Whether your loved one has progressed to the early, middle, or late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, there are plenty of personalized solutions out there to support your loved one. And as your family’s needs change over time, you’ll want a reliable care option that’s just a phone call away.

Your Guide To Alzheimer’s Care Options

We know that the decision surrounding your loved one’s memory care can be difficult and overwhelming. We’re here to make it a little easier for you. As dedicated memory care professionals, we’ve rounded up some of the top options for Alzheimer’s and dementia care services.

With this helpful guide, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on your loved one’s memory care needs. Let’s dive in and discuss which dementia care options are right for your family’s situation.

In-Home Care

For loved ones in the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s disease, in-home care services are usually the best option. In-home dementia care allows your loved one to keep living in a comfortable environment with minimal disruption to familiar routines.

With this care option, you’ll hire a professional caregiver to provide assistance with daily living needs. That caregiver will help provide the relief you need from more burdensome responsibilities. This approach is often the most affordable service option for memory care support.

We should note that not all in-home care services are the same. Some in-home services offer medical support while others do not. The most common types of in-home services include:

• Personal care services - Assistance with basic Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, eating, exercising, and more.
• Homemaker services - Assistance with housekeeping tasks, shopping, and meals.
• Skilled care - Support for medical needs, such as physical therapy, medications, and injuries.

You’ll need to appropriately assess the needs of your loved one before choosing an in-home care provider. Make sure you talk to your loved one’s doctor to get a clear picture of their current needs. Check out the resources on the Alzheimer’s Association website to find the right in-home care provider for your loved one.

Respite Care

As defined by SeniorAdvice, respite care is a flexible, short-term care option offered by senior care facilities, volunteer organizations, and home care agencies. With respite care, your loved one will continue to receive care in a safe environment. Meanwhile, your family gains temporary relief from your caregiving responsibilities. It’s a good way to take some time for yourself while your loved one gains the opportunity to:

• Interact with others experiencing similar stages of dementia
• Spend time in a new supportive environment that’s completely safe
• Participate in activities designed to match their personal abilities and needs

However, many people aren’t clear on the difference between respite care and adult day care. These terms are often used interchangeably as there is a great deal of overlap between the concepts. Let’s clear the air on the differences between these two dementia care options.

Adult day care is a type of respite care. The main difference between the two care options is the setting. Respite care can occur in any type of care setting, while adult day care services occur in social environments (e.g., community centers, churches, etc.). Most forms of adult day care are restricted to up to 12 hours per day, while respite care can extend to longer overnight stays.

So, if you just need temporary relief from your caregiving responsibilities, respite care could be a viable option for you.

Residential Care

Your loved one’s Alzheimer’s disease will eventually progress into the middle and late stages. As that happens, it’ll become increasingly difficult to meet their needs in your home. At that point, a communal living situation in a memory care residence may be the best option for your loved one.

With this type of care, your loved one will go to live in a private community of dementia care residents and certified nursing professionals. While this concept may make you feel uneasy, don’t worry! Your loved one will be appropriately supported in these care homes for dementia. These environments are specifically designed for people afflicted by Alzheimer’s disease, as the facilities often feature:

• Circular floor plans and private suites to reduce patient confusion
• Amenities, such as community events and specialized therapy services, to mitigate symptoms of dementia
• Daily activities and home-cooked meals to make residents feel engaged and comfortable
• Personalized care and 24/7 supervision with memory care professionals

To make things even better, families can visit residents in these communities at any time! Speaking from experience, we know that residents always feel safe and happy in these homelike environments.

Learn More About Dementia And Alzheimer’s Care Services

If you’re looking for top-tier dementia care services, then you’ve come to the right place. At The Creeks, we have developed close-knit communities that personalize memory care services to the individual. In our small house approach, we have certified nurses on staff 24/7 to ensure our communities are loving, nurturing, and supportive. And while our main clients are here for long-term stays, we can also provide adult day care and respite care services to meet the needs of your loved one!

Contact The Creeks today to see how our Alzheimer’s care communities can benefit your loved one.