Caring for a loved one with dementia isn’t easy and is often overwhelming, especially when the condition starts to progress and safety becomes a concern. In a recent video, local I, CarePatrol advisor Michael Awadalla, spoke candidly about how families can approach the process of finding the right dementia care setting. My message was simple: the stage of dementia matters.
Early-Stage Dementia: Assisted Living May Be Enough
During the early phase of dementia, most seniors can still handle their day-to-day activities with some assistance. They can be subject to memory loss, confusion, or mood change, but most of them are still mobile and outgoing. A typical assisted living community can be a good option for those in this phase. Assisted living facilities allow for some structure, meals, medications, and minimal personal care without the locked units of a memory care community. This is a good arrangement if the resident does not wander or suffer from extreme behavioral problems.
Mid-Stage Dementia: Secure Dementia Care Communities
If dementia advances and your loved one starts roaming or exhibiting erratic behavior but is still physically ambulatory, safety takes center stage. A secure memory care community can be the appropriate next step at this time. The environment at a secure setting is specially designed to thwart exits and allow 24/7 supervision, which can bring comfort to families but still place the resident in a setting that knowingly comprehends their needs.
Late-Stage Dementia: When Board and Care Homes May Be Better
For seniors in the advanced stages of dementia, mobility often declines. These individuals may need help with every aspect of daily living, like eating, dressing, and toileting, and may no longer benefit from large, stimulating communities. In these cases, I suggest looking into board and care homes. These are smaller residential homes licensed to care for a limited number of residents. The smaller setting can be quieter and more personalized, which is often better suited for someone who needs close monitoring and comfort-focused care.
FULL TRANSCRIPT:
Good morning, everyone. My name is Michael Awadalla, and I am with CarePatrol. I help people find senior living options. Talking about the elderly with dementia, it is always very difficult to care for someone with dementia because they need 24/7 care. So, the options for them could be the early stages of dementia. That means they can go to an assisted living community, but in a very advanced stage of dementia, so for example, they have wandering and behavioral issues, and they have good mobility that is effective; I probably wouldn’t recommend a dementia care community that is unsecured. If the dementia is extremely advanced, they are not mobile, and then board and care homes can be an option for them. So, if you have an elderly loved one who has dementia and you have any questions, please reach out to me at 925-979-8656. Again, this is Mike with CarePatrol. Thank you.
