Whether you are a caregiver or a family member of someone who has dementia, you may be wondering, “What is the best care for a dementia patient?” Fortunately, plenty of solutions are available, including Home based care, Adult family homes, Assisted Living, and Sensory stimulation.
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Assisted Living
Assisted living is a form of long-term care in which a person receives housing and supportive services in a “homelike” environment. The philosophy of assisted living is based on maximizing the autonomy and dignity of its residents.
Many trade associations have developed formal definitions of assisted living. These include the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the American Seniors Housing Association (ALFAA), and the Assisted Living Facilities Association of America (ALFAA-Coopers & Lybrand).
In 1992, the American Society for Public Administration (ASPE) conducted a literature review on assisted living. The review included a bibliography of over 350 articles published from 1992 to 1995. Most articles referred to assisted living as a philosophy of care rather than a specific form of care.
Adult family homes
Choosing a place for your loved one to receive dementia care can be a stressful experience. Whether your loved one has Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, it’s essential to do your research. A dementia care facility should be able to provide a range of services to help your loved one remain safe and comfortable.
Depending on the kind of care your loved one need and your budget, you should choose the best dementia care southeast Denver institution. Adult family homes offer a cost-effective alternative to nursing homes. These homes are also a good option for patients unable to live independently. Adult family homes provide immediate personal care and a familiar environment for patients.
Home-based care
A loved one with dementia benefits from being kept at Home. Live longer. It can also help them avoid the stresses of a hospital or nursing home. However, dementia can be complicated to diagnose, so it is crucial to seek professional advice if you believe your loved one has the disease.
In a study conducted at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, researchers explored the effect of home-based care on a group of elderly patients with dementia. The findings demonstrated an improvement in the study participants’ quality of life.
The study also revealed that ninety percent of the patients’ needs were related to safety. It is vital because dementia patients are prone to wandering and self-harm. If you suspect your loved one is wandering, it is essential to contact the police to ensure their safety.
Coping tactics
Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia can be distressing for the person with dementia and the caregiver. Coping tactics for a dementia patient can help alleviate these symptoms.
Problem-focused coping involves addressing the problem and developing a plan of action. This coping style has been associated with a slower decline in cognition and function. It may also lead to a more stimulating environment for the patient.
Emotion-focused coping is associated with higher levels of distress. It involves adjusting one’s emotional response, confronting negative thought patterns, and seeking social support.
Meaning-focused coping draws on personal values, existential beliefs, and spiritual beliefs. It involves being able to maintain a positive appraisal.
Sensory stimulation
Using sensory stimulation activities can increase social interaction and improve cognitive function. It can lead to better sleep and increase the quality of life for seniors.
Activities such as reading, cooking, playing music, and art can stimulate different senses. These activities can also help people with dementia communicate better. They can also help improve cognitive function and help seniors achieve their goals.
Sensory stimulation can also help people with dementia sleep better. They tend to be groggy during the day and may experience fragmented sleep cycles at night. Sensory stimulation can help them sleep longer and uninterrupted stretches during the night.
A study by Janet M. Witucki and Renee Samples Twibell found that sensory stimulation can help people with advanced Alzheimer’s disease deal with psychological discomfort. They found that sensory stimulation can increase social interaction, improve cognitive function, and reduce anxiety.
Managing ambiguous loss and grief
Managing ambiguous loss and grief for dementia patients is a challenge. There are numerous strategies for coping. If you are having trouble coping, you may want to seek out a therapist. They are trained in specific types of loss. They will help you find the best way to cope.
Ambiguous loss is a common occurrence in dementia. It can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety for the caregiver. The loss can be either a physical presence or a psychological absence. However, it is essential to note that ambiguous loss is not the same as closure. The former can be very confusing, while the latter can be traumatic.
