Dementia care: What to expect and how to cope

Once you have made the decision to get professional help with care at home for yourself or your loved one, you will want to know what you can expect from the whole process. With this in mind, we have outlined some key elements for you below. 

Proposing a Care Plan 

One of the first things that will happen, after your initial meeting with a chosen homecare specialist, is the setting out of a care plan specific to your loved one’s circumstances and needs. This is a well-researched document that enables both the homecare agency and you to understand how things will move forwards. It’s a hugely important part of the process, designed solely with the safe and effective care of the patient’s needs in mind. It’s set out as a personal account of who they are, and the needs that they have. This can range from practical things such as the food and drinks that they enjoy, to what sort of personality they have, and what they like and dislike. All this information makes sure that the person looking after them has the information they need to carry out their role and ensure that your loved one’s life continues as it has done. You will be asked to help with the collecting of this information, as you know your loved one the best. Having this document in place also ensures that there is a consistency of care, especially if they have more than one carer during the process. The care plan is a reassurance both to you and the homecare agency that everyone is on the same page and understands the needs of the patient. 

Care types available

There are different types of care available to you, within homecare for dementia care services, and these will be explained more thoroughly when you meet with your homecare specialist. The demand for different levels of care will change over time, depending on what requirements your loved one has, but the care plan will have helped establish initial needs. Then, as the process evolves, this will be monitored to support any changes in requirements along the way. The levels of care can range from an hour a day helping with some basic chores, such as shopping or a bit of cleaning, to more regular care visits, and even 24-hour live-in care. 

Emotional support and knowledge for the relatives

The dementia homecare agency will be able to advise you on adaptations you can make to help whilst caring for your loved one and offer you the emotional support you might need. They can put you in touch with external organisations such as Alzheimer’s Society which also offer additional support. Being more knowledgeable will make caring for your loved one easier and give you a better understanding of what it might be like to live with dementia so that you know how best to help. It might sometimes feel overwhelming, but the more prepared you are both practically and with knowledge, the easier it will be.

Respite care - You are not alone

Looking after someone with dementia can sometimes feel rather lonely, and whilst you may not feel like you are the one who needs care, it is easy to neglect yourself when you are busy caring for someone else.  Looking after your own health means that you are more able to cope with looking after your loved ones. Respite care, which is offered by the homecare agency, can be the perfect solution as it ensures that your loved one is safe and receiving the care they need whilst you get the chance to have some downtime. You must take time out to look after yourself, as it helps stop you from becoming exhausted and run down. When you are not exhausted, the time you spend with your loved one is quality time that benefits both of you.

If you or your loved one have been diagnosed with dementia, then Right at Home has a unique Support Programme that focuses on easing the symptoms of dementia and cognitive decline with activities designed specifically to provide support and mental stimulation. To find out more please contact us on 01252 783426 or 01483 662400.

Right at Home support dementia care in Guildford, Farnham and surrounding areas. Find out more: 

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