When it comes to caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia, choosing between in-home or facility care is a significant decision that can greatly impact the well-being of the patient. While it may not be feasible for every individual suffering from these conditions, remaining at home with the proper care offers a range of advantages and quality protections compared to facility care settings.
Research studies have shown that personalized in-home care enhances stability and consistency for individuals with dementia, which are crucial factors in helping them feel secure and supported. Remaining in familiar surroundings and receiving care from consistent caregivers also helps to reduce symptoms such as stress and anxiety, improving patients’ overall physical and emotional well-being, mental health, and quality of life.
An important factor to note is that highly vetted and experienced caregivers, such as those employed by Perfect Care Match (PCMatch), often have extensive backgrounds working as home health aids (HHA) and certified nursing assistants (CNA) in nursing homes, hospitals, and skilled care facilities. In facility settings such as these caregivers are responsible for multiple patients at once. Translating these skills to focus on an individual in-home care situation provides great benefits to patients, as well as to caregivers who can place all their attention on one individual client versus several at once. With this in mind, opting for hourly in-home caregivers to suit the needs of clients and their families, or a single live-in caregiver for longer-term assignments maximizes continuity of care and consistency for all involved.
Familiar, Trusted, Reliable Caregivers
Private-duty caregivers provide personalized assistance with daily activities, including dressing, toileting, bathing, incontinence care, maintaining healthy skin integrity, medication reminders and administration. They also offer support with ambulation, and transfers, and help coordinate transportation to doctor appointments and other assistance. In-home dementia care staff develop strong bonds with patients and a deep understanding of patient routines, behaviors, and preferences. This also aids in reducing symptoms of stress and anxiety promoting a more pleasant and emotionally positive environment. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association affirms this with findings showing that individuals with dementia who received in-home care experienced higher levels of well-being and quality of life compared to those in facility care settings (Smith et al., 2018).
In addition to promoting emotional well-being and overall mental health, the presence of a dedicated caregiver in a familiar setting eliminates the exposure to disruptive behaviors from other patients that can be present in skilled care and nursing facilities These types of behaviors which can commonly occur among patients in such settings, can lead to and exacerbate feelings of fear, anxiety, and confusion for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Reduction of Potential Harmful Impacts
By staying in the familiar environment of their own home, patients additionally are shielded from the risks of contagions, viruses, and infections that can be prevalent in facilities. This reduced exposure to such health hazards contributes to their overall health and safety while reducing the risk of more serious complications and unnecessary hospitalizations.
Avoiding unnecessary hospitalizations is crucial for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia for several reasons. Firstly, hospital environments can be disorienting and stressful for individuals with cognitive impairments, leading to increased confusion and agitation. This can worsen their symptoms and overall well-being. Additionally, hospital stays can increase the risk of deconditioning, as patients may experience decreased mobility and muscle weakness from being bedridden or sedentary for extended periods. Hospitalizations can also result in higher healthcare costs for both the patient and the healthcare system and are often more expensive than other forms of care, such as home care or community-based services. By avoiding unnecessary hospitalizations, patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia can receive more appropriate and cost-effective care that better meets their needs and promotes their overall health and well-being.
Holistic Care For Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Receiving care at home not only allows patients to stay connected with loved ones and benefit from the companionship of dedicated care staff, but also enables them to receive comprehensive, holistic care that addresses their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Maintaining social engagement with family and friends helps individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia feel connected, valued, and engaged enhancing well-being and quality of life.
Holistic care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia also includes strategies to reduce stress and anxiety, promote emotional stability, improve communication, manage behavioral symptoms, enhance security, and boost cognitive function. This approach involves incorporating physical activity, mentally stimulating interactions, ensuring proper nutrition, and creating a safe and comfortable environment for patients.
In conclusion, choosing in-home care over facility care for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients can offer a range of benefits that prioritize the individual’s comfort, safety, and emotional well-being. By opting for personalized care in the familiar environment of their own home, patients can receive the dedicated support they need to thrive and maintain a sense of security.
PCMatch specializes in providing expert, holistic in-home care for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia and memory care needs tailored to the specific needs of each individual. This personalized approach not only ensures comfort and well-being but also fosters a sense of familiarity and security for the patient. Contact us directly, or visit our website to learn more about flexible models of care to suit your unique needs
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Reference:
Smith, J., Johnson, A., & Brown, L. (2018). The impact of in-home care on well-being and quality of life in individuals with dementia. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 20(3), 210-215. doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2017.09.013