What Do Caretakers of Patients with Dementia Need to be Successful?
The primary caretaker of someone living with dementia is, more often than not, that person’s spouse, child, or another close family member. Many of the people in this type of caregiving position feel overwhelmed, not only by the responsibilities of care but by the grief and overwhelming emotions of knowing someone they love has a progressive, terminal disease.
As people living with dementia are as unique as cognitively healthy individuals are, and usually want to retain independence for as long as possible, they act in a kind of partnership with their loved ones who care for them. Therefore, those family caregivers can be referred to as dementia caretakers.
If you are the care partner of a loved one with a cognitive or memory condition, it’s easy to feel lost and not know where to turn. Fortunately, once you identify your own needs, it’s possible to have those needs met, allowing you and your loved one both to cope with the dementia journey and maintain the best possible quality of life.
At Town Square Sandy Springs, our goal is to offer Atlanta-area seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, as well as their loved ones, the best possible support through our innovative, reminiscence-focused adult day programs, professional advice from our in-house dementia care experts, monthly health assessments, educational events, and beyond. Contact us today to find out more or schedule a tour, or read on to see how we help caretakers fulfill their needs and better care for their loved ones.
Essential Resources and Assistance for Dementia Caretakers
Caretakers should seek several categories of assistance in the best interest of themselves and their loved ones with dementia. These include:
Early Intervention
It’s important to realize that early intervention is critical, ideally as soon as possible after diagnosis, even if there are mild symptoms or none at all yet. The sooner people who have been diagnosed with a cognitive condition begin a regular regimen of cognitive exercise, healthy social interaction, and physical practices like diet and exercise, the better their prognosis is. And a better prognosis benefits both the person living with dementia and their caretaker.
Education and Training
Knowledge is power when it comes to dementia care. While there is no cure for any form of dementia at this time, research by organizations such as the George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers has shown the efficacy of many methods to improve the overall health and life satisfaction of people with cognitive health conditions. At Town Square, our educational programming helps equip primary caretakers with the understanding, concepts, and techniques they need to ensure the best possible outcomes for their loved ones and themselves. We make free care consultations available to our members with dementia and their caretakers, and we’re available to answer common, urgent questions, like “What do I do if my loved one refuses to admit they need help?” and “How can I manage my schedule of other obligations?”
Emotional Support and Respite Care
Caring for a loved one with dementia requires a great deal of time and effort. Doing so without enough rest would mean possibly neglecting other responsibilities or yourself – it would be like trying to proverbially pour from an empty cup. This is why respite care is so important. The adult day services we offer at Town Square Sandy Springs allow caretakers to take a respite during working hours on weekdays – meaning they can deal with other obligations or simply rest.
We also help our members and their loved ones connect with other people also navigating the journey of dementia through our professional-led support groups, because knowing you’re not alone is often the first step to moving forward.
Financial Support and Access to Resources
Most primary caretakers of people with dementia recognize the need for professional assistance, particularly when their loved one is at a later stage of their condition. By the same token, most are also concerned about the potential expenses involved. Luckily, there are various benefits and programs that may apply to you or your loved one which could significantly reduce the cost to you. You can get in touch with us and our staff will help you determine which of these benefits you may be eligible for.
Moreover, our reminiscence-focused adult day care promotes overall health through four evidence-based interventions, and can help delay or eliminate the need for costly dementia care such as in-home care or assisted living. We allow for coordinated care by our members’ preferred healthcare providers within our center, and we can connect members and their loved ones with other resources they may need within the greater Atlanta area.
If you have a loved one with dementia, Town Square is here for them, and for you – we provide not only the best in adult day enrichment, but many other forms of vital support. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a tour.
