Residential placements in a sheltered, live in care environment or providing full time care in the home environment are two options of care provision available. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, dependant upon the following.
- Individual care needs,
- the present level of dementia symptoms,
- progressive degeneration of symptoms.
These options need to be assessed and discussed as a family unit for the health and safety of everyone involved in the decision making of care provision.
Early onset dementia symptoms can be difficult to recognise, especially if you are not aware of or are inexperienced with the illness or its implications on behaviour and health and social aspects. Usually by the time a confirmed diagnosis is made, dementia sufferers have probably developed to a stage in the illness where erratic or unacceptable behavioural episodes and personality changes can no longer be explained rationally. They can retreat into a sometimes confused world that only they recognize and that frighteningly, has no connection to the present timescale that everyone else is living in. People they used to recognise, now appear as strangers who do not belong in their world. Developing aggressive reactions to family members can also be very stressful to understand and accept.
A confirmed medical diagnosis will provide an acceptable explanation for recent events within the family unit. The reality of dealing with a mental illness that is progessively degenerative in nature will be a frightening prospect to everyone, including the person who has been diagnosed with the illness.
Involvement in the discussions and decision making regarding the dementia sufferer's future and the care options available, together with constant reassurances and support will help with the acceptance of major lifestyle changes and prevent any feelings of being ignored or isolated.
Care Provision in the Home Environment
The role of full time carer is a 24/7 commitment. You have to remember that your needs are important too; you can feel very alone and frightened coping with a dementia sufferer. Your own health should not be ignored: stress and exhaustion can all affect your own physical health and lower your immune system, making you vulnerable to illnesses and infections. If there is a good family network, it makes the sharing of care provision, with the back up of outside carers if this is available, a working solution that can benefit everyone.
Investigate all Outside Care Services and Facilities
Some examples of facilities and services.
- Day centers
- Respite relief
- Home care agencies
Permanent Residential Care Provision
This option may be the suitable choice of care provision if personal circumstances within the family unit are not able to include home care needs and provision when the illness has initially been diagnosed
Alternatively, it could be the need for a necessary change in care provision due to the natural, progressive deterioration in the dementia sufferer's illness and home care provision is no longer a viable or safe option for future care needs.
There are many good residential home providers and you will have to investigate the best provider for the care needs required for individual circumstances. Listen to any advice or recommendations. Visit care facilities in your area. Organise respite visits with a view to permanent residency, if the residential facility offers this option.
There will ultimately be feelings of guilt and anxiety with any decisions made regarding care provision and the diagnosed illness. Do not try to hide or ignore these normal and acceptable feelings and emotions, they are a healthy way of dealing with a stressful and emotional situation that is irreversible but manageable.
