Seeking Support with Home Care

Embarking on the journey of caring for someone with dementia, there may come a time when you’ll consider bringing in care partners from a home health agency or engaging hospice services. I want to reassure you that it's entirely natural to seek assistance. Caring for someone on your own over time is overwhelming. It's important to remember that asking for help doesn’t mean you’re failing. It's a sign of strength and dedication to the well-being of both your loved one and yourself.

When you’re part of a community that bands together to support those living with dementia, and equally important, their primary care partners like you, it creates a nurturing environment. It might feel unsettling to invite new individuals into your home. It’s also a big adjustment for your loved one with dementia to accept unfamiliar faces and assistance. Questions about choosing the right caregiver and ensuring they have the necessary dementia care experience are common and valid.

Here are some gentle tips to guide you:

1.   Identify Your Needs: Home care can range from companionship and housekeeping to more personal care like bathing and medication management. Understanding what you and your loved one need is the first step. Also, inquire about insurance coverage and the costs involved.
2.   Ensure Proper Training: While many agencies claim their staff are trained in dementia care, the depth of this training can vary. Don't hesitate to ask about the nature and extent of their training, verify certification, and discuss how this has been applied in their work.
3.   Start Early: Integrating home care assistance from the beginning, even for a limited number of hours weekly, can be tremendously beneficial for both you and your loved one. By introducing care gradually, your loved one will become more comfortable with the idea of receiving assistance, facilitating the transition to more intensive care if necessary.
4.   Gradual Introduction: Start with simple, non-invasive activities like sharing a snack or doing a fun activity together. This slow approach helps in building a comfortable and trusting relationship.
5.   Create Familiarity: Utilize memory aids like photos of the caregiver with your loved one, including their name and role. It helps in fostering a connection and familiarity.
6. Practice Empathy and Effective Communication: Understand that your loved one might resist help out of fear of losing independence. Communicate that the care is for their benefit as well as yours, and reassure them of their continued autonomy. In doing so, remember:

• Speak clearly and slowly, without raising your voice.
• Approach your loved one from the front to avoid startling them.
• Always announce your intentions gently, such as asking permission before assisting with physical movements.
• Encourage participation in tasks rather than taking over, allowing them to retain a sense of independence.
• Avoid arguing or confrontational situations, maintaining a calm and supportive environment.
• Engage your loved one in various activities throughout the day to promote mental and physical stimulation, avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity.
• Validate their feelings and perspectives, even if they may not align with reality.

7.  Seek Recommendations: Personal referrals can be incredibly valuable. Reach out to your network for suggestions on dependable caregivers or agencies. Medicare’s website also offers resources for finding and comparing approved home health agencies.

Finally, as you welcome new caregivers into your home, observe how they interact with your loved one. Positive, respectful, and gentle interactions are key indicators of a good caregiver. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and seeking help is a brave and loving decision for both you and your loved one.