Long-Term Planning to Care for a Parent With Dementia
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Dementia is a growing problem globally, and the US is no exception. According to the NIH, the condition affects more than 6 million Americans. Even worse, it accounts for more than 100,000 deaths annually in the country. The age-related condition spells doom for a country with a rapidly aging population.
At a personal level, it requires awareness and planning so that you can stay a step ahead. If you have an aging parent, you must know their risks and take a proactive approach. Caring for a parent with dementia is a profound responsibility. It involves emotional, practical, and financial challenges, so readiness is vital.
Long-term planning can help ensure your loved one’s safety, dignity, and quality of life, while also protecting your own well-being. In this article, we will share a few practical tips to help families navigate this journey.
Get Started Early
According to Alzheimer's Society, dementia is of several types, and all of these are progressive. Symptoms are initially mild in most cases but worsen with time, usually taking several years. For some patients, the decline may be rapid, requiring support very soon after disease diagnosis.
The sooner you begin planning after a dementia diagnosis, the better prepared you’ll be for the changes ahead. Early planning enables the patient to participate in important decisions about their care, finances, and living arrangements. At this stage, they are still able to express their wishes.
Understanding the progression of dementia and what to expect can help you anticipate needs and plan accordingly. This can save you from a lot of pain and avoid crises regarding key decisions down the line.
Create a Financial Plan
Data published in Nature Journal shows an alarming situation when it comes to the cost of treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Americans spent a massive $196 billion in direct medical costs for ADRDs as of 2020. Additionally, another $254 billion in caregiving time was consumed.
These numbers signify the importance of financial planning to bear the impending cost of care for your parent. A financial plan helps reduce stress and ensures resources are available when needed. Start by identifying all potential care costs, including in-home care, adult day programs, and medications. Factor in the cost of eventual long-term care facilities.
Another key step is to review your parent’s assets, income, and insurance coverage. Explore government benefits such as Medicaid, veterans’ benefits, and other assistance programs.
A trusted family member or legal representative can be assigned to manage finances and pay bills as your parent’s ability declines. A financial advisor with experience in elder care planning can offer valuable advice.
Know When to Get Professional Help
As dementia progresses, your parent’s needs may exceed what you can safely provide at home. The CDC notes that more than 11 million Americans provided unpaid care for dementia patients as of 2023. These caregivers gave nearly 18.4 billion hours of care to loved ones. However, there is a stage when you may need paid help.
Recognizing when to seek professional help is crucial for both your parent’s well-being and your own. Watch out for signs like the patient struggling with basic activities like bathing, dressing, or eating. They may begin to wander or get lost. Recognize your needs as you may feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or neglect your own health.
Professional caregivers can provide specialized support, safety, and socialization for your parent and much-needed relief for you. An assisted living nurse is a good option if you want your parent to age in place instead of being sent to a facility.
According to the Holy Family University, these professionals can work in non-traditional settings, including home-based care. You can rely on them for nutrition support, medication management, mobility assistance, and social activities.
Build a Support System
No one should face dementia caregiving alone. Building a strong support system is vital for emotional resilience and practical help. Without support, you may end up with caregiver burnout sooner rather than later.
The Cleveland Clinic explains caregiver burnout as exhaustion at all levels, physical, mental, and emotional. It happens when people give everything to looking after a loved one, depriving themselves of self-care. External support is one of the key solutions to address the implications of caregiver burnout.
Start by delegating tasks among family members, such as errands, meal prep, or financial management. Connect with fellow caregivers through local or online support groups. Explore community resources, such as respite care or counseling services. A support system helps reduce isolation, provides validation for your emotions, and offers practical tips for daily challenges.
FAQs
When is it time to put a dementia patient in assisted living?
A move to assisted living is often necessary when your parent is no longer safe at home. They may no longer be able to manage daily tasks independently. You may also need to do it when an unexpected event, such as a caregiver’s illness, makes home care impossible.
What is the most common trigger for dementia behavior?
There is no single trigger leading to dementia behavior. Environmental changes, physical discomfort (such as pain or hunger), emotional stress, and overstimulation or under-stimulation can lead to it. These triggers have to be addressed to manage behaviors like agitation, aggression, or wandering.
Is it safe to leave someone with dementia home alone?
Some individuals may be able to stay home alone for short periods in the early stages of dementia. However, ensure that they do not have issues with wandering, disorientation, or safety. As dementia progresses, it becomes unsafe to leave them alone due to risks such as forgetting to turn off appliances, wandering, or medical emergencies.
A parent with dementia is a responsibility for their children, leading to immense caregiving requirements. The load is massive, and it is easy to buckle unless you are adequately prepared. The best piece of advice is to have a plan in place, as it ensures good care for your parent and less stress for you.
Main image credit: Steven HWG / Unsplash
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
