Contrary to popular belief, having a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of progressive dementia does not automatically mean that going to a nursing home is the only option. Living alone with dementia is possible with the right support and accommodations.
It is important for everyone to consider the implications of the statistics for our loved ones and potentially ourselves in the future. In Canada there are around 61% of our seniors who have been diagnosed with dementia and are not residing in long term care or nursing homes. What is even more worrisome is that a large percentage are living alone without a designated caregiver.
There are many key areas of concern for a loved one living alone with dementia:
- Do they have the ability to manage daily activities independently, such as bathing, preparing a meal, light house duties, laundry and problem solving
- Are they able to take the proper steps to help protect themselves from falling victim to those who scam
- Isolation and the fear of unfamiliar places or situations will increase confusion.
There are also benefits of remaining if your home for a loved one with dementia that can provide a wealth of benefits such as:
- The feeling of comfort of being in a familiar surround and having your belonging close by
- The ability to have regular routine making life easier to manage
- Staying in your home can create a sense of belonging
An option that works well for many family members is to hire a specially trained dementia caregiver. These caregivers are skilled in providing the necessary support to help a loved one feel independent., while also prioritizing safety and overall well-being. By having a caregiver with expertise in dementia care, a loved one will receive the level of assistance they need while helping to maintain a sense of autonomy. This solution allows the caregiver to have a balanced approach that addresses the unique challenges of dementia while helping to support seniors' desire to have independence.
It is important to understand that early support for loved ones with dementia is highly beneficial. The disease can progress rapidly, making the transition to start care sooner than expected. By gradually introducing assistance, such as household chores, laundry and help with meal prep. Once the care has started family members can seamlessly increase the level of care as it becomes required.
At Amy’s Helping Hands we are the leading provider of home care services in Windsor, Ontario and the surrounding areas. Our approach is to help create a personalized care plan that is continuously reviewed and adjusted as needed. Whether our clients require a few hours of assistance each week or full-time with 24hr care, we are there to help loved ones maintain their independence and allow them to live comfortably in their own homes.
Our fully trained dementia care team will help provide safety and comfort throughout each stage of the disease and help ease challenges such as:
- Wandering
- Aggression
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Frustration
- And more
Our caregivers can help provide mental stimulation, social interaction and encouragement to help seniors stay physically active, resulting in a better quality of life for those with dementia who live alone. Contact us online at amyshelpinghands.ca or call us at 519-915-4370 to schedule an assessment and discover how we can help your loved one to live comfortably at home for a lifetime.
