Dementia Care at Home
PlatinumCare + provides top-notch home healthcare services to the residents of Boston, Massachusetts and its surrounding areas. From retired executives to industry giants, lawyers, doctors, politicos, or anyone in-between – all our clients are guaranteed exceptional service that is delivered with our unrivaled professionalism and confidentiality.
At PlatinumCare +, our passion and dedication are to bring loving, compassionate care into the homes of those most deserving. Our home health services provide not just healthcare support but real comfort when they need it the most – just like extended family offering love & comfort. We strive to embody that caring connection daily with every client we serve!
What is Dementia Care at Home?
Dementia is a term used to describe a decline in cognitive function, including memory, language, and problem-solving abilities. It is a progressive condition that can severely impact an individual’s ability to function independently. Many people with dementia eventually require some form of home care to ensure their safety and well-being.
Providing home care for someone with dementia can be a challenging and demanding task. However, with the right approach and support, it is possible to create a safe and supportive environment that promotes the well-being and dignity of the individual with dementia. It is important to involve the individual in the care process as much as possible, and to provide emotional and social support for both the individual with dementia and the caregiver. With the right approach, home care for someone with dementia can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
Dementia Home Care Creates a Safe Home Environment
One of the key aspects of providing home care for a person with dementia is creating a safe and supportive environment. This may involve making adjustments to the home, such as installing handrails in the bathroom and removing tripping hazards. It is also important to clearly label doors, cupboards, and drawers, and to keep the home well-lit to reduce the risk of falls and accidents.
Dementia Home Care Provides Assistance with Activities of Daily Living
Another important aspect of home care for someone with dementia is providing assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and toileting. It is important to approach these tasks with patience and understanding, as the individual with dementia may become agitated or confused. It may be helpful to use simple, clear instructions and to break tasks down into smaller steps. It is also important to respect the individual’s dignity and privacy, and to involve them as much as possible in the care process.
We go to great lengths to seek, select & train our caregivers so that they can in turn give the most caring & professional service to our clients.
Providing exceptional Dementia Care at Home in Brookline, Dover, Newton, Needham, Watertown, Weston, Cambridge, Lincoln, Sudbury, Belmont, Boston, and surrounding areas in Massachusetts.
Communication with Dementia Clients
Managing behavior is another important aspect of home care for someone with dementia. The individual may exhibit behaviors that are challenging or difficult to understand, such as aggression, wandering, or repetitive actions. It is important to try to understand the underlying cause of these behaviors, which may be related to unmet needs, confusion, or frustration. It may be helpful to use techniques such as redirection, distraction, and validation to manage behavior, and to involve the individual in activities that are meaningful and engaging.
Dementia Home Care Provides Emotional and Social Support
In addition to providing physical care, it is also important to provide emotional and social support for someone with dementia. This may involve spending time with the individual, engaging in activities that they enjoy, and providing opportunities for social interaction. It is also important to provide support for caregivers, who may experience feelings of stress, fatigue, and burnout. Family caregivers may benefit from support groups, respite care, and other resources to help them cope with the demands of caring for someone with dementia.
Medications can also play a role in home care for someone with dementia. There are several medications available that can help manage the symptoms of dementia, such as memory loss and confusion. It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan, and to carefully follow the medication regimen as prescribed.
Does Medicare Cover Dementia Care at Home?
Medicare is a national health insurance program that provides coverage for certain medical services and supplies for individuals who are 65 years of age or older, or who have certain disabilities. Medicare does cover some home care services for individuals with dementia, but the specific coverage and eligibility requirements may vary depending on the individual’s circumstances.
- Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) may cover certain in-home health care services for individuals with dementia who are homebound and have a need for skilled nursing care or therapy services. These services must be ordered by a doctor and provided by a Medicare-approved home health agency. Part A may also cover hospice care for individuals with terminal dementia who are no longer seeking curative treatment and prefer to receive palliative care in their home.
- Medicare Part B (medical insurance) may cover some home health care services, such as medical social services, medical equipment, and certain preventive services. Part B may also cover some of the costs of telehealth visits, which allow individuals with dementia to receive medical care remotely through videoconferencing or other electronic means.
- Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Medicare Part C) are private health insurance plans that are approved by Medicare and are an alternative to traditional Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional coverage for home care services, such as home-delivered meals, transportation to medical appointments, and home modification services.
It is important to note that Medicare does not cover long-term care services, such as round-the-clock personal care or supervision, for individuals with dementia. However, Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, may provide coverage for these types of services for individuals who meet certain financial and medical eligibility requirements.
It is always a good idea to review the specific terms of an individual’s Medicare coverage to determine what home care services are covered and to discuss any questions or concerns with a healthcare provider or Medicare representative.
How Do You Know When It’s Time to Hire Home Care?
Dementia is a progressive condition, which means that it typically gets worse over time. As the dementia progresses, individuals with dementia may experience a decline in cognitive function, including memory, language, and problem-solving abilities. Here are some signs that dementia may be getting worse:
- Memory loss: Individuals with dementia may have difficulty remembering recent events, people, or places, and may repeat questions or statements.
- Difficulty communicating: As the dementia progresses, individuals may have difficulty expressing themselves and understanding others. They may have trouble finding the right words, and may use inappropriate words or make up words.
- Decreased ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs): As the dementia progresses, individuals may have difficulty performing tasks such as bathing, dressing, and toileting. They may also have difficulty with tasks that require coordination, such as tying shoelaces or using utensils.
- Decreased ability to make decisions: Individuals with dementia may have difficulty making decisions, even about simple matters. They may also have trouble understanding the consequences of their actions.
- Changes in behavior: As the dementia progresses, individuals may exhibit changes in behavior, such as becoming agitated, aggressive, or repetitive. They may also wander or become lost.
- Loss of interest in activities: Individuals with dementia may lose interest in activities that they previously enjoyed, such as hobbies or socializing.
It is important to note that the rate of progression of dementia can vary widely from person to person. Some individuals may experience a rapid decline in cognitive function, while others may experience a more gradual decline. It is also important to keep in mind that not all individuals with dementia experience all of these signs, and that the severity of the signs may also vary. If you have concerns about the progression of dementia in a loved one, it is important to discuss these concerns with a healthcare provider.
Feel better in the comfort of your own home. We specialize in care and daily living assistance to an array of individuals.
We understand that not one care plan fits all. We will take the time to get to know you and develop an individualized care plan.
