Is Home Care Right for Someone with Dementia?

Often, I am questioned about whether or not a person living with dementia needs home care. When you are contemplating this, please consider the following:​

1. Are they safe to live at home alone?

2. If not, how much supervision do they need and for what specific tasks?

3. What tasks are they capable of doing safely? What do they do that they need assistance with?

4. Can you manage them by yourself? And what changes do you need to make to care for your loved one?

5. Do they have the resources to pay for care, and how much? Are there other benefits your loved one can tap into, such as a long-term policy, VA services, or other available community resources?

Most importantly, when thinking about assistance, find out from their health care provider what stage of dementia they are in and whether they can still do the following.​

1. Call for help, dial 911 if needed

2. Get out of their home safely if there is a fire

3. Call family members if needed

4. Answer the door or phone and not get scammed

5. Remember to prepare and eat meals and keep hydrated