The term dementia is used to describe a variety of symptoms relating to memory loss, mental confusion or a decline in intellectual functioning. Although dementia can result from many diseases, the website Health-Cares.net states the most frequently diagnosed form is Alzheimer's disease. Vascular dementia, the second most common, is caused by a series of strokes within the brain. Both are progressive and irreversible conditions with uncertain life expectancy. Because severe loss of physical and mental capacity often precedes death by several years, it is likely the patient will require some form of long-term care as the disease progresses.
Types
When support services are required, a variety of options are available. Home health aides are qualified to assist with personal care and may be engaged for several hours each week. Adult day care programs, specifically designed for people with dementia, provide appropriate activities and social interaction during daytime hours. If care requirements include medical treatment, group boarding homes, assisted living and nursing facilities typically have around the clock access to nursing care.
Requirements
Appropriate medical attention and a safe environment are necessary components for adequate long-term care. As dementia runs its course, and cognitive decline and physical deterioration ensue, patients ultimately require 24-hour medical care. Locked facilities may be necessary to limit the patient's mobility and prevent confusion. Memory training, therapeutic intervention and prescriptive medications supplement basic care and contribute to optimum management of the disease.
Benefits
The goal of any long-term care plan is to provide physical, mental and emotional support throughout the progression of the disease. A good plan addresses each aspect of the patient's life in a holistic manner and assures family and loved ones that optimum care is being provided. The plan must also be flexible enough to allow for adaptation to unexpected circumstances.
Support
State and federal government agencies and nonprofit organizations specialize in issues of aging and are excellent sources for publications about dementia and long-term care. Many offer free consultations to help navigate the complex system, and will make appropriate referrals. Professional case managers, trained and certified as elder care consultants, are also valuable resources. The Family Caregiver Alliance website, at caregiver.org, provides a comprehensive list of available services for each state.
Considerations
The challenges of choosing appropriate long-term care are further complicated by costs. According to the AARP website, in 2007 the average cost for long-term residential care for dementia patients was between $34,480 and $74,095. As a means of limiting expenses and keeping the dementia patient at home, some government benefit programs pay for home health care services. If the dementia patient is in the early stages of the disease, long-term care insurance may still be an option. Elder law attorneys should be consulted regarding the execution of wills, pre-planning documents and powers of attorney.
