Living Alone with Alzheimer’s? Home Care Makes It Possible.

There has long been an assumption that living alone with Alzheimer’s or another type of progressive dementia was not possible and that the only real option following diagnosis was nursing home care. After all, it’s unrealistic for someone with cognitive decline to continue to live at home, especially when they live alone – or is it?

Data demands the need for all of us to think this through for family we love, and perhaps even for ourselves one day. Nearly 14 million older adults are currently residing at home alone – 33% with dementia, and 15% specifically with Alzheimer’s disease. Even more troubling, half of this population not only lives alone, but does not have any identified caregiver.

There are several key areas of concern for a senior loved one who lives alone with dementia:

  • The skill to manage activities of daily living on their own, such as meals, personal hygiene, household management, and problem-solving
  • An increased susceptibility to senior scams and exploitation
  • The isolation that stems from an anxiety about unfamiliar places and situations as confusion grows

Yet we also recognize that remaining at home throughout aging for someone with Alzheimer’s provides a number of positive benefits, such as:

  • The comfort of familiar surroundings and belongings, which provides stability
  • The ability to help keep regular routines, making life navigation easier
  • Self-identity that results from preserving a feeling of belonging

One solution that is beneficial for many individuals is bringing in an expertly trained dementia caregiver to provide the ideal amount of support to cultivate as much freedom and independence as possible, while ensuring safety and wellbeing.

It is essential to note that the sooner you are able to bring in support for someone with dementia, the better. Even during the very earliest stages of the condition, the progression can happen quickly, at which time the transition to care would have to take place as soon as possible. By starting slowly with just a small amount of assistance, perhaps with housework, laundry, and meals, you can then work up to an increased level of care easily as needed.

At Seniorcorp, we generate a customized plan of care that is reviewed and modified ongoing – so whether the need is for just a couple hours every week of assistance, or full-time, around-the-clock care, we can help older adults continue to live at home for a lifetime.

Our professionally trained dementia care team can ensure safety and comfort throughout each stage of the disease, easing challenges such as:

  • Wandering
  • Aggression
  • Agitation
  • Frustration
  • Cognitive challenges
  • And more

Our professional caregivers provide the mental stimulation, social interaction, and support to remain physically active which results in a better quality of life. Email or call us at 757-640-0557 for a complimentary consultation to learn more about our senior care in Portsmouth and nearby areas and how we can help someone you love continue to live where it’s most comfortable – at home – for a lifetime.