Dementia is a condition that affects the brain, and it can happen to anyone – today, there are nearly half a million people with dementia in the UK. It tends to be a very isolating condition, both for the person with dementia and for their family and friends, and it can be incredibly difficult to give up working and socialising, and many people with dementia become withdrawn. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety and depression.
Care at home can help people with dementia to stay independent for longer, and it can also help to reduce the feelings of isolation and loneliness that can come with the condition.
How does care at home help with dementia?
You may need extra care at home from professionals if you or a loved one has dementia. This is because it’s harder to manage on your own and needs more help than usual. You can get this help at home by engaging a care agency like myCare to provide an experienced care worker in your own home.
In most cases, it’s not necessary for someone with mild symptoms of dementia to move into a care home until they become much more seriously impaired. But this can happen if:
- Their family dynamics change (for example when children grow up) causing less time for them to look after them
- Their partner passes away
- They move house frequently due to financial difficulties or living arrangements
So if this is an option you’re considering, here are some of the most significant benefits of receiving dementia care at home.
Familiarity with home
Studies have shown that people with dementia who receive care at home have better mental health outcomes than those who live in nursing homes or other institutional settings.
They can also maintain more control over their environment, which can help reduce anxiety and agitation. When it comes to social interaction as well, it’s more meaningful for care receivers to be around their family and loved ones than for people who live in nursing homes or other institutional settings.
It’s the easier and more practical choice for families
Care at home is easier for families since they don’t have to worry about finding a new place to live or making arrangements for transportation. Especially for adult children or other carers with busy lives, having a care worker in the home assisting your loved one with dementia is usually the more manageable solution.
It is also generally more affordable than nursing home care, especially when families are able to find government subsidies or other funding sources. In some cases, it may even be possible to get private insurance to cover the costs of home health aides or other in-home care services.
It helps with memory
There is evidence to suggest that people with dementia who receive care at home have better cognitive function than those in nursing homes. One study showed that individuals with early-stage dementia who lived at home were more likely to maintain their abilities to recognise familiar faces and remember personal information.
It’s useful for setting a routine
People with dementia often benefit from having a set routine, and care at home can provide this. Family caregivers can work with the home health aide or other in-home care workers to help establish a daily schedule that includes activities like eating, bathing, and exercise. This can help reduce anxiety and agitation, and make it easier for the person with dementia to manage their day-to-day life.
It can improve their mood and outlook on life
Patients who receive dementia care at home also tend to have a better mood and outlook on life than those in nursing homes. One study showed that individuals with early-stage dementia who lived at home were more likely to report feeling happy, while those in nursing homes were more likely to report feeling depressed.
The care can be personalised
When receiving care at home, the level and type of care can be personalised to meet the individual’s needs. This is in contrast to nursing homes or other institutional settings, where the care is often more generalised and less tailored to the specific needs of the person with dementia. For example, if someone with dementia is having difficulty communicating, a care worker at home can spend more time working on communication skills.
Help a loved one manage dementia more comfortably with home care support
Overall, there are many benefits to receiving dementia care at home. It can help improve the person’s mood and outlook on life and can be tailored to meet their specific needs. If you’re considering this option for your loved one, be sure to research all the available resources to make sure it’s the best fit for them. If you’d like to learn more about how we can support you here at myCare, don’t hesitate to speak to our team of professional care workers.
