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Alzheimer's: Variety of long-term care options are available
Residential care options
As your loved one undergoes changes brought on by advancing Alzheimer's disease, he or she will require increasing amounts of assistance. At some point, you may decide to look into alternative housing options in your community.
You may find a wide range of residential care settings available in your community, but most fall into one of the following categories:
- Retirement housing. These settings — also known as senior apartments or senior living — provide housing only. Residents usually have their own apartment or private room that includes a kitchen. This type of residential care setting may be appropriate for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's who can care for themselves independently and live alone safely but are unable to manage an entire house.
- Assisted living. People who need help with personal care and require general guidance but don't need the specialized medical care of a nursing home may be well-suited for assisted living facilities. These facilities — also known as board and care, group homes, community-based residential facilities or foster homes — are best for those who have moderate functional impairment but who can still engage in such tasks as feeding themselves and getting in and out of chairs.
- Specialized dementia care facilities. People who need more supervision and assistance than may be offered in assisted living may benefit from "memory care" assisted living. This model of care generally offers a greater number of staff per residents, specialized staff training and activity-based programming. The building or unit often includes secured exits and enhanced visual cues (like signs or pictures) to help residents feel more oriented in unfamiliar surroundings.
- Nursing home. If your loved one needs medical care, a nursing home may be the preferred option. These facilities provide room and board with 24-hour skilled care — care provided by a licensed nurse. Some nursing homes have special units for people with Alzheimer's disease — designed so that the environment, activities, philosophy of care and staff training revolve around the special needs of people with Alzheimer's.
Choosing the type of care
To decide which type of care would work best for you, assess the needs of your loved one and your needs as a caregiver. Ask your doctor, social worker, members of your local Alzheimer's Association chapter or another community agency to help you determine your loved one's potential needs. Any new care arrangement you make will involve blending your capabilities as a caregiver with the needs of your loved one.
Keep in mind that some settings aren't designed for people with Alzheimer's. And as the needs of your loved one change, caregiving options may also change. Some settings may not be able to care for your loved one throughout the course of the disease. Most people require more support and help as the disease progresses.
To determine which type of care is best for your loved one, consider the following:
- Is 24-hour supervision needed?
- Does your loved one need special care? If so, what type of skills must a caregiver have to provide that care? For example, does your loved one have communication difficulties or unique behaviors, or does he or she need toileting and bathing assistance? Does your loved one want to walk or move around but needs direction and assistance?
- Does your loved one need help in taking medications?
- Does your loved one have complex medical problems, such as heart disease or diabetes?
- What types of meals are needed? Do the meals need to be prepared by a caregiver?
- Do you want a facility that specializes in Alzheimer's care?
- How will the costs be covered?
Don't delay the decision
The amount of care needed and type of atmosphere preferred will influence your decision about the type of care setting you should visit. Keep in mind that most facilities have waiting lists, and it may be beneficial to explore your options early, before a crisis arises. This allows for a more thorough evaluation without additional pressure.
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