Dementia Care Services in Waynesville, NC

Dementia refers to a group of symptoms associated with memory loss, impaired thinking, and diminished social abilities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, but older adults may suffer from dementia for other reasons as well, such as damaged blood vessels to the brain and the breakdown of nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes. Though some types of dementia are reversible, this is often a progressive issue that requires an increasing amount of care and supervision over time. 

Family members can make compassionate and loving caregivers for relatives with dementia, but full-time care is often too much for the family to handle. In-home dementia care services can help fill the gap while allowing dementia patients to stay in the same familiar environment of their home.

Why Choose In-Home Care for Dementia Patients?

In-home care allows dementia patients to stay in a place that feels safe and recognizable. This is a valuable benefit because individuals with dementia often retain their earlier memories of life even though they can't recall recent events. If a dementia patient moves to a new location, they may have increased feelings of confusion because the surroundings will continue to feel unfamiliar even after they've settled in. A well-known environment helps dementia patients stay calm, focused, and relaxed, which creates a better experience for everyone involved.

Maintaining in-home care provides more flexibility for the family, patient, and caregiver. The family can provide part-time or full-time care for the patient if they'd like. They have complete control over the environment and who's in it. The home may even be able to accommodate live-in family members or visitors who want to stay for an extended period. 

Our in-home caregivers at Visiting Angels are available on a regular schedule or as respite caregivers, stepping in as needed when family caregivers need to take a break. Our trained professionals can even pass their knowledge along to your family, giving other caregivers wonderful tips and tricks for success when dealing with the distinct challenges of caring for a dementia patient.

Our In-Home Dementia Care Services

At Visiting Angels, we offer in-home dementia care to residents in and around the Waynesville, North Carolina, area. We help patients and family members to create a safe environment that will prevent wandering and minimize other hazards, such as trips and falls. Our caregivers also manage a wide range of daily tasks to ease the burden on dementia patients as they become more forgetful and confused. Our services include:

• Transition and mobility assistance.
• Transportation and accompaniment for errands or appointments.
• Light housekeeping tasks.
• Meal planning and preparation.
• Medication reminders.
• Assistance with bathing and dressing.
• Companionship and emotional support.

Dementia patients often struggle to plan and execute everyday tasks, such as making a grocery list or preparing meals. Our caregivers assist with these tasks in a supportive way that allows the patient to continue participating as much or as little as is comfortable for them. We're also skilled in managing the emotional and psychological changes that accompany dementia. We understand that patients may become agitated, angry, depressed, or suspicious. Our caregivers respond in a calm and supportive manner to help patients through these episodes.

Customized Care Plans

Every patient is different. At Visiting Angels, we create a custom care plan for every family. This may include visits while family caregivers are away during the day, weekly check-ins to provide regular respite care, or even 24/7 supervision and support. We also understand that your needs will evolve. Our custom solutions change with the patient so they get the optimal level of support according to their circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the early signs of dementia?

Dementia is typically progressive, and the early signs aren't always obvious. Friends and family members are usually the first to notice symptoms, some examples being poor short-term memory, difficulty with following a known recipe and other familiar tasks, frequently misplacing items, and changes in mood or lack of interest in once-loved activities. Speak with a doctor if you're concerned that a loved one may have dementia.

What is the difference between memory care and dementia care?

Memory care is a form of residential care that's designed exclusively for patients with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. It provides specialized programming, around-the-clock supervision, and a safe, secure environment. This type of care requires that the patient move into the memory facility.

The broader scope of dementia care can take place anywhere. Your loved one can receive attentive dementia care in their home where they are comfortable and content. 

Does Medicare cover dementia care?

Medicare covers many of the expenses associated with dementia care. Medicare will pay for:

• Cognitive assessments.
• Home safety evaluations.
• Care planning.
• Hospital stays.
• Prescription medications.

Medicare will also cover up to 35 hours of in-home care per week for dementia patients who are certified as homebound. 

Does Medicaid help with dementia care costs?

Medicaid provides assistance for low-income individuals and families that supplements their Medicare provisions. Medicaid covers:

• In-home care for individuals who would otherwise need to be in a nursing home.
• Adult day care programs.
• Memory care units in nursing homes.

Schedule an In-Home Care Evaluation

If you're struggling to care for someone with dementia in the Waynesville area, Visiting Angels can help. Our in-home caregivers will help your loved one stay in their familiar, well-loved home as they age. We're committed to giving older adults the respect and dignity they deserve while providing accommodating assistance and emotional support for all the challenges of dementia. Contact us to set up a personal consultation and learn more about how our dementia care services can help.