February 22, 2022
Living alone with dementia is possible, but support is essential.
There has long been a belief that when someone received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of progressive dementia, the only real option was nursing home care. After all, it’s not possible for someone with cognitive decline to continue to reside at home, particularly if they live alone – or is it?
Statistics demand the need for all of us to think this through for the people we love, and possibly even for ourselves one day. Approximately 14 million seniors are currently living at home alone – 33% with dementia, and 15% specifically with Alzheimer’s disease. Even more concerning, half of this population not only lives alone, but does not have any identified caretaker.
There are a number of key aspects of concern for an older adult living alone with dementia:
- The skill to take care of activities of daily living independently, such as meals, personal hygiene, household management, and problem-solving
- An increased susceptibility to exploitation and senior scams
- Isolation caused by anxiety about unfamiliar places and situations as confusion grows
However, we also recognize that remaining in the home throughout aging for someone with dementia offers a great deal of benefits, including:
- The convenience of familiar surroundings and belongings, which provides comfort and stability
- The potential to keep regular routines, making life easier to navigate
- Self-identity that comes through protecting a sense of belonging
One solution that is ideal for a great many is bringing in a specially trained dementia caregiver to provide support to cultivate as much independence and freedom as possible, while making sure of wellbeing and safety.
It is essential to note that the earlier you can bring in support for someone with dementia, the better. Even during the very earliest stages of the disease, the progression can occur quickly, at which time the transition to care would have to occur as soon as possible. By starting slowly with just a small amount of assistance, perhaps with meals, housework, and laundry, you can then build up to a higher level of care easily as needed.
At Continuum, a provider of dementia home care in St. Louis, MO & nearby areas, we create a customized plan of care that is reviewed and adjusted as needed ongoing – so if the need is for just a few hours each week of assistance, or full-time, 24/7 care, we are available to help older adults continue to live at home for a lifetime.
Our professionally trained Alzheimer’s care team can ensure comfort and safety throughout each stage of the disease, easing difficulties such as:
- Wandering
- Aggression
- Agitation
- Frustration
- Cognitive challenges
- And more
Our caregivers provide the social interaction, mental stimulation, and encouragement to remain physically active which all lead to a far better quality of life. Reach out to us at (314) 863-9912 or (636) 861-3336 for a complimentary consultation to learn more about how we can help someone you love continue to live where it is most comfortable – at home – for a lifetime.