What Are the Options for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care?
Dementia is a complex, progressive condition, so ensuring your loved one has access to the right care options is vital. Read on to find out what types of dementia and Alzheimer’s care are available
What’s the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s?
Dementia is the term used to refer to an overall decline in cognitive abilities, most commonly memory, behaviour and thinking. Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that leads to nerve cell damage and cognitive decline. According to the NHS, Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia in the UK. Whether caused by Alzheimer’s or otherwise, people with dementia require care and support as the disease progresses.
What are the options for dementia care?
There are a number of different dementia care options you can choose from and tailor to suit the unique needs of your family member:
Live in care
Live-in care is a great option for people living with dementia, as it enables them to stay in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by familiar routines, memories, and belongings. Having a dedicated carer means support is consistent and tailored to their needs, helping to avoid unnecessary stress or confusion. From managing daily tasks to simply offering companionship, live-in care provides reassurance and safety to support their quality of life.
Respite care
Caring for a family member living with dementia can take a toll, so respite care is a great way to take a much-needed break. Available as and when needed, respite care makes sure your loved one has the care and support they need, so you can step away. If you’re juggling work and care and need a break, respite means your loved one will continue to have access to dedicated specialist care, giving your family the chance to rest and recuperate.
24-hour care
24-hour care at home offers peace of mind for families, providing round-the-clock support for those who need constant assistance, especially individuals living with complex conditions like dementia. With carers available day and night, help is always at hand, whether they need personal care, support taking medication, or simple reassurance during unsettled moments. This type of care ensures your loved one’s safety and comfort at all hours, making them feel secure and supported in their own home.
Palliative care
As a progressive condition, many people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia may eventually need palliative care, often known as end-of-life care. For those living with dementia, holistic end-of-life care at home places their comfort and wellbeing above all else. At-home care ensures that, even as their condition progresses, they have access to the support they need without needing to move from a place of familiarity.
Signs your loved one needs dementia care
These signs are a clear indication that your loved one may need specialist dementia care:
- They’re experiencing noticeable memory loss that affects daily life (e.g. forgetting names, appointments, or familiar places)
- Increased confusion about time, place, or people is causing them to become anxious and withdraw
- They’re having growing difficulty managing personal hygiene, meals, or household tasks
- You’re struggling to meet their care needs as their condition grows more complex
- You have increased concerns for their safety, but are not able to monitor them constantly
Live-in dementia care with Ashridge Home Care
At Ashridge Home Care, our carers are trained in-house to provide specialist care at home for a range of complex illnesses and conditions, including dementia. Our live-in care services will ensure your loved one has access to high-level medical care, as well as emotional support and companionship.
We are passionate about helping families in our community experiencing dementia and Alzheimer’s, which is why we continue to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society and host our Memory Cafes, providing a dementia friendly space for people living with the condition to make friends and have fun.
Keen to find out more about how our team of dedicated carers can support your family member living with dementia? Get in touch today to chat with our team.