Benefits of In-Home Caregivers for Those with Dementia
When a senior loved one receives a diagnosis of dementia, it can be a very frightening situation. Families will undoubtedly have many questions about whether that senior family member can remain at home, what support they need and how much will it cost. Visiting Angels Northern Neck-Middle Peninsula-Virginia (NNMP) has your answer with our Dementia Care Program. Here are the benefits of an in-home caregiver for your loved one with dementia.
COVID-19 Prevention
As of March 2020, the highest priority for all seniors is to prevent contracting COVID-19. As public health experts have warned and the statistics show, the coronavirus can be especially fatal for seniors. At home, seniors and their caregivers have complete control over the environment, including who is entering and disinfection procedures. Ultimately, this tight control will minimize your senior loved one’s exposure to COVID-19.
Remain in a Familiar Environment
There’s no place like home. For seniors with dementia, a change in environment can cause fear and agitation. If your senior loved one can remain at home in their familiar environment, they will feel more settled with less confusion. 
Safety
Falls at home can cause serious injury to a senior loved one. Visiting Angel’s caregivers are trained in fall prevention strategies to ensure safety at home. In addition, for some seniors with dementia, wandering behaviors, such as attempting to leave the house, can pose a safety risk. Medication errors are an additional safety concern for seniors. In-home caregivers can be your eyes and ears to avoid preventable accidents and medication mishaps.
Improved Communication
Visiting Angels’ caregivers ensure their client’s families are always fully informed. Our mission is to provide one-on-one support to your senior loved one, inform you about the care that has been provided and promptly communicate concerns that may arise. Given that your loved one has our undivided attention, communication is prompt and thorough.
Dignified Bathing and Hygiene Care
Dementia can sometimes alter a senior loved one’s awareness and/or ability to complete bathing and hygiene tasks. Visiting Angels understands how sensitive and important these tasks are to your loved one’s health, including the need to prevent infection and monitor for skin breakdown. Our compassionate caregivers are trained to gently facilitate bathing, hygiene and grooming tasks to ensure your loved one’s overall well-being.
Cost Savings
The life expectancy of a loved one with dementia can last for many years after diagnosis. Dementia Care Central has a tool that provides an estimated life expectancy based upon the type of dementia and other factors. A loved one may require assistance for quite some time, therefore, keeping a senior loved one in their home with support may be the more cost-effective form of care versus assisted living or a skilled nursing facility.
Visiting Angels NNMP/Kilmarnock provides services specialized for the care of your senior loved one with dementia. Contact us today for a free assessment and to discuss how our services are customized specifically to meet the needs of you and your loved one.