When is the Time to Get Help Caring for Loved Ones with Dementia?

Caring for a loved one who suffers from dementia can be a difficult task.  You can feel rewarded when a day goes well, but the nature of dementia is that things will only get harder as time goes on.  You should always remain aware of their current ability level, as well as your own ability to cope with the task. Knowing when to call for help is vital to your well-being and your loved one’s safety.

Four Signs You Should Find Help in Caring for Someone with Dementia

Below are some signs that often prompt people to call us and ask about in-home senior care as an alternative to nursing homes.

1. Frequent nighttime wandering

As dementia progresses, nighttime wandering tends to be more common.  Persons with dementia will get up in the middle of the night, often multiple times, and start wandering around almost like they are sleepwalking.  People in this state have been known to hurt themselves, by falling on stairs, or by wandering into the street.

Wandering can be mitigated through overnight watches or use of motion detectors. But usually, seniors who are wandering multiple times a night will need caregivers dedicated to watching over them.

2. You feel you are unable to fully secure the house

People with dementia will need to be increasingly protected from things within their own homes.  Anything sharp, such as kitchen utensils, may have to be moved out of their reach.  Doors and windows will all need to be securely locked, so that patients are safely kept indoors at night.

Protection and security are tasks that grow more difficult over time.  When you think you are unable to fully safety-proof their home on your own, call for someone to help.

3. Loss of ability to perform everyday tasks

How much of your time can you devote to performing everyday tasks for your loved ones. Even if you have several friends or family members helping with the care, the number of chores to be done will start to pile up when combined with your own personal care or family tasks.  The potential of having to help your loved one with basic tasks such as eating or going to the bathroom can be time consuming, difficult, and in some cases, uncomfortable. Trained professionals can make these situations much easier.

4. You feel as though you are burning out

Caregiver burnout is a very real phenomenon.  Those providing care to an elderly loved one will start to be increasingly stressed out by the tasks expected of them, and this can easily lead to depression, loss of sleep, anger, or lashing out.

Burnout is perhaps the most important warning sign of all because a caregiver who is losing the ability to give care is also unable to care for themselves properly.

Neighborly Home Care Provides Compassionate In Home Care For Seniors with Dementia

If any of these situations sounds familiar, Neighborly Home Care can help.  We are one of Philadelphia’s most trusted in-home care providers, and our caregivers are committed to helping those you love.  Contact us to learn more.