Caring for a loved one with dementia can be a difficult task. Family members often feel obligated to provide care, even when they are not equipped to do so.

Caregiver burnout is common among those who look after someone with dementia on a full-time basis. It can be hard to ask for help, but there are some places where caregivers can turn for professional help in caring for a loved one with memory loss.

1. Home Care Agency

One place you can turn for help in providing care for your loved one is a home care agency. These agencies staff experienced nurses and certified nursing assistants that can travel to your home. The nurse or assistant can take over some of the tasks required to keep a dementia patient comfortable.

You may need help bathing or dressing your loved one, or getting your loved one to eat properly. Since home care staff members have training in memory care, they are equipped to tend to dementia patients in a home environment.

2. Adult Daycare

Some memory care facilities offer a unique daycare option that dementia caregivers can take advantage of. Adult daycare is a short-term program that is designed to provide competent care for individuals with dementia while their primary caregivers take a break.

You might use adult daycare as a resource when running important errands, attending social events, or just taking some time for self-care. All of the staff members working in an adult daycare have experience dealing with dementia patients, so you can be rest assured knowing your loved one is in good hands.

3. Residential Facility

There comes a time in the progression of a loved one's dementia when the caregiver is no longer able to provide adequate care. People with dementia can become a danger to themselves or others if they are not cared for properly.

Some dementia patients will attempt to use the stove but start a fire instead. Others might think they are going for a walk around the block, but end up disoriented and miles away from home.

A residential facility has the ability to provide full-time care for dementia patients. These facilities are extremely secure, which prevents any dangerous wandering behaviors. Medical staff is on-site to administer medications and track any physical ailments that might otherwise go unnoticed because of the patient's dementia.

Whether you choose to hire a home care agency's help, enroll your loved one in adult daycare, or house them in a residential facility, having the service specialize in memory care will ensure proper treatment and oversight for your loved one in the future.

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