Caring for Someone with Dementia

Getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia for a family member you love is heartbreaking, and will immediately result in a number of questions and concerns. What will life be like for my senior loved one? How will the condition impact daily functioning and behaviors? Where will he or she live? And how can I possibly manage to provide care?

At Grace Home Care, we frequently receive calls from family members who are in crisis mode in trying to find the best care solution for a cherished older adult with Alzheimer’s disease. We have learned that there are three key elements to help families feel relief and to acquire a sense of control:

  1. Education. We can’t stress enough the value of learning as much as possible about Alzheimer’s disease, and staying well informed about new advancements. We offer a number of resources pertaining to Alzheimer’s care that provide safety tips, effective communication techniques, innovative ideas for managing challenging behaviors, and more. Families can also find a wealth of trusted educational materials through the Alzheimer’s Association, along with up-to-date news on the latest research findings pertaining to the search for treatment options and a cure.
  2. Support. Loved ones caring for someone with dementia require the support of others in a similar situation. Locating a support group to gain helpful insight, share concerns, and just have a reliable and safe place to vent feelings to those who understand is exceedingly helpful for family caregivers. Speaking with a professional counselor, as well as close family and friends, is also a good idea to make certain family caregivers are taking care of their own mental health.
  3. Partnership. Partnering with Grace Home Care for experienced, safe and reliable in-home dementia care for seniors allows family caregivers to know they are not alone, to take needed time away on a regular basis to tend to their own self-care needs, and is a great alternative to moving a senior loved one to a nursing home or assisted living facility, enabling him or her to remain in the familiarity and comfort of home.

Grace Home Care’s knowledgeable Alzheimer’s care team is extensively trained in patient, creative, compassionate care at home for seniors, offering a consistent routine, help with difficult behaviors, enhanced safety, and trusted respite care.

We meet with families during a free in-home assessment to learn about the difficulties being faced, along with getting to know the senior who needs care: his or her likes, dislikes, interests, hobbies, personality type, past and current life – all to design a customized plan of care which will allow for the greatest possible quality of life, making sure all needs are met both now and proactively as needs change with time.

To learn more about our Topeka dementia care team and the communities we serve, contact us at 785-286-2273. With Grace Home Care by your side, you are never alone in your dementia care journey!