There has long been an assumption that once someone receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of progressive dementia, the only option is nursing home care. After all, living alone with dementia isn’t possible – or is it?
Statistics demand the need for all of us to think this through for those we love, and perhaps even for ourselves one day. Nearly 61% of seniors with dementia in Canada are living outside of long term care or nursing homes. What’s even more concerning is that much of this population lives alone with no identified caregiver.
There are several key areas of concern for a senior living alone with dementia:
- The ability to manage activities of daily living independently, such as personal hygiene, meals, household management, and problem-solving
- A heightened vulnerability to senior scams and exploitation
- The isolation that stems from a fear of unfamiliar places and situations as confusion increases
Yet we also know that remaining at home throughout ageing for someone with dementia provides a wealth of benefits, including:
- The comfort of familiar surroundings and belongings, which provides stability
- The ability to keep regular routines, making life navigation easier
- Self-identity that comes through maintaining a sense of belonging
One solution that is ideal for many is bringing in a specially trained dementia caregiver to provide just the right level of support to foster as much independence and freedom as possible, while ensuring safety and wellbeing.
It’s important to note that the earlier you can bring in support for someone with dementia, the better. Even in the very earliest stages of the disease, the progression can occur rapidly, at which time the transition to care would have to happen immediately. By starting slowly with just a little assistance, perhaps with housework, laundry, and meals, you can then work up to a higher degree of care seamlessly as needed.
At Amy’s Helping Hands, the leader in home care in Windsor, Ontario and nearby areas, we create a customized plan of care that is reviewed and modified as needed ongoing – so whether the need is for just a few hours of assistance each week, or full-time, around-the-clock care, we can help seniors continue to live at home for a lifetime.
Our fully trained dementia care team can ensure safety and comfort throughout each stage of the disease, easing difficulties such as:
- Wandering
- Aggression
- Agitation
- Frustration
- Cognitive challenges
- And more
Our caregivers offer the mental stimulation, social interaction, and encouragement to remain physically active which all lead to a better quality of life, especially for those living alone with dementia. Contact us online or call us at 519-915-4370 to schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can help someone you love continue to live where it’s most comfortable – at home – for a lifetime.
