Alzheimer's and dementia are becoming widespread, affecting many people across the world. These conditions impact the quality of life for patients and their families. It becomes hard to do everyday routine tasks and interactions with others. The risk of Alzheimer's and dementia increases significantly after the age of 65.

Alzheimer's and dementia are chronic conditions that can impact the daily living of an individual. There might be situations when it becomes tough for the person to manage the condition and do the everyday chores. They might demand assistance and care from someone who can support them. That “someone” can be a family member, friend, colleague, or acquaintance. But, there may be times when that person would no longer support the patient. So, what to do now? Things will surely become worse when the patient loses support. But, there is a ray of hope alive with some Alzheimer's & dementia care facilities to provide aid. These facilities provide support, boost confidence in the patient, and give peace of mind.

Here, we explain everything about facilities for Alzheimer's and dementia care. Let’s first understand Alzheimer’s and dementia in detail. Continue reading to explore more.

Alzheimer's vs. Dementia: Main Difference

Dementia is an umbrella term referring to the symptoms that affect the ability to perform everyday activities without assistance. The most common symptoms of dementia include changes in thinking skills, memory loss, and reduced focus and attention.

Alzheimer’s is considered to be the most prevalent cause of dementia. It is a physical ailment that damages the brain years before symptoms appear.

What Are the Signs of Dementia?

Those with dementia may experience cognitive and psychological changes. Let us take a look at the most common signs and symptoms of dementia:

Mood swings, withdrawal from social activities, anxiety, and personality changes.
Memory loss, for instance, forgetting recent events or misplacing things.
Reduced focus or trouble solving problems and making decisions.
Getting lost when driving or walking.
Problems with visual images and spatial relationships
Speech problems
Reduced or poor judgment

What Are the Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease?

The signs of Alzheimer’s disease can differ from person to person. One of the earliest signs of this condition is a memory problem. In most cases, the common signs of Alzheimer’s are:

Repetitive statements, questions, or physical movements
Difficulty reading, writing, or working with numbers
Trouble finding the correct word
Withdrawal from social activities
Mixing up languages
Hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia
Vision problems
Impulsive behavior
Sleep problems

Risk Factors Associated With Dementia and Alzheimer’s

The exact reasons why some individuals develop Alzheimer's while others do not remain unclear. But, certain risk factors may raise the chances of this ailment. These can be the following:

Genetic changes
Environmental factors (something about where you live, work, or spend a lot of time)
Smoking
Any traumatic brain injury
Age of the person: Alzheimer's and dementia generally impact those above 65.
Overall health

How Alzheimer’s & Dementia Is Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and dementia can be done in several ways. The initial step is to discuss your loved one's health with your healthcare provider.

The provider will discuss your health history and daily routines with you and your loved one. Your provider will also ask your loved one whether they have observed signs you didn't see yourself. They might ask about the following:

Ability to do regular activities
Changes in mood, behavior, and personality
Current medications
Medical history

Moreover, your medical professional will ask you to have a neurological and physical exam. This will rule out other symptoms and medical conditions that cause similar memory problems.

About Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Facilities

Alzheimer's & dementia care facilities work to provide 24/7 care to those who are undergoing Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia. These facilities offer a secure, supportive, home-like atmosphere with highly trained experts to meet patient needs. They assist with daily living activities and develop personalized care plans.

You may encounter various types of care facilities, like adult day centers, memory care units, or nursing homes. An adult day center may offer social interaction and activities for those undergoing dementia. Nursing homes provide 24-hour care and nursing services, and some might have specialized dementia care units. Memory care units are special residential care for dementia patients, providing 24/7 supervision and dementia-specific activities.

Key Features of an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Facility

The purpose of an Alzheimer's & dementia care facility is to fulfill certain needs of the person suffering from Alzheimer's or dementia. The patient receives round-the-clock care and supervision within these facilities, a safe and secure environment, and highly trained staff. Here is all about the main features of an Alzheimer's & dementia care facility in detail:

Round-The-Clock Care and Supervision

In these facilities, patients suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's disease receive 24-hour care from nurses and aides. This helps them fulfill all their special needs at any time.

Activities to Boost Memory

Facilities also provide engaging programs and therapies to help patients maintain their cognitive function and provide mental stimulation. Some examples are sensory stimulation, cognitive games, physical exercises, and group activities.

Experienced Caregivers

Alzheimer's and dementia care facilities hire professionals who are experienced in offering dementia care. Thus, they can better understand and address the unique needs and behaviors of the individual.

Help With Daily Tasks

Alzheimer's and dementia care facilities offer aid with activities of daily life. These activities can be bathing, dressing, medication management, and so forth.

Safe and Secure Spaces

It also offers secure environments to patients, giving them peace of mind during treatment. These facilities include secured units to prevent wandering.

How to Choose the Best Alzheimer's & Dementia Care Facility?

Just remember, not every facility is the same or offers similar services. When choosing the ideal care facility, you must take into account certain considerations. Below, we have discussed a few of them:

Do Your Research

Conducting thorough research is key to making the right decision. When you have collected all the information about various Alzheimer's & dementia care facilities, things become much easier. Check out online resources like state websites to find the best and most licensed facilities within your area.

Choose the Right Facility

This is the first thing that you should consider when choosing a facility for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. Choose a facility that suits your needs. You can select from a basic assisted living, memory care unit, or nursing home. It is advisable to choose the facility according to the individual's needs.

Visit in Person

Another vital consideration that you shouldn't overlook is visiting the facility in person. Shortlist some facilities and pay a visit. When you visit the facility, keep in mind that you are choosing an environment for your loved one where they will feel comfortable living. Observe cleanliness and assess whether residents appear well cared for. Are the professionals good enough to handle the needs of the residents?

Check Client Reviews

Check online reviews of the Alzheimer's and dementia care facility. Use an online search engine to find them. Remember that dissatisfied residents or even competitors can leave negative reviews, so evaluate them carefully using what you've gathered unassisted.

Location and Care Quality

Consider the location of the care facility so that it is easier to make regular visits. Assess the quality of care by inquiring about medical support, staff training, and resident engagement programs.

Compare Costs

Compare the costs of various facilities and consider insurance coverage options. Different facilities have different costs. A basic assisted living facility may cost about $5,000 to $6,000 per month, whereas nursing homes might range from $9,000 to $10,000. When choosing the facility, understand the base fee, extra costs, and payment alternatives. Also, check whether the facility accepts insurance.

Engaging Activities

When you visit the facility in person, ask about its daily schedule. Also, make sure that lots of joyous activities are planned, even for those in the latest stages of dementia.

Personalized Care

Look for facilities providing personalized care plans and regulate them as required based on the individual's varying needs. Personalized care plans may include goals and actions to help the patient live well, maintain their wellness, and pursue interests and hobbies.

What Makes Peaceful Home Care Best for Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care?

Peaceful Home Care is a reputable and dedicated provider of Alzheimer's and dementia care services in Harrisburg PA. It facilitates a secure and comfortable environment and offers personalized care tailored to the individual's needs. In addition to that, Peaceful Home Care also provides full-fledged support for caregivers.

Peaceful Home Care encourages dementia patients to stay active and involved in meaningful activities. All of these activities are tailored to their abilities and interests. We also integrate social interaction and therapies to help dementia patients maintain a sense of connection, making them feel valued and not isolated and evoking memories.

Caregivers often find themselves overwhelmed while caring for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Peaceful Home Care steps in as a reliable support system that provides emotional support and resources to help them navigate the challenges of caregiving. This support is intended to relieve their stress and ensure they can provide the best care possible.

In a Nutshell

That’s all in this write-up on Alzheimer's & dementia care facilities. If you are looking to assist your loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s, a well-equipped facility can offer the perfect respite. From professional therapies to engaging activities, an Alzheimer's and dementia care facility has a lot to offer. When selecting a facility, consider factors like facility type, quality of care, cost comparison, and personalized care.

Reach out to Peaceful Home Care, a trusted Alzheimer's & dementia care service provider. We offer a dedicated care facility at the most affordable pricing. Our experts provide comprehensive guidance and exceptional care. Get the ideal care for Alzheimer’s and dementia today. Call Peaceful Home Care now to learn more about our services.

Alzheimer's and Dementia Care: Trusted Support at Home