Regular Home Care vs. Home Care for Elderly with Dementia

Which is better, non-medical home care or memory care for dementia patients? The job of Senior Living Experts is to present as many facts and choices as possible so that you can choose the best dementia care for the Chicago senior you care about.

Comparing Non-Medical Home Care or Memory Care for Dementia Patients

Our services are free and meant to offer guidance in helping you choose the right type care for the senior(s) in your life. We can’t answer the question, “What is best, non-medical home care or memory care for dementia patients?” This is a choice that we can only help guide you in, by providing as much knowledge to the client and family as possible.

Non-Medical Home Care for Dementia Patients

Non-medical home care offers a variety of services; most of which are similar throughout the home care industry.

• Staying at home or living in assisted living housing with non-medical caregiving
• Light Housekeeping
• Meal Preparation (caregiver will help feed the client if needed & create meals that the client asks for and/or can eat without difficulty – within reason)
• Personal Hygiene (according to need)
• Mobility Assistance (if needed or client is able to move with help)
• Errands (shopping, taking client to appointments)
• Companionship
• Reminders to take Medication (cannot dispense any medications; reminding client to take medications only)
• Assistance for Safety (helping to keep clients who may wander, be confused, etc. to remain in the safe confines of the home)
• Assist the family, friends and medical caregivers watch for possible health issues and report conditions or problems that can put the client at risk
• Offer a variety of hours for care (especially helpful if the client doesn’t sleep well at night and may wander or be in harm’s way at night while the family sleeps)

Providing at home caregiving for a client depends upon the client’s level of need (physical and mental).

The Positive & Negative Points to Think About

1. One of the positive parts of non-medical home care is that the care is one-on-one and completely dependent upon the needs of the client. Allowing them to age at home.
2. One of the negative aspects of non-medical home care includes the possible need for medical attendants and skilled health care providers to provide the full amount of care needed.

Memory Care for Dementia Patients

Memory care refers to a facility that is specific to those who have dementia for any reason. This article about choosing Chicago assisted living facilities helps to explain what a memory care unit is about. This short 2 minute video helps explain dementia; because not all dementia is related to Alzheimer’s disease.

• Locked living facilities to deter wandering
• 24/7 Staff
• Skilled Medical Staff Available (Usually includes Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, nursing staff, and a facility physician on call)
• Continuous Social and Entertainment Interaction Available (both scheduled events and non-scheduled events such as puzzles, cards, conversation with others, etc.)
• 3 Meals & Snacks prepared, served & fed (if needed). Most facilities will give clients a choice of meal items and often accommodate clients who may want something simple instead of the full meals designated (maybe a PB&J, flavored milks, etc.)
• Skilled nursing staff to provide medication as needed on a timed schedule
• Focus specific to dementia patients & keeping them safe with the highest quality of life possible while dealing with a degenerative disease
• Private rooms available at a higher cost; otherwise the most common type of rooming is double occupancy

The Positive & Negative Points to Think About

1. One of the positive points to a memory care facility is that the care 24/7 care based specifically on providing safe surroundings and care for dementia clients.
2. One of the negative aspects to a memory care facility is that especially during moments of cognizance the client may be confused and upset; wanting to go home.

Which senior living option is better for you and your family?

1. Compare – It’ not an easy decision but weigh the differences between in home non-medical care and memory care; taking everything into consideration. This article points out some interesting things to notice about memory care facilities.
2. Accept Help – Bringing in the advice and knowledge of a third party such as Senior Living Experts can help you make your choice based on facts. Our process guides you and helps you find the living situation that fits you and your loved one best.
3. Start Early – It’s never too early to begin weighing your options; even before you need to make the choice of where and how to live as you age. Over 3 million Americans live with dementia.

The biggest question when dealing with a loved one who has dementia is: Do you want non-medical home care or memory care for dementia patients like your senior loved one?Photo by Neill_blue from Unsplash