The Need for 24-Hour Care
There are several factors that indicate the need for 24-hour dementia care. First of all, many primary caregivers may have responsibilities that prevent them from providing 24/7 care, and cannot provide the support an individual may need.
Furthermore, verbally and physically aggressive behaviours are common dementia symptoms that cause increased stress in primary caregivers. As the condition progresses, the person with dementia may develop delusions (firmly held false beliefs) and paranoia, leading them to lose trust in their closest relatives and friends. This can negatively impact the caregiver’s mental health and overall quality of life.
The later stages of dementia also increase the risk of symptoms like wandering or sundowning. You may find your loved one wandering outside the house even after leaving them for a quick bathroom break. These incidents may result in falls, injuries, or even getting lost. Older people with late-stage dementia are prone to sundowning, which involves behaviours of distress during the evening or at night. This may disrupt the caregiver’s quality of sleep, leading to increased stress and irritability.
Dementia Meaning
Dementia is an umbrella term for neurological challenges linked to changes in the brain’s function. These changes cause memory loss and affect a person’s cognitive skills. It is a major health challenge affecting the feelings, behaviour, relationships, and social life of older adults.
Medication and quality live-in care can prevent accidents and help older adults live fulfilling lives. 24-hour care allows every person with dementia to receive tailored support in their own home, close to their loved ones.
Benefits of 24-Hour Care for People with Dementia
With a 24-hour dementia care plan, individuals receive a professional live-in carer who is always ready to provide care and companionship. Unique Community Services provides bespoke home care services tailored to you and your family’s preferences. 24-hour care packages offer you constant support from a team of trained carers, including support throughout the night.
24-hour dementia care helps people take control of their day-to-day life. The presence of a skilled and dedicated carer available to meet the person’s needs gives a sense of security to the whole family. All in all, 24-hour care at home offers the following benefits for people with dementia:
- Round-the-clock care
- Support in the person’s familiar surroundings
- Encouraging independence
- Nurse-supported assistance
- Peace of mind and reassurance for the whole family
What 24-Hour Care at Home for Dementia Entails
During the early stages of dementia, some older adults may maintain their independence to some extent or fulfil everyday activities with the help of their loved ones. However, as this neurological condition progresses, the symptoms of cognitive decline will prevent the person from navigating day-to-day life without professional assistance. 24-hour care at home is often necessary during the later stages, especially when the person exhibits aggressive behaviours, delusions, paranoia, and episodes of wandering. Below are listed the main elements of dementia care services in your own home.
Personalised Care Plans Tailored to Individual Needs
In order to provide bespoke support to individuals with dementia, home care providers always outline personalised live-in care plans tailored to the individual’s requirements. The 24-hour care team works closely with relevant specialists to assess the individual’s health needs and consults close relatives to learn more about their personal preferences (such as bedtime, dietary habits, and hobbies). The individual is involved in the decision-making processes regarding their care, and the support plan is open to adaptation to their evolving needs.
Personal Care and House Chores
Individuals may need support to complete basic self-care activities on their own, such as brushing their teeth, showering, toileting, dressing, and shaving. 24-hour care providers are trained to help people maintain their hygiene with respect for their privacy and dignity.
Apart from personal care, live-in care workers help people with house chores, such as preparing meals, doing the laundry, and cleaning the house. While doing these tasks, 24-hour care workers respect the individual’s personal space and possessions.
Medication Management and Monitoring
Home care providers are responsible for administering prescribed medications and monitoring health conditions. Medication administration needs to be done at a specific time according to a physician’s instructions. The 24-hour care team should report signs of notable discomfort or changes in behaviour to the relevant healthcare specialist. It is worth noting that clinicians mustn’t share the individual’s medical information with anyone else.
Supervision, Preventing Accidents and Wandering
Wandering is a common symptom in the later stages of dementia that can endanger the person’s safety and disturb the whole family’s peace of mind. Older people with dementia may also struggle with frequent trips, falls, and subsequent injuries. 24-hour home care providers build a safe environment for your loved one and aim to prevent any incidents.
Companionship
Loneliness, decreased self-esteem, and emotional struggles are common in older adults with dementia, and cognitive decline can lead to depression and anxiety. Apart from medication management and help with household chores, 24-hour home care providers are here to provide emotional support and maximise social integration. The clinician should have meaningful conversations with the individual, encourage them to stay physically active and accompany them to social events in the local community.
Tailored 24-Hour Care with Unique Community Services
At Unique Community Services, we aim to reshape the approach to dementia care. Our impact-driven live-in carers deliver quality support to people with dementia in the comfort of their own homes, close to their loved ones. Providing companionship and support tailored to the person’s needs and preferences is our priority. We strive to create a safe and comfortable care environment for individuals with dementia and bring peace of mind to their whole families.
Our care plans focus on the individual’s privacy, dignity, and personal boundaries. Live-in carers from the Unique Community Services team are available for any assistance throughout the day and during the night.
If you need a quality care provider for a loved one with dementia, Unique Community Services is the right care provider for you. We offer high-standard live-in care services to people with dementia in Bristol and Manchester.
Contact us now, and we will create a personalised care plan catering to your unique needs.
