Patient and Family Resources for Dementia and other Memory-Loss Diseases
Dementia and other memory-loss diseases bear heavy burdens on patients and their family members. Patients with dementia often present with other issues regarding memory, thinking, or behavior, and all these symptoms require support systems and services. The good news is that many resources and forms of care assistance are available to help patients and their families navigate life with a memory-loss disease.
Types of Care
- Day-to-Day Care: A form of support through adult day center and respite services. Day-to-day support is usually a short-term option, providing the patient professional care and supervision during the day. Most include meals delivered to the home and transportation.
- Memory Care: Specialized facilities ready to provide support and supervision for those needing care specifically around dementia and memory related challenges. Staff offer help with daily activities, cognitive stimulation, and personalized care plans.
- Respite Care: Temporary arrangements to offer relief to primary caregivers, allowing them time to care for their own needs and responsibilities while still ensuring the patient’s needs are met and provided for.
- Long-Term Care: Provided in the home by family members, friends, or service providers. Long-term care can be either general care or health care. Used by those who need both specialized and in-depth services. Focusing on providing activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and making sure the patient is safe. Some require licensed health professionals and need a doctor’s order.
- Residential Care: Assisted living may become necessary as the disease progresses, as patients often require more care and supervision than may be available at home. Residential care options include assisted living facilities, nursing homes and continuing care retirement communities. Your health care provider can help you decide which option may be the best starting point.
- Hospice Care: Services specializing in end-of-life care for patients and their families. These services can be provided either at home or at a residential care facility, hospital, or hospice facility.
Types of Caregivers
Many people specialize in helping patients and their families get connected with helpful resources and information. While family members and friends are often the first to step in to help, it is important to remember the limits of those involved in everyone’s individual situation. Families are encouraged to consider additional partners in care, and to introduce those partners early on so they can become a trusted ally as the family encounters new challenges and difficult questions. Members of this trusted team may include:
- Geriatric Health Care Provider: Medical provider (often a geriatrician or family nurse practitioner) who understands memory-loss diseases and the kind of care a patient may need based on the specifications of their disease.
- Geriatric Behavioral Health Provider: A therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in behavioral health conditions common to older adults.
- Geriatric social worker: Connects patients and their families to practical and social resources, including patient education, support groups, and care options and facilities.
It’s easy to become a patient
We know selecting or changing your clinician is an important decision. That’s why our caring team members are available to answer all your questions and help you every step of the way, and that includes helping you transition your medical records if they’re with another doctor. It’s that easy!
