Choosing In-Home Memory Care: 4 Helpful Tips

17 March 2018
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When your loved one begins showing signs of dementia, you may want to do as much as you can to help him or her age in place. In-home care can be a great resource for providing care and stability, and it can also relieve you of some burdens associated with being a primary caregiver. Before you select in-home memory care, here are a few helpful tips to make the process easier.

1. Work With A Dedicated Core Staff

Having many different care providers come in and out of the home can be confusing for anyone, and it can be particularly frustrating for someone with dementia. You can make things easier by requesting that a small group of people work with your loved one. If you are using home care only one or two days each week, you can request to have only one caregiver, while daily visits may be handled by two or three people. As much as possible, avoid adding new people into the mix, as this can be difficult for people with dementia.

2. Request Companion Services

In-home care isn't all about medical assistance. Companion care can provide stability and a meaningful connection with your loved one. Having a person to talk to or accompany your relative to the doctor or grocery store can help reduce feelings of loneliness. By keeping your loved one feeling happy and supported, you can make each day a special one. Companion services also help relieve some of the caretaker burdens for you, as you won't feel that you have to be in the home at all times to prevent your relative from being lonely or sad.

3. Consider Care Needs

Think about the tasks you need to help your loved one with every day, and try to incorporate some of those tasks into the in-home care plan. For example, your loved one may need assistance with meal prep or getting dressed. You may also need to take extra measures to keep your loved one safe, such as ensuring the doors to the home are closed or that the stove is not left on. Discuss these needs with the in-home care team to create a plan that's tailored to fit your loved one's condition.

4. Be Thorough

As you research different care providers, be thorough with your research. Knowing that you are hiring trusted people to work with your relative can provide added peace of mind and reassurance that your loved one is being treated with dignity and compassion. Ask for references, background checks, and proof of CPR or medical training before making a hiring decision.