Dementia is a progressive condition, which gradually worsens over time. People affected by this illness require more care as it progresses, which can get to be too much for family and community-based services to provide. When a loved one is suffering from dementia, a move to a residential home that provides dementia care could be the right move.

In the US alone, over 5 million people suffer from dementia, and as the population expands and life expectancy increases, this number is likely to increase in the years to come. Dementia is something of a catchall term for a range of conditions that affect memory and cognitive ability, including Alzheimer’s – the most common form of dementia – and vascular dementia.

All forms of dementia are degenerative, which means people with the condition will require higher levels of care as the disease progresses. This will include personal care, such as help bathing and eating, as well as more specialized care to address the symptoms of the dementia.

Dementia Care

When the time comes when a person cannot safely live on their own or in family home anymore, a move into a care home with specialist Alzheimer care is the answer.

Some care homes and assisted living facilities do not offer dementia care and instead focus on personal and physical care; these homes may not be right for someone who has dementia, as their particular needs may receive the attention needed as the staff is likely to not be trained in dementia care.

While selecting a care home, take into account the size of the facility. Living in a small care facility – under 10 residents – can be an advantage. With a regular, consistent team of staff, individuals will get to know their care providers personally. Bright Horizon has a maximum of only six residents at a time, which makes it a close-knight team and a family setting.

Some of the larger care homes accommodate over 100 residents. Staying in this type of home can be a more impersonal experience, and those with dementia may struggle in getting acquainted with their caregivers. For people with dementia, stability and routine is key in maintaining happiness and wellbeing.

Another advantage of specialist dementia care is that the home is equipped to deal with ‘wandering’. One aspect of dementia that can be particularly distressing is when a person ‘wanders’ and leaves their home with the intent of walking to a destination, but instead can end up getting lost and/or putting themselves in danger. Bright Horizons has wandering prevention measures to ensure that residents cannot end up going off on their own. This means that relatives can have peace of mind that their loved one is safe at all times.

Paying for Alzheimer Care

A space in a home that provides Alzheimer care services can cost more than a regular care home because of the increased level of care. However, long-term care insurance policies can help to pay for such costs. If a policy is in place, it can pay for care costs, meaning that the assets of care home residents are not depleted quickly. Long-term care insurance policies are growing in popularity in the US, but it is best to take out a policy before retirement age to avoid higher premiums. If enrolled, military veterans could also get assistance with long-term care costs through the VHA. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your loved one is cared for is priceless, and here at Bright Horizon, we are proud to provide that for the families of our residents.