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At What Point Do Dementia Patients Need 24 Hour Care?

Signs to Look Out For

During the earliest stages of dementia, some people may be able to continue living semi-autonomous lives with less supervision. However, as the disease and symptoms of cognitive decline progress, they may require 24-hour care over time. 

This raises an important question to consider – When exactly does a dementia patient need to start receiving round-the-clock care and supervision? In this guide, we will cover some important signs to look out for to help you make a decision with your loved one’s best interest at heart. 

Signs of Mid-Stage Dementia 

At the onset of a dementia diagnosis, you may notice that your loved one exhibits mild behavioral and cognitive symptoms that include: 

  • Unable to complete certain daily tasks
  • Difficulty concentrating 
  • Struggles with recalling specific memories or recognizing certain people 
  • Unexpected changes in personality 
  • States of confusion 
  • Depression and isolation 
  • Frequently misplacing objects

However, as the disease progresses, a person may start exhibiting more severe symptoms that could include, but may not be limited to: 

Irregular Sleep 

A person with mid-stage dementia may struggle to maintain a healthy and consistent sleep schedule. This could include behaviors like sleeping through the day while remaining awake at night, sleeping for only a few hours at a time, and other similar irregular routines. 

Unusual Behavior 

A person living with dementia may not behave like themselves before their diagnosis. This could include symptoms like inappropriate social conduct, heightened irritability, and more aggressive actions. 

Disorientation 

Disorientation is a common symptom associated with dementia. A person living with dementia may wander off on their own or forget where they are after intentionally traveling somewhere. This can place them at a severe potential safety risk, especially if they left without their loved ones know where they could have gone. 

Cognitive and Psychological Symptoms 

Because dementia primarily impacts the health of the brain, it can result in cognitive and psychological symptoms. These can include worsening cognitive difficulties such as struggling with memory recall, facial recognition, concentration, and logical reasoning. Some key psychological signs can involve hallucinations, worsening changes in mood, and the inability to self-regulate behavior. 

Providing the Best 24-Hour Dementia Care for Your Loved One 

Caring for a family member with mid-stage or late-stage dementia can prove a difficult responsibility. Depending on your individual situation, providing constant care and supervision may not be possible to do at home. 

If you are seeking dementia rehabilitation or care for your loved one in the New York Capital Region, our team at Shaker Place Rehabilitation & Nursing Center can help you. We provide a comprehensive range of services for people living with dementia such as: 

Comfortable Rooming Options 

Aging gracefully and comfortably is one of our top priorities. We strive to provide each member of our community with a comfortable and spacious living environment where they can relax and enjoy their day-to-day activities knowing that any care needs they have are addressed in a timely and courteous manner. 

Regular Social Activities 

Social isolation can be detrimental to the well-being of seniors. We provide regular social activities for your loved one to engage in and make new friends with other community members on a regular basis so that they can enjoy where they live and the people they share their home with. 

Healthy and Delicious Dining

Multiple dining options are available to all community members and account for all religious, medical, and lifestyle-based diet restrictions as well as each person’s individual nutritional needs. Our community features eight-country kitchens as well as a dedicated dining room in each residential wing with all-day dining access. 

Customized Memory Care Treatment Plans

To best treat your loved one’s dementia, we develop an individualized treatment plan with our doctors and staff. This ensures that your family member’s specific needs are attended to and that they receive the most specialized care possible. 

Attentive and Responsive Staff 

Our staff is passionate about making a difference in the lives of our residents. Your loved one will benefit from 24/7 access to medical professionals who can respond to their needs quickly and comprehensively. 

Proactive Housekeeping, Maintenance, and Security

Beyond medical care, your loved one’s safety is another one of our utmost priorities. Our proactive housekeeping and maintenance staff work to create a clean and functional living space for our residents and our secure memory care wing ensures that no one wanders out of the community without supervision in addition to preventing unauthorized individuals from accessing these areas. 

Get 24-Hour Dementia Care in the New York Capital Region

At Shaker Place, we know the investment of time and energy it can require to provide the best care possible for your loved one experiencing dementia. We are proud to help countless families throughout the New York Capital Region continue caring for their family members with peace of mind knowing that their individual needs are attended to. 

To learn more about how we can help you care for your loved one, contact us today to learn more about our community.