Dementia Home Care vs. Assisted Living: How to Choose?

People with dementia usually have complex, ongoing care needs. In later stages, family members are often unable to take care of their loved ones.

When the time comes, they have to make the decision to get some help. They can send them to a memory care facility or hire in-home caregivers.

There are many benefits to both options. Depending on their needs, the patient may be better off with one or the other.

In this "dementia home care vs. assisted living" article, we'll talk about these two options. We'll also explain the key differences between these two senior living solutions.

What Do Assisted Living Facilities Offer?

Assisted living facilities are also called nursing homes. In some cases, they're called memory care facilities. They aren't only for elderly patients but for people experiencing cognitive impairment.

These include people with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other cognitive conditions.

Memory care facilities usually offer:

• A safe and secure environment
• Trained staff
• Specialised living spaces
• Medication management
• Organised social interaction
• Cognitive therapy
• Full-time supervision

The exact services and amenities vary depending on the facility.

Even though nursing homes aren't your real home, they can be the best next thing. Some patients don't have anyone who can take care of them anymore. So, a memory care facility is their only option.

Nursing home residents can receive the care they need here. Their quality of life can improve greatly in residential care.

What Does In-Home Care Offer?

In-home care allows the patient to remain living at home. Elderly people can receive the care they need in the comfort of their own homes.

In-home care usually includes the following care services:

• Companionship care
• Personal care and help with personal hygiene
• Help with everyday tasks
• Occupational and physical therapy
• Meal preparation
• Medication reminders
• Home Health Aides
• Housekeeping and gardening
• Home modifications
• Social activities
• Transportation

You can receive in-home care through Home Care Packages. These are aged care services funded by the Australian Government.

Older adults can apply for a Home Care Package with or without dementia. Any elderly person who needs help with day-to-day tasks has the right to apply.

They are then free to choose their home care provider.

Home Care Packages also let you apply for dementia supplements.

What Is the Best Option for Dementia Patients?

Patients can receive dementia care both at home and at an assisted living facility.

If the patient is in the early stages of dementia, they can stay home. They can receive in-home care with the help of family members.

Those at later stages have an increased risk of injury. They can't afford to live in an unsafe environment.

These patients usually fall under Level 4 of home care. This is the highest Home Care Package level. 

If you're not sure what to do, ask yourself these questions:

1. Does the patient have mild dementia, moderate dementia, or advanced dementia?
2. Does the patient have long-term care needs?
3. Can their medical needs be met at home?
4. Is the patient safe in their current environment?
5. Do they need help with daily living?
6. Do they have the support of a family member?
7. Do you have the resources for either option?
8. How is the patient's mental health?
9. Which option is better for their quality of life?

It's a good idea to talk to a professional. Your doctor can tell you which option is better for your loved one.

In some cases, they have no other option than to go to a nursing home. But you can also receive home care if you have a dementia diagnosis.

Benefits of In-Home Care for Dementia Patients

Many families decide they want to continue living with the dementia patient. If the patient has a mild or moderate case of dementia, all their needs can be met at home.

Here are some benefits of in-home care for dementia patients:

1. A familiar environment
2. Being surrounded by family members and loved ones
3. Personalised services and one-to-one care
4. Being able to receive medical services at your own home
5. Not having to go to doctor's appointments and hospitals
6. Being able to stay independent and comfortable

The whole point of in-home care is to make staying home possible for the patient. If they need help with daily living, that's what the in-home caregivers are there for.

A familiar environment is very important for memory loss. Moving to a nursing home can make the dementia patient disoriented and scared.

If they are surrounded by loved ones, they'll find the treatment much easier. It also helps that they can get the care and therapy they need at home.

Being able to stay independent also helps with the patient's mental health.

In some cases, the patient may not want to live in a nursing facility. Even though memory care communities can be good for them, they might not want this option.

It's important to put their needs and preferences first.

Benefits of Assisted Living for Dementia Patients

Many seniors choose to live in an assisted living facility. That's because family caregivers can't take care of them for some reason.

The dementia patient may not have anyone to look after them as well. If that's the case, nursing homes are their only option.

Here are the most important benefits of assisted living for dementia care:

1. Being in a supportive assisted living community
2. Skilled nursing facilities have trained staff
3. Specialised care assistance
4. Being able to live in a private room
5. Living in a safe environment
6. Access to expert medical services at all times

Assisted living communities can help the patient get used to their new home. They are surrounded by those who are experiencing similar health issues.

They also have the support of trained staff, nurses, and doctors. This is especially important for Alzheimer's disease and dementia care.

As the disease progresses, the patient needs to be monitored more often. Nursing homes offer non-stop monitoring and a safe environment.

Haisey Home Care and Dementia Care

There are many benefits of assisted living communities. But dementia patients can also receive the care they need at home.

Haisey Home Care is here to help patients with dementia. Our dementia care program is for those with mild, moderate, and advanced dementia. We can make life easier for the patient and their family members.

If you are interested in our services, feel free to contact us. Book a free in-person consultation if you want to know what your options are.