Deciding to take your loved one into a care home is one of the toughest decisions you can make. It is also one of the best, especially for loved ones suffering from dementia. Caring for a family member living with dementia is heavily involving and demanding. As the symptoms get worse, it gets even harder.
Knowing when to take your loved one to a care home where they can get professional assistance and live comfortably is critical. It allows you to have as much time as possible with those you love without compromising their health and safety. But when should you take a dementia patient to a care home?
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When you start noticing changes in behaviour
Changes in behaviour are the very first sign that it is time to take a dementia patient to a care home. People living with dementia start acting dramatically different. Sometimes, the changes are minor, while others might be drastic. Some common changes in behaviour might include a sudden change in hygiene, declining social invitations, becoming withdrawn or even developing an apprehension towards driving.
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Confusion and disorientation
Dementia can cause confusion and disorientation. In most cases, these effects can endanger the safety and well-being of the patient. The disorientation and confusion can cause the patient to forget the road rules, which can lead to traffic accidents or wander from home on food and not know how to get back.
When your loved one is constantly putting their physical safety at risk, you should consider taking them to a care home where they can get proper care and the environment around them is controlled.
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A decline in physical health
When one has dementia, changes in physical health are easily noticeable. Over time, the patient might become thin or frail, especially when they don’t have any help around them. It’s usually a sign that the patient could be forgetting to buy groceries, take medications as directed or even prepare proper meals. The patient could also forget whether they have taken their medications and take more than they are supposed to.
Changes in physical health, however, minor, shouldn’t be overlooked. They should be treated seriously to prevent progression and secure the health and safety of the patient.
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A caregiver’s deterioration of health
You can only offer proper care if you’re healthy yourself. Most dementia patients are taken care of by their relatives or spouses. Because it is a full-time job, the caregiver might forget to take care of themselves or might fall ill because of other reasons. When there’s no one to take care of a loved one with dementia around the clock, you should consider taking them to a care home.
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Incontinence
Although caregivers can handle a lot, incontinence is usually a problem on many levels. This is a clear sign that it is time to take the patient to a care home in nuneaton. As the disease progresses, the duties of the caregiver will increase. If you feel overwhelmed and like it’s more than you can handle, a care home can ensure your loved one received compassionate and professional care.