Good dementia care helps people maintain as much independence as they can. Sometimes, that involves staying in their own home. Other times, a move is the better option.

What’s right for your family member depends in part on whether it’s more important to remain in familiar surroundings or to be in a lively, bustling place with care at the ready. It also depends on how much assistance your loved one requires.

Quick tip: Whatever type of care you choose, ask whether the aides are trained in dementia care.

Dementia Care for People Living at Home

If a person with dementia is able to stay home—and wants to—home care and adult day-care centers can help make that possible.

• Home care: An aide comes in regularly (say, twice a week for four hours at a time) to help with nonmedical tasks such as bathing, cooking, running errands and housekeeping. This also provides family caregivers a much-needed break.
• Adult day-care centers: Some specialize in caring for people with dementia. They offer activities and a social outlet, and allow family caregivers to work, run errands or just take a breather.

Dementia Care Outside the Home

Sometimes moving to a facility is better than remaining in the home. It may provide more security—less of a chance to wander and get lost. It also offers social opportunities.

• Assisted living: Some assisted living facilities specialize in dementia care, and others have wings for people who need it. You can get tips on choosing between assisted living and home care here.
• Residential care: This type of care often means residents live in a more intimate environment.

Care for People With Advanced Dementia

Whether they get in-home care or move to an assisted living facility, many people with Alzheimer’s eventually need more care than these options provide. For most, in-home health care is prohibitively expensive. Moving to a nursing home becomes the appropriate option.

As with any type of dementia care, it’s important to choose a good nursing home. Here’s a free checklist to help you decide. Or contact us. We’re happy to help you find one for free.