Can Someone With Dementia Continue Living at Home?
Can Someone With Dementia Continue Living at Home?
A dementia diagnosis does not automatically mean someone has to leave their home.
In the earlier stages, some people are able to continue living at home with help from family, friends, community resources, or paid support. The National Institute on Aging notes that people with early-stage dementia may be able to remain at home while using assistance for daily activities and planning ahead for increasing care needs. National Institute on Aging
The better question for families is often:
What support does my loved one need to remain at home safely and comfortably?
Look at Daily Life, Not Just the Diagnosis
Every person's situation is different.
Pay attention to whether your loved one can safely:
Prepare meals
Bathe and dress
Take medications correctly
Move around the home
Use appliances
Manage appointments
Recognize familiar surroundings
Respond appropriately in an emergency
A person who needs reminders and companionship may have very different needs from someone who wanders or becomes severely confused.
Create Routine and Familiarity
Familiar routines can be especially valuable for someone experiencing cognitive changes.
Keeping meals, activities, bedtime, and household routines relatively predictable may make the day easier to navigate.
The goal is not to control every moment.
It is to reduce unnecessary confusion while preserving as much independence as possible.
Make the Home Safer
As dementia progresses, families may need to look at the home differently.
Consider things like:
Removing trip hazards
Improving lighting
Securing medications
Checking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Monitoring cooking safety
Securing hazardous household products
Addressing wandering risks when appropriate
Safety needs can change over time, so the home should be reassessed periodically.
Know When More Help May Be Needed
A few hours of support may be enough at first.
Over time, some families may need more help with:
companionship,
personal care,
meals,
supervision,
daily routines,
and caregiver respite.
The National Institute on Aging notes that professional in-home care is one of several options families may consider as dementia-related support needs increase. National Institute on Aging
Involve Healthcare Professionals
Noticeable changes in memory, judgment, behavior, balance, or functioning should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.
Dementia symptoms can change over time, and other medical issues can sometimes affect memory or behavior as well.
Helping South Bay Families
Lira TL Care Agency helps families throughout Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes and surrounding South Bay communities explore caregiver support for loved ones living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
The goal is not simply to find someone to fill hours.
It is to understand the person, their routine, personality, needs, and family situation.