According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 70% of individuals turning 65 years old, which accounts for roughly 6 million seniors, can expect to use some form of long-term care during their lives. Keeping that statistic in mind it is alarming to see that more than 5 million Americans, within the 65 and up age group, are living with Alzheimer’s (the most common type of Dementia). This means that most seniors using a long-term care facility have Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association shows every 66 seconds someone in the United States develops this disease; unfortunately, this figure is predicted to be cut in half by mid-century with someone being diagnosed every 33 seconds.
Dementia: is an umbrella term used to describe declines in mental ability severe enough to interfere with day to day life.
Alzheimer’s: is the most common form of dementia and is characterized as an incurable and progressive brain disease that destroys brain function.
When one develops Alzheimer’s (or another dementia-related disease) many loved ones feel it is their duty to take care of them, yet becoming a caretaker can take a massive toll on family members. It is also important to remember that the disease will get worse over time, and eventually require around the clock care. Although it is admirable to want to be the one whom your loved one can depend on, sometimes that means knowing when you do not have the resources, or the experience, to continue to give them the best care possible.
If adamant about continuing care at home there’s in-home help options, adult daycare, and respite care. In-home help is a care-giver you can hire to aid ranging from a few hours a week to having them live in the home. Adult daycare programs can specialize in memory care, and operate during the weekdays so family members can continue with their day-to-day responsibilities. Finally, respite care is short-term care where the patient is placed in a facility temporarily, giving family members a block of time to rest, and take care of other things.
Despite the variety of options that can allow for a loved one to remain at home, there may come a time when the disease reaches a point that exceeds a caregiver’s capability. Deciding to move a loved one to a facility is not a sign of weakness or ambivalence towards them, it is quite the opposite. Realizing when it is time to take that step shows a great amount of strength in being willing to provide a family member with the best care possible, even if that means moving.
The Alzheimer’s Association provides a list of questions to consider when determining if moving a loved one to residential care is a good option:
- Is the person with dementia becoming unsafe in their current home?
- Is the health of the person with dementia or my health as a caregiver at risk?
- Are the person’s care needs beyond my physical abilities?
- Am I becoming a stressed, irritable and impatient caregiver?
- Am I neglecting work responsibilities, my family and myself?
- Would the structure and social interaction at a care facility benefit the person with dementia?
If answering these questions leads you to believe moving your loved one to an assisted living facility is the best option The Alzheimer’s Association, along with AgingCare.com, provides helpful guidelines in choosing the best facility. Planning to move your loved one ahead of time is essential because the transition will be stressful regardless. One of the first steps to take is to plan on visiting several care facilities. Alzheimer’s experts recommend visiting between three and five places before deciding on one. When visiting each facility, make sure to keep in mind the special needs your loved one has, and what kind of care/environment your family would feel is best. Make sure that the facility is designed to accommodate dementia behaviors; for example, many newer facilities have a “home-like” atmosphere as it aids in the overall treatment and comfort of the resident. Inquiring if the entire facility is dedicated to caring for patients with dementia-related diseases is also important, along with how they deal with the progression of the disease (for example, if they can treat late-stage Alzheimer’s), and finally learn what kind of credentials the staff members have.
Unfortunately, assisted living facilities do not come cheap, so keeping track of the pricing of different facilities is vital. Keeping a budget in mind can be difficult when dealing with something that holds such emotional importance. Make sure to question if the facility participates in Medicare or Medicaid. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Medicare and Medicaid are expected to cover 68 percent, or $160 billion, of the total amount of health care and long-term care expenses for those with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
IN SUMMARY FOR CAREGIVERS RESPONSIBLE FOR A LOVED ONE WITH ALZHEIMER’S, OR ANOTHER DEMENTIA-RELATED DISEASE, KEEP IN MIND:
- Options to allow your loved one to continue living at home include, in-home care, adult day care, and respite care.
- There is no shame in deciding to move your loved one to an assisted living facility as their disease progresses for them to receive the best care possible.
- When deciding on the appropriate senior living facility keep in mind the needs of your loved ones and if the facility can accommodate them.
- Visit between three to five places before deciding on one.
- Facilities that feel most like “home” are usually the best atmosphere for treating dementia-related disease.
- Keep budgeting parameters in mind, and ask if the facility participates in Medicare or Medicaid funding.
