Is Aging at Home Alone Possible When Living With Dementia?

There has long been an assumption that when someone received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of progressive dementia, the only real option was nursing home care. After all, it is extremely hard for someone living with dementia to continue to live at home, especially when they are alone – or is it?

Statistics demand the necessity for all of us to think this through for those we love, and perhaps even for ourselves one day. Approximately 14 million seniors are currently living at home alone – 33% with dementia, and 15% specifically with Alzheimer’s disease. Even more troubling, 1/2 of this population not only lives alone, but has no identified caregiver.

There are numerous key aspects of concern for a loved one who lives alone with Alzheimer’s:

• The skill to take care of activities of daily living independently, such as meals, personal hygiene, household management, and problem-solving
• An elevated vulnerability to exploitation and senior scams
• The isolation that arises from a fear of unfamiliar situations and places as confusion increases

Yet we also know that remaining at home throughout aging for someone with Alzheimer’s provides many great benefits, including:

• The convenience of familiar surroundings and belongings, which provides stability
• The ability to help keep regular routines, making life easier to navigate
• Self-identity that comes through preserving a sense of belonging

One solution that is ideal for many is bringing in a specially trained dementia caregiver to provide just the right level of support to cultivate as much freedom and independence as possible, while making sure of wellbeing and safety.

It is important to note that the sooner you can bring in support for someone with dementia, the better. Even during the very earliest stages of the condition, the progression can happen quickly, during which time the transition to care would have to take place immediately. By starting slowly with just a little assistance, perhaps with housework, laundry, and meals, you can then work up to a greater level of care seamlessly as needed.

At Home Sweet Home In-Home Care, we create a customized plan of care that is reviewed and adjusted as needed ongoing – so whether the need is for just a few hours each week of assistance, or full-time, 24-hour care, we are able to help older adults continue to live at home for a lifetime.

Our fully trained dementia care team can ensure safety and comfort throughout each stage of the disease, easing difficulties such as:

• Wandering
• Aggression
• Agitation
• Frustration
• Cognitive challenges
• And much more

Our caregivers provide the social interaction, mental stimulation, and support to remain physically active which all result in a greater quality of life. Home Sweet Home In-Home Care serves Niles and the surrounding Michigan communities. Contact us at (866) 229-2505 for a free consultation for more information on how we can help someone you love continue to live where it is most comfortable – at home – for a lifetime.