How Your Loved One’s Home Care Needs Can Change When They Have Dementia

When an elderly loved one has dementia, they will most likely need specialized in-home care to help them manage their symptoms. Here’s how memory care can differ from standard home care services for seniors in Westminster, CO and surrounding areas

Although most people use the terms Alzheimer’s and dementia interchangeably, there is a difference. Alzheimer’s is just one type of dementia, just like vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, mixed dementia, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, etc. However, Alzheimer’s is the most common type, since about 80 percent of patients with dementia have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Since individuals with this disease eventually begin to struggle with memory loss and their visuospatial functions as well as executive functions get affected, considering memory care from Visiting Angels Westminster is the first step towards ensuring their comfort and safety.

Is It Actually Dementia?

If your loved one is forgetful sometimes and they cannot remember where they left their keys, it doesn’t mean they have dementia. In fact, some medical conditions have symptoms that are dementia-like. For example, urinary tract infections, depression, vitamin deficiencies and thyroid problems can all cause dementia-like symptoms.

If your parent has been diagnosed with a form of dementia, it is important to know which type they have so that our caregivers can deliver the right level of care. Seniors with different types of dementia deal with different issues, so understanding the type your parent has is crucial for future caregiving decisions. A person with Parkinson’s dementia will require mobility assistance since they are more prone to falls and tremors. On the other hand, people with Alzheimer’s are able to maintain physical abilities even after the cognitive decline has begun.

Different Dementias, Different Care

Nowadays, there are many options for seniors who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. Moving your loved one to a senior living community, a stand-alone memory care community, an adult day facility or a nursing home are all viable options. However, if your parent wants to remain at home for as long as possible, considering a home care agency that delivers dementia care might be your best option.

What Type of Memory Care is Best?

Although during the first stage of Alzheimer’s seniors do not show any symptoms, in time their symptoms will progress, so considering all of the dementia care options on time is the best way to be prepared. Since the assistance of a professional caregiver will be vital to helping your parent remain comfortable, safe and happy at home it is important to find a professional with skills, training and past experiences with dementia. At Visiting Angels Westminster, we offer high-quality home care solutions, trained and experienced care specialists, personalized care plans and affordable hourly rates.

If you wish to learn more about the dementia care services we deliver in Westminster, CO and surrounding areas, please contact us today.