Unfortunately, most cases of dementia are progressive and as the illness worsens then this can cause challenges in daily living. It is widely recognised that staying at home as long as possible is beneficial for the quality of life for a dementia sufferer. This is where a live-in carer comes in.
A live-in carer provides 24-hour care long-term or respite care to give the normal carer, often a loved one, a short-term break or holiday. The main advantage for someone with dementia is that they do not have to leave their home. Being in familiar surroundings prevents confusion and helps orientation and is always preferable for the dementia sufferer than being in a care home.
Here are some tips on how to choose a live-in carer for those suffering from dementia.
Where to find a live-in carer
Care can be provided by a managed care provider, a care agency or by a self-employed carer. Live-in care providers are regulated by their appropriate body and are subject to inspections so be sure to check out these if you are hiring a live-in carer and want them to abide by the rules. Each country has different ways in which carers are financed and regulated. In Australia, for example, the NDIS scheme is used to find and finance providers that offer such services. When it comes to an NDIS Service provider in Sydney strategies and techniques can be found online to help you make the decision process easier. In summary, research is the key to finding the right carer.
How to fund live-in care
There are some local variations in paying for care. This can be a solely funded by the local authority or a combination of local authority funding and private funding. The Alzheimers Society has a useful section on paying for care, and explains the variations in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. A financial, as well as a 'needs assessment', will help work out how much funding is available to pay for care.
Type of care provided
Type of care provided
Care provided by experts from reputable caregiver agencies can vary widely. At a basic level, it may include ensuring safety and supervision, as well as offering social and reminiscence therapy. More comprehensive services might involve assistance with personal care tasks, medication administration, and medical care.
It's important for a live-in carer to meet the person with dementia during the interview process. A trial shift is also recommended to ensure compatibility and ensure that everyone is comfortable with each other. It's important that the carer get on well with the person they are providing care for. Experience with individuals suffering from dementia is strongly recommended, as the role often involves addressing both behavioural and physical challenges.
In addition to choosing the right carer, incorporating tools like a gps tracker for seniors who wander can enhance safety. These devices can help locate a loved one quickly if they become disoriented or lost, providing peace of mind for both the family and the caregiver. They are invaluable for seniors with dementia, ensuring an added layer of protection in emergencies.
Practicalities
A live-in carer will need their own room and breaks need to be provided. It is usual to have more than one carer who works on a rotational basis. A contract will need to be provided to set out hours of work, pay, and employment details. As it is important that all the care needs of the dementia sufferer are met, by creating dementia friendly space, the carer/care provider should provide a care plan and this should be in conjunction with you and your loved one.
A live-in carer will need their own room and breaks need to be provided. It is usual to have more than one carer who works on a rotational basis. A contract will need to be provided to set out hours of work, pay, and employment details. As it is important that all the care needs of the dementia sufferer are met, by creating dementia friendly space, the carer/care provider should provide a care plan and this should be in conjunction with you and your loved one.
