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When Do Dementia Patients Need 24-Hour Care?

Written By: William Rivers
Reviewed By: William Rivers
Published: May 2, 2022
Last updated: March 30, 2023

A person diagnosed with Dementia or Alzheimer's disease normally lives for another four to eight years after being diagnosed, but they can survive for up to twenty years. This disease is divided into three stages, each requiring varying levels of care, but at what point do dementia patients need 24-hour care? 

Patients with early-stage dementia can lead reasonably normal lives, while they may experience memory lapses and have trouble organizing themselves. They may also struggle in certain professional or social situations. It can also be challenging to provide them with safe Care. 

Caregivers at home are sometimes unable to carry the stress of providing home health care while also suffering from a disease. When the mental and physical toll of caring for a loved one becomes too great, it's time to explore professional care services like 24-hour Care.

Signs That Indicate 24-Hour Care Is A Must.

As caregivers of aging loved ones, we often struggle to maintain a balance in the home while suffering from symptoms that worsen over time and multiply over time. Here are a few signs of taking note of when you're thinking about your loved one's well-being in the long run:

Your Loved One Is Acting Aggressively

Physical or violent aggressiveness is common in dementia patients, and caregivers and other family members may become angry or worried. 

Stress Among Caregivers

Increased caregiver stress, for example, can be just as indicative as the dementia behaviors listed above. A few early signs of caregiver stress include:

  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Social isolation
  • Exhaustion
  • Depression
  • Denial

Home Security

Consider your abilities to care for your loved one's health. Is the dementia patient safe while you're not around to look after them? When you're not there, has your loved one had any falls, trips, or other mishaps? This is a clear indication that you require some additional help at home.

Increasing Care Requirements

"Are the person's demands beyond my physical abilities?" you might wonder.

"or "Is the person with dementia's health or my health as a caregiver in jeopardy?"

If you answered yes to these questions, it might be time to have that difficult family discussion.

Wandering

The danger of wandering increases dramatically in the latter stages of dementia. Even if you take short intervals, such as going to the bathroom, your loved one may stray. Falls and injuries are also more likely to occur.

Sundowning

A person with dementia may act in difficult ways to comprehend at times. Late afternoon and early evening are prime times for irrational behavior. 'Sundowning' is the term for this. Sundowning behavior can take a toll on caregivers because it disturbs your routine. This could indicate that the caregiving burden is becoming too much to bear.

If home care is starting to interfere with routines and work life, it's time to ask yourself: "When do dementia patients need 24 hour care?" People who care for dementia patients are experts in their field. They've been taught how to speak with dementia patients, regulate their mood swings, and deal with issues like wandering and sundowning. 

On the other hand, hiring a professional caregiver gives both the patient and their family support and comfort. Learn more about senior support and dementia care at Senior Strong today.rt and medical Care at Senior Strong today.

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William Rivers is an editor with a master’s degree in Human Services Counseling at Maine State University. He has more than 20 years of experience working in the senior healthcare industry.
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