Dementia is a cognitive illness that progresses, or gradually gets worse, over time. Eventually, seniors suffering from dementia may no longer be competent to handle the many aspects of their lives. Alzheimer’s care providers can be there to offer support to seniors with dementia and their family members as everyone works together to figure out what happens next.
Competence Isn’t a Medical Term
Although losing competence happens because of a medical condition, incompetence and losing competence aren’t medical issues. Medical providers can help patients and family caregivers determine how competent seniors with dementia are, but that is more a legal term than a medical one. Competence is something that may have to be determined in a court of law in some instances, depending on what situations arise. In terms of daily life, however, understanding competence is important so that family caregivers can get the right help for the seniors they love through home care services and medical specialists.
Talk with the Senior’s Doctor
When families are trying to assess how competent aging adults are, their medical providers are the first step in the process. After a diagnosis of dementia, seniors aren’t automatically incompetent. They may maintain competence for quite some time, even as dementia progresses. Medical providers can help families understand what to watch for and when things shift.
Assess Needs Thoroughly
Having a solid understanding of the dementia patient’s needs is so important because that allows families to make better informed decisions. Alzheimer’s care providers can work with families to help them see what seniors need and how to best support them. From there, families can feel more confident because they have a plan of action.
Get Support in Place
Medical support is one layer of the support that seniors with dementia need. They may also need some degree of assistance with social engagement, hands-on help with daily tasks, help with meals and eating, and much more. Starting out with a base layer of support along with respite care for family caregivers is a solid starting point. From there, families can add layers of support as the situation changes.
Keep Assessing Care Plans
Dementia is predictable in some ways, but not always. Changes don’t happen for every dementia patient at the same pace. Family caregivers need to look at their care plans on a regular basis to assess what is working and helping and what isn’t. That allows them to seek out additional options and advice. Alzheimer’s care providers can help family caregivers address those changes as they arise, which helps seniors stay safer and eases the burdens that family caregivers face.
Dementia robs seniors and families of so much, including competence at some stage. Understanding what is happening and how to prepare as well as possible gives family caregivers a better chance to enjoy the here and now while also being ready for the changes that are mostly likely to come. Alzheimer’s care services offer that valuable support and insight so families aren’t going through this situation alone.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Alzheimer’s care in Charleston, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116.
Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia, and the surrounding areas.
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