Given the Many Challenges of Memory Disorders and Age, Respite Care is Helpful for Aging Relatives
Decisions for respite care or long-term care facilities can be hard, especially when you need to know where your loved ones will be for years. The quality care of seniors facing memory diseases is even harder. Rehab facilities and respite care facilities help keep senior citizens at ease during the aging period. However, it is a large cost for most. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are the most common forms of memory loss, making in-home or other daily care needed. Those with all types of dementia often need assistance to manage daily tasks, as the common events of daily life are not easy to handle.
Helping Memory Loss with Respite Care
At this point, about two-thirds of seniors over 65 in assisted living suffer from dementia or some other memory disorder. Imagine not recognizing any of the faces of those around you or even waking up in the morning and potentially not knowing where you are. Given the stress and fear of these stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, there is much to gain from respite care. While the stages of dementia advance in severity over time, it is harder as this progresses for family members to provide supportive care.
The Need for Skilled Nursing Facilities
While you likely know about the challenges and danger that torment those struggling with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, you likely do not hear all that much about the families of those patients. With millions already facing these diseases, a great deal of need for quality senior care centers is extremely important. Rehab facilities, in home care services, senior respite care, senior assisted living, and many other options are also helpful. Rehab services make up about a third of the nation’s healthcare expenses, especially with about 70% of seniors turning 65 who will eventually need long-term care.
Senior Citizens Placed in Specialized Care Centers
Senior citizens need comfortable treatment at all times, given the fact that about one million American senior citizens choose to retire to senior communities. One reason that senior respite centers are helpful for certain seniors includes the assistance of qualified medical professionals who manage memory disorders along with other healthcare needs. This also provides a reduction of stress and worry for the children and grandchildren of these seniors. Considering the many different memory disorders that occur with age, there is a need for a rehab facility or skilled nursing facility for many elders. Some seniors only need assisted living facilities or assisted living apartments while others need a nursing home or a nursing facility. Memory care centers fall under this category, especially given the level of danger that Alzheimer’s disease and dementia bring to the lives of those living with those diseases.
Care for dementia patients is a difficult decision to make, and one that must be researched carefully. Based upon the stage of dementia in which a loved one already exists, where their troubles are the most, the ability to possibly accept respite care centers, in home care, and many other choices, the family can work closely with the medical professionals who will be treating your beloved patient. Another thing to remember is that you are not giving up on your spouse, parent, grandparent or another family member by relying upon a treatment facility for assistance. Memory loss requires cautious care and doctors and nurses are well-trained to manage those tasks.