February 3, 2022 by
There has long been an assumption that when someone receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, the only real option for dementia care services is a nursing home. After all, it’s extremely hard for someone with cognitive decline to continue to reside at home, particularly when they live alone – or is it?
Statistics demand the necessity for all of us to think this through for all those we love, and maybe even for ourselves one day. Nearly 14 million older adults are currently residing at home alone – 33% with dementia, and 15% specifically with Alzheimer’s disease. Even more troubling, half of this population not just lives alone, but does not have any identified caregiver.
There are a number of key areas of concern for a senior loved one who lives alone with Alzheimer’s:
- The ability to take care of activities of daily living on their own, such as meals, personal hygiene, household management, and problem-solving
- An elevated risk to exploitation and senior scams
- The isolation that stems from a concern about unfamiliar situations and places as confusion increases
However, we also understand that remaining in the home throughout aging for someone with dementia provides many positive benefits, including:
- The comfort of familiar surroundings and belongings, which offers stability
- The ability to help keep regular routines, making life navigation easier
- Self-identity that results from protecting a feeling of belonging
One solution that is beneficial for a great many is bringing in a specially trained dementia caregiver to provide just the right amount of support to nurture as much freedom and independence as possible, while making sure of wellbeing and safety.
It’s important to note that the sooner you’re able to bring in support for someone with dementia, the better. Even in the very earliest stages of the disease, the progression can happen rapidly, at which time the transition to care would have to take place as soon as possible. By starting slowly with just a little assistance, perhaps with meals, housework, and laundry, you can then work up to an increased level of care easily as needed.
At Home Independent Living creates a customized plan of care that is continuously reviewed and adjusted as needed – so if the need is for just a couple of hours every week of assistance, or full-time, 24-hour care, we can help seniors continue to live at home for a lifetime.
Our professionally trained Alzheimer’s care team can ensure comfort and safety throughout each stage of the condition, easing difficulties such as:
- Wandering
- Aggression
- Agitation
- Frustration
- Cognitive challenges
- And much more
Our care providers offer dementia care services and other caregiving solutions to provide the mental stimulation, social interaction, and support to help older adults remain physically active, which all lead to a much better quality of life. Call us at (315) 579-HOME (4663) for a complimentary consultation and to learn more about At Home Independent Living’s dementia care in Fayetteville, NY and other nearby communities. For more information about all of the areas we serve in New York, please visit our Service Area page.