Caring for someone with Dementia can be challenging especially when their symptoms start to evolve. You may feel like you want to handle the situation on your own, but the progression of the dementia symptoms may leave you feeling overwhelmed, tired and exhausted. So, you may have started to think about an alternative option to help you cope. You may have given consideration to 24 hour Live-In Home Care or a Care Home.
But you are unable to decide if this the right decision. You might feel as if you are faced with so many questions such as:
- Timings - When is the right time to move someone with Dementia into a Care Home or receive Live-In Home Care Support.
- Who should make that decision – you maybe faced with a tough choice such as is going to a care home the right decision for the individual.
We understand the dilemma you face especially as you are trying to balance the emotional and practical needs of all parties involved. We have found that the decision maker feels an element of guilt, “am I abandoning my loved one?”. It is always difficult to understand if you are making the right decision in the persons best interest – we always encourage you to look into Advance Care Plans to support your loved ones future needs and aid you with making the right decision.
If you do not have an advance care plan in place, we would encourage you to start to think about working on this. It will help you to make the right decision in the future.
How do you know when the time is right?
Knowing the right time to move someone into a care home is difficult and the decision around this varies from person to person. The main things to consider are:
- Is your loved one safe at home?
- Are their needs being met?
Dementia is a progressive condition that will require additional care in the future. If you are finding that you are unable to meet the needs of your loved one safely it might be time to start looking for additional support. As your loved ones needs increase, it will become challenging to meet all their health and physical needs despite your best efforts.
There are a few reasons you may consider Live-In Care or a Care Home including:
- Worrying about your loved one’s safety and behaviour
- Not enough support in place following a hospital admission.
- They may require close supervision due to health reasons.
They require specialist care that is challenging to deliver in their own homes.
There is currently no cure for Dementia and as the physical and mental state of the person living with Dementia may worsen that maybe the time to seek help.
Supporting you as a Care Giver
Looking after a loved one with Dementia can be both rewarding and challenging. Quite often the caregiver also known as an unpaid carer can neglect their own personal needs. They feel guilty for considering appointing a Live-In Carer or arranging a placement within a care home.
The physical and mental exhaustion can take its toll on everyone involved. You can seek advice from a number of Local charities such as Carers in Bedfordshire and Dementia Cares Count.
Finding a suitable care provision can take the day-to-day stress away and provide you with the opportunity of spending quality time with your loved one.
Why choose Live-In Care?
There are many benefits associated with Care Homes. However, Live-In Care provides both physical and clinical benefits to clients enabling them to stay at home within their familiar surroundings. Some of the benefits of Live-In Care include:
- Flexibility – There is no rigid rules or timetable, each day is planned around the client.
- Personalised care – Having a routine that meets the needs of the client. With someone who has dementia, routine is really important. By having a carer that knows “mum likes jam, butter and toast followed by a black coffee each morning” is so important to that individual.
- Reduced falls – evidence provided by the Live-In Care hub confirms that there are 75% less falls leading to hip fracture by having a Live-In Carer
- Continuation of their activities – clients can spend time in their garden and remain local for their family and friends to visit
Testimony
“The live-in care lady has come as such a relief to us as a family and she couldn't be nicer. She straight away started to care for my mum and can't do enough for her. She is so kind and patient with mum, reassuring her that she is safe and cared for. I think we are very lucky to have her in our family”.
In ideal world, the person who is receiving the care should decide where they would like to be cared for. And where possible, be supported to make the right decision for them. However, we do recognise that due to a person’s capacity they may be unable to make the decision in which case you could:
- Refer to the persons Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) if they have one. An LPA is arranged prior to the person losing their capacity and it details what decisions they would like to be made around their health & welfare or finance in the event of the person losing their mental capability.
Finding the right care for your loved one
It important to assess your loved ones needs and appoint a Live-In Care provider or Care Home that’s best suited to your loved one. We would suggest that you:
- Request a Care Needs assessment from your local authority – They will assess the needs of your loved one, and they may contribute towards the cost of the care.
- Review the Care Quality Commission’s report (CQC), are they delivering a safe and person centred service to the individual?
- Arrange a consultation meeting with the Service Manager to discuss your budget, timescales, and the service provisions on offer. You will be able to get a feel for the service through your discussions. The Service Manager should make you feel comfortable and confident in the service offered.
Where possible avoid carrying the load of caring for someone with Dementia alone. Speak to people and access the resources available. If you would like some advice and guidance speak to our dedicated care team on 01223 894 066 or submit your contact details here.
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