February 13, 2024 by
If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, you know firsthand how challenging the ever-changing progression of care needs can be. As the condition advances, there comes a point when 24-hour dementia care becomes not only beneficial but essential for ensuring the safety, well-being, and quality of life for the individual.
Here are key signs that signal the need for around-the-clock dementia care:
- Trouble Sleeping: Sleep patterns can be disturbed as dementia progresses. Nighttime confusion, wandering, or agitation can lead to sleep deprivation for both the individual and you as their caregiver, impacting overall health and well-being.
- Safety Concerns: Safety concerns are a major reason to look into 24-hour dementia care. Wandering, forgetting to turn off appliances, or experiencing difficulties with activities of daily living increases the risk for accidents or injuries.
- Decline in Physical Health: Dementia can affect an individual’s physical health, leading to challenges with mobility, coordination, and self-care. Round-the-clock care ensures prompt assistance with any physical needs that may arise.
- Inability to Perform Basic Tasks: When the person begins to struggle with basic tasks such as bathing, dressing, or eating, 24-hour care ensures consistent support for these activities, promoting dignity and empowering the person to maintain the highest possible quality of life.
- Frequent Hospitalizations: If the person is experiencing frequent hospitalizations due to complications related to dementia, 24-hour care may be necessary to provide consistent monitoring and preventive measures.
- Medical Monitoring Requirements: Some individuals with dementia may have underlying health conditions that necessitate regular monitoring. Continuous care allows for close observation of medical needs and timely intervention.
- Caregiver Burnout: It’s a taxing endeavor to show up physically and emotionally for someone with dementia. If you’re experiencing exhaustion or other signs of caregiver burnout or depression, it may be an indicator that 24-hour care is necessary.
- Communication Barriers: Advanced dementia often results in communication difficulties. Professional caregivers experienced in communicating with those with dementia can enhance the individual’s overall quality of life and reduce frustration.
- Increased Behavioral Challenges: Agitation, aggression, or challenging behaviors may intensify as dementia progresses. Professional caregivers trained in managing these behaviors can provide a more secure environment and prevent potential harm.
Note that if the person’s behaviors are causing you or the individual to be at risk of harm, it’s a good idea to explore care home options, where multiple caregivers are on hand to ensure everyone’s safety.
With At Home Independent Living, we provide specialized 24-hour dementia care from skilled, trained, and experienced dementia care professionals, customized to the needs of the individual. In the early stages of the disease, this could mean just a few hours of help and support. As the disease progresses, we can increase the level of care to ensure safety and comfort, up to and including around-the-clock care.
Contact us any time online or at (315) 579-HOME (4663) to learn more about our in-home dementia care in Syracuse, Camillus, Clay, Fayetteville, Salina, and the surrounding areas.