In the UK, there are around 900,000 people suffering from dementia, which is projected to rise to at least 1.6 million by 2040. There are many existing facilities in place to assist, including dementia home care services and specific care homes. But, how do you know when these systems should be put into place?

 

Dementia is an umbrella term to describe a wide range of conditions. There are over 200 subtypes, with Alzheimer’s being the most common and most recognised. It is hard to watch those you love the most suffer from this disease and become shadows of who they once were. 

 

So, how do you properly provide dementia care? Find out here from Complete Homecare 24.

 

Individual Preferences

Typically, we all have our own individual set of patterns in life. This sometimes is due to necessity, (like having to wake up for work) or their personal preferences. 

 

A dementia patient may refuse to follow a routine that differs from their own. Though this may feel frustrating, this is actually a good sign.  It demonstrates that the individual retains a feeling of self-identity and autonomy. They can still make their own decisions and want control over their routine. But, this is still a sign that a closer care regimen is required. 

 

When this happens, dementia at-home care services are ideal, as the carer will work with the individual. They are flexible and can cater for their specific needs. 

 

Refusing Help

Dementia care services may be required when a person starts to refuse certain necessities that they need to survive. This could include food, medication and basic personal care. 

 

Personal care is a private issue, which can affect a person negatively if they need assistance. However, though they require this support, certain people suffering from dementia may refuse help. And trying to force help onto a person constitutes as abuse.  Saying “no” is a fundamental human right. As a result, it’s important to figure out why the person is refusing and how to deal with it.

 

For this, alternatives may need to be considered. The person may not feel comfortable with a loved one caring for them depending on their condition. Or, it might be to do with the personal care itself; for example, a shower rather than a bath. Whatever the case, dementia at-home care is a great way to solve this problem and help the individual in question. Carers will work closely with the person, able to build up trust and create a routine that works efficiently for them.

 

Care Home Alternative

Putting the person suffering from dementia first is the main priority. Once symptoms worsen, some may think that residential care homes are the only option. Yet, this is not true. Although, in certain circumstances, care homes are the right choice, for dementia care, this might not be true. In some situations, those suffering from dementia may need watching 24/7. Especially those who tend to wander. In care homes with other patients, there may not be enough staff to closely monitor their movements and here lies a danger. 

 

However, finding a home care company, that has experts in dementia care, maybe the solution. This way, a caring companion is chosen for the patient suffering from dementia and works specifically with them to create a routine. They can find their specific needs and help them in any way they can. All while maintaining a level of independence that can be lost when transferring into a care home. Dementia at-home care provides patients with all the resources and support they require where they feel the safest. Their own home.

 

Dementia at Homecare 24

At Complete Homecare 24, our family-run company provides various tailored and personalised home care services, including caring for dementia at home. Our caring companions are here to provide additional support for those suffering from dementia and will supply tailored routines that meet the individual’s needs. For those who are wanting to maintain their independence and remain at home, our dementia home care services are here to help.

 

You can find out more about dementia and how to support those suffering from the disease with charities like Dementia UK and Alzheimer’s Society.

 

For more information on our home care services, give us a call on 07955 460 847. Or, follow us on Instagram and see what we do directly on your feed.