For countless families across the globe, a dementia diagnosis means making many difficult decisions, with one of the most pressing being, “Where should my loved one receive care?” For many, the immediate reaction leans towards choosing facility-based care, but what if this isn’t the best way?
Emerging evidence has begun to highlight the profound benefits of at-home care for dementia patients, suggesting that familiar surroundings can significantly enhance their overall well-being and quality of life, and understanding these options and their overarching impacts is important. In this article, we will review the intricacies of dementia and look at the compelling reasons that demonstrate why home care can be a transformative choice for many families and their loved ones.
Demystifying Dementia: A Glimpse Inside the Brain
Dementia isn’t just about forgetfulness; it represents a broad spectrum of cognitive impairments. But what really happens inside the brain?
Dementia is caused by the progressive degeneration of nerve cells or neurons, especially in the hippocampus, a brain region vital for memory formation. As dementia progresses, it can affect the cortex, the brain’s outer layer responsible for language, decision-making, and complex thinking. Over time, these affected neurons lose their connections and eventually die, leading to the brain shrinking in size.
These changes can manifest in various ways: from the widely recognised symptom of short-term memory loss to more intricate challenges such as problem-solving difficulties and language comprehension issues. As these brain cells deteriorate, the connections that once held memories, solved problems or helped with everyday tasks like orientation and visual perception weaken and fade. The world for a person with dementia can become confusing and unpredictable, highlighting just how important the right care environment is when reviewing treatment options.
The Complex Landscape of Institutionalised Dementia Care
Institutional settings such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities are frequently perceived as the premiere choice for dementia care; however, while these options can offer professional care and structured routines, they also come with inherent challenges for dementia patients.
Navigating New Spaces
One of the significant hurdles for dementia patients is adapting to unfamiliar environments. Moving into a care facility often means:
- New room layouts to learn.
- Unknown faces at every turn.
- A shift from familiar household routines to a set schedule within the institution.
Due to the nature of the illness, such drastic changes can further exacerbate feelings of confusion and emotional distress.
The General-Approach Problem
Care facilities often run on standardised care protocols. While this makes sense from an organisational and financial standpoint, this can inadvertently sideline the intricate needs of dementia patients:
- Dementia encompasses various types, meaning symptoms and challenges differ widely between people.
- Each patient has unique experiences, habits, and preferences that might not align with a standardised routine.
- Dementia progresses at different rates. Some individuals may require more intensive care than others, and a one-size approach might not account for this.
Yearning for Home
Many dementia patients frequently express a longing to go home, even if they are in a state-of-the-art care facility. This emotional pull is not just about a physical location but a yearning for familiarity, comfort, and memories.
Building Bonds in Busy Halls
Establishing genuine caregiver-patient relationships in larger institutions can be challenging. Amidst the hustle and bustle of institutionalised settings:
- Personalised interactions may become brief check-ins.
- The rotation of staff can prevent the formation of consistent bonds.
- Larger patient-to-caregiver ratios can result in less one-on-one time.
While institutional settings have many admirable qualities, the personal element is missing for many. Each individual’s journey with dementia is unique and deserving of a personalised approach that addresses medical needs and respects their emotional well-being, cherished memories, and inherent desire for familiarity.
Reaping the Rewards of At-Home Care for Dementia
Navigating the path of dementia is no easy feat, and every family searches to find the best levels of care and support for their loved one. When considering the options available, there are clear benefits for at-home treatment.
Home Comforts
For someone with dementia, familiarity can be immensely soothing. Being in their own home, surrounded by personal possessions, favourite armchairs, and even specific scents, can provide a tremendous sense of security. There’s no underestimating the impact of waking up in one’s own bed, and these small comforts can significantly decrease feelings of disorientation and anxiety.
A Look at Mortality Risks
Research indicates that dementia patients who receive care at home tend to experience better health outcomes. In contrast, one study highlighted the potential risks of relocating dementia patients to nursing homes. It found that those who moved to a facility faced a doubled mortality risk compared to those who stayed in a familiar environment, and this increased risk persisted even when considering their health status.
Crafting Care Around the Person
When it comes to dementia care, there are many benefits to taking a personalised approach. At-home treatment puts the emphasis on the individual, embracing their unique experiences, progressions, and needs. It’s care that’s not just about assistance but about resonance. In this tailored environment, caregivers are better equipped to tackle specific challenges and provide the kind of support that truly makes a difference.
Enhanced Safety in Personal Spaces
Homes can be fine-tuned to meet the unique requirements of dementia patients through thoughtful modifications. Good lighting, decluttered spaces, clear walkways, strategic signage, and added features like bathroom grab bars and entrance ramps can offer security and functional safety.
Flexible Care for Varied Needs
Home care allows for comprehensive options that can be designed around the individual. Some might require round-the-clock assistance, while others only need help a few hours daily. This flexibility ensures that care schedules can be adjusted as dementia progresses or as other needs arise.
Trust through Consistency
Consistency in care plays a crucial role in building trust. With at-home care, patients often interact with a smaller, consistent group of caregivers. This continuity fosters deeper understanding and trust, ensuring they feel safe, understood, and cared for. Over time, these caregiver-patient relationships can evolve into profound bonds that significantly benefit emotional well-being.
Looking after the Caregiver
Families of dementia patients often bear an unnoticed weight. Research led by Johns Hopkins unveils a poignant reality: a staggering 97% of caregivers for dementia patients living at home grapple with numerous unmet needs, spanning medical care, supportive services, and essential dementia care education. Such gaps significantly increase caregiver stress, which is a predictor of nursing home admissions for people living with dementia as carers feel unable to cope. Opting for at-home care addresses these needs more directly and lessens the emotional burden on families during an already strenuous emotional period.
How Assured Healthcare and Wellness Advocates for Home-based Dementia Care
The journey through dementia is deeply personal and complex. Assured Healthcare and Wellness understands this intricacy and supports the benefits of at-home care. Our approach is rooted in the idea that familiar surroundings can provide unparalleled comfort and stability.
Our team of registered nurses, specifically trained in dementia care, focus on the individual nuances of each patient. They work to understand each person’s unique challenges while leveraging the advantages of delivering treatment in the home environment. By working closely with families and their loved ones, Assured Healthcare and Wellness provides compassionate care, support and knowledge, fostering a sense of trust and understanding in a challenging time.
If you are dealing with dementia and would like to discuss the benefits of at-home care, please contact us today.
