and 60% have at least two or more chronic conditions. Managing medications can become more difficult as dementia progresses. Most facilities offering 24/7 care, such as a memory care unit, will administer an individual’s medication while also observing for certain signs and issues that may signal a health problem.
When receiving long-distance caregiving. Caregiving from a distance is very hard to manage, especially when a loved one is living with a progressive condition such as Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. It’s nearly impossible to provide adequate supervision and support from afar. Many family members rely on long-term care facilities to ensure their loved one is receiving the care they need. Memory care units have staff available 24 hours a day to provide care for those with cognitive issues.
Benefits of 24-hour Care for Those with Dementia
Caring for a loved one at home can be both physically and emotionally challenging, especially during the later stages of dementia. Round the clock care can provide many benefits for both the person with dementia and their family members as they navigate the nuances of dementia.
Reduce the risk of falls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury among adults ages 65 and older. A setting in which 24-hour care is provided means there is always a caregiver available to assist with activities that present a risk of injury including getting in and out of bed, bathing, walking up and down the stairs, or reminding a person to use their mobility aids. Overall, dementia caregivers are always present to help your loved one live safely in their own environment.
Assistance with activities of daily living. In the later stages of dementia, activities of daily living can become more difficult. In settings that provide 24-hour care, such as memory care and nursing, a trained caregiver helps with everyday activities like getting dressed, toileting, transferring from a seated to standing position and feeding activities. In addition, dementia can be a very isolating experience for those with the disease. Trained caregivers provide companionship for those with dementia, especially during times of agitation, anxiety and confusion.
Respite for family caregivers. Providing care for a loved one with dementia can become extremely complex as the disease progresses. Transitioning a loved one into a 24-hour care setting can help family members spend quality time with their loved one without worrying about completing caregiving tasks. This often results in more positive and less stressful relationships between the family member and the person with dementia.
Increased opportunities for socialization. While socializing with others may look different in the later stages of dementia, it is still a crucial part of a person’s overall wellbeing. Dementia patients who receive 24-hour care have more opportunities for socialization, whether it be with a caregiver or other older adults with dementia. Maplewood Senior Living memory care communities offer tailored activities specifically designed to meet the needs and capabilities of those living with dementia. In fact, many activities are structured around music and art, which can trigger memories and non-verbal communication.
Memory Care at Inspīr Senior Living
Our Inspīr Senior Living communities are proud to offer 24/7 memory care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Each of our senior care programs are powered by our Integrated Care Model (ICM), a designed to deliver highly coordinated, data-driven, and outcome-based care that is aligned with resident and family goals in mind. To learn more about these offerings or to schedule a tour, please contact us.
