Many individuals with dementia remain in their homes or move in with family members. This arrangement preserves familiarity – a crucial factor for someone whose cognitive map of the world is gradually eroding. It also allows for care that’s tailored to individual preferences and routines, potentially reducing distress and behavioral symptoms. But there are tangible and intangible costs. In this article, we explore what it’s like navigating the challenges of dementia care at home and provide actionable tips to help make doing so easier.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is a syndrome characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function. It affects memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language, and judgment. While consciousness is not affected, these cognitive impairments are commonly accompanied by a deterioration in emotional control, social behavior, or motivation.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, comprising roughly 60-70% of cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The boundaries between different forms are indistinct, and mixed forms often co-exist. Think of individual cases like unique fingerprints – while they share common features, each presents with its own pattern of symptoms and progression. Rates of decline vary widely among individuals, with some experiencing a gradual deterioration over many years, while others may decline more rapidly.
Who is Most Affected By Dementia?
Dementia primarily affects older people, with approximately 8% of the general Canadian population aged 65 and over living with the condition. But that doesn’t mean it should be accepted as a normal part of aging.
The impact of dementia extends beyond the individual to families, caregivers, and society at large. It is one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people globally. Physical, psychological, social, and economic effects can overwhelm families and caregivers, who often require support from health, social, financial, and legal systems.
What Dementia Looks Like in Daily Life
Early symptoms of dementia often begin with forgetfulness and mild confusion. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience difficulty communicating, reasoning, and exercising judgment. They might struggle with once-familiar tasks and become disoriented even in familiar environments. Changes in personality and behavior are also common.
For family and friends, the decline has multifaceted impacts. First and foremost is the reality of figuratively losing someone you love while they’re still physically present. The person may look the same but behave in ways that are unrecognizable compared to their former self. This can be particularly distressing when the affected individual no longer recognizes close family members.
Then there’s the responsibility. Daily care becomes increasingly demanding as dementia advances. Tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating often require assistance. Safety concerns emerge as judgement deteriorates. Individuals might wander, leave appliances on, or become vulnerable to scams. The financial burden can be substantial, encompassing medical care, home modifications, and potentially long-term care facilities.
When Care Facilities Aren’t an Option
Long-term care facilities work for some but not all families. Cultural expectations, financial limitations, or the wishes of the person with dementia may necessitate home-based care. In some communities, particularly those with strong familial traditions, institutional care may be viewed as abandonment. For others, the prohibitive cost of quality facilities makes home care the only viable option.
Navigating the Challenges of Dementia Care at Home
Unfortunately, we aren’t in a place as a society where robust infrastructure exists to support individuals living with dementia. Family members often find themselves forced to become healthcare providers overnight. They must learn to manage medications, recognize and respond to symptoms, and adapt their homes for safety while processing their grief over the changing relationship. The emotional toll can be immense, with caregivers experiencing higher rates of depression, anxiety, and physical health problems than their non-caregiving peers.
Navigating the challenges of dementia care at home isn’t impossible, though. It can be made easier by:
Creating a Structured Routine
Individuals with dementia often find comfort in predictability. Establishing consistent daily schedules for meals, medications, activities, and sleep can reduce anxiety and confusion. Visual calendars and simple written reminders can serve as helpful anchors throughout the day.
Adapting the Home Environment
Small modifications can significantly improve safety and independence. Remove tripping hazards, install grab bars in bathrooms, use nightlights, and consider door alarms for wandering prevention. Label cabinets and drawers with pictures or words to help with navigation. Creating a calm, uncluttered environment can also minimize overstimulation and agitation.
Building a Support Network
Caregiving shouldn’t be a solo journey. Reach out to family members, friends, neighbours, religious communities, and local support groups. Consider respite care options to prevent burnout. Many communities offer adult day programs specifically designed for individuals with dementia, providing stimulation for them and a break for caregivers.
Prioritizing Communication
As verbal abilities decline, adapting communication becomes essential. Speak clearly and simply, maintain eye contact, use visual cues, and allow extra time for responses. Remember that behaviours are often attempts at communication when words fail. Learning to interpret these signals can reduce frustration for everyone involved.
Practicing Self-Care as a Caregiver
Perhaps most importantly, sustainable home care requires attending to your own well-being. Set realistic expectations, accept help when offered, and carve out time for activities that replenish your emotional reserves. Remember that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for providing quality care over the long term.
Navigating the Challenges of Dementia Care at Home? You Don’t Have to Do It Alone.
Peak Home Healthcare is proud to be a source of guidance, patient support, and peace of mind for families navigating the complexities of dementia. While there may not be an instruction manual with answers to everything, qualified help is available. Rely on credentialed expertise from our professional team and lessen the burden of caregiving.
Whether you need a few hours of support each week or more comprehensive daily assistance, Peak Home Healthcare offers flexible dementia care solutions that evolve with your family’s changing needs. Contact us today to learn how professional support can complement your caregiving journey.
