How can Assisted Living community help take care of people with Dementia?

Some diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Stroke cause irreparable damage to the brain and exhibit symptoms of memory loss and forgetfulness, which is termed as Dementia. People with dementia may find it difficult to recognise others or do normal activities and their ability declines in many ways causing anxiety, stress and a sense of helplessness among family and friends. Dementia is a syndrome that’s chronic and progressive in nature.

It’s a myth that this disease affects people only in the West. In India, most people assume that memory loss or forgetfulness is a sign of old age and ignore recognising it at an early stage and take appropriate action. Therefore, many cases go undiagnosed. Around 4.4 million people in India suffer from some or the other form of Dementia according to reports published in Dementia India Report of ARDSI, which is endorsed by NIMHANS in Bengaluru. Dementia increases the care burden on the family member and society. Many families in India are unprepared and unsupported to handle dementia caregiving in spite of training and advise from others who know about dementia. Families need to get a realistic picture for effective planning and take necessary support. Assisted Living is slowly gaining popularity in India and could be a long-term care option for older people with dementia.

How can Assisted Living community help take care of people with dementia?

As population ages, more people will develop such cognitive ailments. People with dementia need more care than what family members can provide. A long-term care facility such as an Assisted Living community has trained support staff to understand the behaviour and needs of a person with dementia and give them the care they need. However, moving a patient with dementia to an Assisted Living community equipped with Memory Care centre is quite complex. It’s a major transition with logistical challenges and an emotional journey for both the family members as well as the individual who suffers from dementia. 

When do you start to think of moving a dementia patient to a care centre?

Once a senior member in your family is diagnosed with dementia, you may think of moving them to an Assisted Living care centre ensuring they receive impeccable care and support from trained personnel. It makes better sense to start looking for the right community for your parent or a loved one in your family who is diagnosed with dementia. You may involve them in the process gradually in order to ensure a smoother transition when the actual shifting takes place. The right time to move them could be when he or she is unable to do their daily activities independently and their safety is challenged. That’s when you realise that the level of care they need is more than what you or any other family member or friend can provide. It could be stressful and a difficult decision to make, nevertheless the right choice in the long run from the perspective of time and safety.

What to look for in an Assisted Living community to ensure your loved one gets utmost care for dementia?

All Assisted Living communities are not the same and many of them may not be adequately equipped to take care of residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s. We can help you look for the right place that specialises in memory care and other aspects, which are needed to take care of a dementia patient. 

Moving your loved one from your home to an Assisted Living community may be challenging and needs a gradual transition. Once you have chosen the place, it may be advisable to visit the place a few times before moving in. This builds familiarity and helps ease the transition. You may opt to attend certain events and speak to other residents with similar issues and interact with staff at the centre.

Can we give them stuff from home to take when they move to their new home?

A person with dementia may find it extremely difficult in the beginning to adjust to his or her new surrounding. You may check with the chosen care centre’s manager about what you can bring along that’s allowed in their new accommodation. If your loved one has been using a piece of furniture or utensil and is accustomed to his or her personalised bedding, music or a work of art, you may want to get that along when you move them. Some facilities keep the room unfurnished to allow residents and their family members to recreate a space that feel much like home. Familiar objects from home help new residents settle in more quickly.

What are the important aspects to look for when we select a community living space for a person with dementia?

There are predominantly three important components that you may want to consider before finalising a memory care centre for your loved one. They are:

• Trained and experienced staff, skilled in taking care of people with dementia.
• A structured program that’s customised to their needs.
• Activities that are suitable and engaging for such residents.

We will help you to choose and decide.

You can minimise mental and emotional stress with a well-planned and methodical preparation. We  will accompany you through the entire process of selecting an Assisted Living centre that’s well equipped and will provide the required support you need through this transition. 

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