If you are caring for an aging loved one suffering from dementia, you will need to consider the long-term care options for dementia in Spokane Valley. Understanding what your options are and creating a long-term care plan is crucial for ensuring your loved one will continue to get the care they need. There are several long-term care options for dementia sufferers in Spokane Valley, Washington, and an elder law lawyer can help you choose the best option.
Long-Term Care Facilities For Dementia Patients
If you have an aging loved one, one of the most important things you need to consider is their long-term care. This is especially important if they suffer from dementia, which often becomes worse over time, requiring more extensive care. Not all services or facilities meant for the elderly provide care for dementia patients, which can make it a bit more challenging to understand what your options are.
Here is a breakdown of the key care settings available for dementia patients in Spokane Valley.
Memory Care Units
One of the most common long-term care options for dementia sufferers in Spokane Valley is memory care. These are facilities that are specifically designed for those with memory-related conditions, which include dementia. Memory care facilities have staff specifically trained to help those with cognitive impairment and provide programs to aid with these types of conditions.
24-hour supervision and assistance is provided for things like personal care and medical services and memory care units usually have security measures in place to prevent wandering. Unlike most common facilities for aging adults, memory care units offer resources to help slow the progression of cognitive decline while also improving each resident’s quality of life.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are by far one of the most common types of facility for aging adults who require long-term care. These facilities provide 24-hour nursing care and medical supervision that cater to a variety of personal care and medical needs. Although most nursing homes are equipped with the necessary services to care for dementia patients, they may not necessarily be able to provide the level of care and support these individuals need.
Nursing homes also provide a more clinical atmosphere, which may be difficult for some dementia patients to adapt to, especially since there isn’t much independence or privacy.
Adult Care Homes
Adult care homes provide a more welcoming environment that allows individuals to live in a group with a common dining area and other areas where they can socialize. The adults who live in these homes require 24-hour supervision and assistance with personal care needs and health care services. Adult care homes also only house a certain number of residents to ensure that each individual gets the level of care they require.
Although not all adult care homes cater to those with dementia, some do provide units specifically for dementia sufferers that provide additional security.
Unlike more traditional long-term dementia care facilities like memory care units and nursing homes, adult care homes have more of a home-like setting that can help patients adapt more easily. It also encourages socialization with other residents in the home and a greater connection with the staff.
In-Home Care
A very beneficial option when it comes to long-term care for dementia that doesn’t necessarily take place in a facility is in-home care. This is an option that allows the dementia sufferer to remain in their home or in a loved one’s home while getting the care they need from a professional. In-home care is also very adaptive, and it can change depending on the level of care that is needed, which includes types of care such as:
- Companion services: This provides basic supervision and socialization as well as the integration of recreational activities to promote better cognitive health and quality of life.
- Homemaker services: This provides things like housekeeping, meal preparation, shopping, medication management, laundry services, etc.
- Personal care services: This includes help with basic daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, eating, toileting, etc.
- Skilled care: This includes care that is required by a licensed health professional, such as wound care, physical therapy, injections, etc.
How to Choose a Long-Term Care Facility For a Dementia Patient
It can be difficult to know what your options are when it comes to dementia and long-term care facilities in Spokane Valley. However, it is crucial to plan ahead and know what options are most suitable for your loved one as their care needs progress. It is highly recommended that you hire an elder law attorney to help you with this process, as they have experience in elder care and can help you find the best possible option.
Some of the main things that you need to consider when choosing a facility are the dementia sufferers personal care and medical needs. Many of the facilities we have discussed provide a wide range of services but you need to make sure they provide what your loved one will most likely end up needing in the future.
You should also consider the preferences of your loved one as a facility they live in will impact their quality of life. For instance, many people find nursing homes to be very clinical and less comfortable than other options like in-home care or an adult care home.
Before making a decision, you need to look into the specific facility you are considering to ensure it provides the quality of care that is needed. You can do this by researching it online and reading reviews to ensure it has a high satisfaction rate and provides the level of care it promises. You should also take the time to tour the facility to get a better idea of the care provided before making your final decision.
Get in Touch with an Elder Law Attorney Today
If you are looking for the best long-term care facility for a dementia patient, reach out to an experienced elder law attorney at Legacy Law Group in Washington. Contact us today at 509-315-8087 to speak with one of our attorneys to get the process started.
