Providing care for seniors with dementia can be a challenging task. Family members often have to make a choice between home care for seniors or hospital care. In some cases, at-home caregivers are a better option for your loved one than hospitals. Here are a few of the challenges dementia caregivers may face when their senior loved ones are admitted to the hospital.
Poor Nutrition
Poor eating habits may lead to increased behavioral issues and weight loss. Eating a well-balanced diet is crucial for the body to stay strong and healthy. However, nutrition is one of the many challenges associated with care in the hospital. Poor record keeping of nutritional needs and the inability to detect nutritional deficits quickly could mean a hospital may not be the best option for your loved one.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of senior care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Admission Errors
Many aging adults living with dementia may not have been formally diagnosed at the time of admission, or dementia may have been misdiagnosed as delirium and depression. If the condition isn’t diagnosed before admission, it may be difficult for the hospital staff to care for a senior with dementia.
Expense
As a family caregiver, you may notice the cost to treat an adult with dementia in the hospital is higher than treating someone without it. This is because seniors with dementia need someone to watch them around the clock to prevent them from wandering off and harming themselves or anyone else. Hospital staff also need to assist seniors who have dementia with basic activities, including bathing, dressing, and eating. Many of these costs aren’t covered by Medicare, which makes dementia care in a hospital financially challenging.
A home caregiver with expertise in dementia care can be a fantastic source of support. Families looking for top-rated home care Miami providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Lack of Training
A large percentage of hospital staff aren’t trained in the field of dementia care, which could make it difficult for a senior with dementia to receive proper care while in the hospital. Family members may have to research hospitals to ensure their staff members are trained in dementia care before sending their loved ones there.
Injuries & Illnesses
As dementia progresses, your loved one may face difficulty with balance, perception, and vision, making him or her susceptible to falls. If your loved one is receiving care in the hospital, he or she is at higher risk for illnesses and injuries, including slips and falls. For these reasons, your family may want to hire professional dementia care.
Even when families have the best intentions, caring for a senior loved one with dementia can be challenging. Fortunately, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. We are a leading provider of dementia care. Miami families can take advantage of our flexible and customizable care plans, and our caregivers always stay up to date on the latest developments in senior care. If you need professional home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (305) 574-9137.
