Dementia can not only take its toll on those suffering from the disease, but it can also lead to burnout for those who have taken on the responsibility as primary caregivers. This is why many family caregivers turn to respite care. Respite care at the hands of qualified memory care professionals can help patients manage their dementia symptoms and have a productive stay while reassuring caregivers that their loved ones are in good hands. Encore Communities provides respite care for dementia patients so caregivers can get much-needed rest.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care provides caregivers the short-term relief they need to rest, care for themselves, or spend time with friends and family.[1] Depending on the need and circumstances, this care can last from a few hours to several weeks. How
How Respite Care Professionals Manage Dementia Symptoms
Healthcare professionals who provide respite care are trained to manage dementia symptoms to keep their patients safe during their stay. Wandering, agitation, and repetitive behaviors are just a few of the dementia symptoms that respite care professionals are trained to deal with.
Wandering
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6 out of 10 people with dementia will wander at least once.[2] Dementia patients can get bored and stray, or they may suffer from a condition called “sundowning,” leading them to wander. This state of confusion occurs late into the afternoon and throughout the night. This can be especially dangerous, so respite caregivers will ensure that there are locks and even child-proof locks to keep patients safe. They closely monitor patients so they will not wander during their respite stay.
Agitation
Dementia patients can also become agitated easily due to fear and environmental factors. Respite caregivers can work to reduce noise and maintain a routine so that patients don’t become agitated during their stay.
Repetitive Actions and Speech
Repetition of words and actions is common among dementia patients. Anxiety and fear can trigger this type of behavior. Caregivers can work to distract patients with an interesting activity and reassure them to lower any anxiety they may be feeling.
During respite care, memory care staff also works to socialize patients and keep them mentally stimulated and engaged. Taking part in daily activities is crucial for those with dementia. Activities such as puzzles, games, and music therapy can help to keep patients focused and in good spirits, which can help them better manage their symptoms during their respite care stay. By keeping focused on the patient’s interests, memory care staff can provide a positive experience.
Benefits of Respite Care
The benefits of respite care are evident for the patient and the caregiver.
Benefits for Those with Dementia
Those with dementia can benefit from respite care, which provides stimulating environments and new people to interact with. This can help prevent isolation and depression. During their stay, patients can meet new people battling the same issues, which can help improve their mental health as they socialize with others.
Respite care can help prevent cognitive decline by providing structured activities for patients. Memory care staff can also ensure that patients follow a schedule similar to what they’re used to during their stay, making their transition to respite care easier.
Caregiver Benefits
Respite care gives caregivers the much-needed break they need to take care of themselves or tend to other responsibilities. Many times, those caring for loved ones with dementia are hesitant to leave because they are afraid something terrible will happen. But, with respite care from trained memory care staff members, caregivers can know that their loved ones are in good hands.
Respite care also allows caregivers to interact with others. Many caregivers can become isolated because caring for their loved ones takes so much of their time. Respite care allows caregivers to spend time with others while their loved ones are in the capable hands of memory care staff. This can help caregivers better manage stress and avoid depression.
Memory Care Respite with Encore Communities
Encore Communities provides responsible respite care for dementia patients’ caregivers. Our highly trained staff knows how to manage the symptoms of dementia patients to keep them safe during their respite stay. This includes safety checks, medication monitoring, nutritious meals, and activities.
We offer day stays and extended stays of up to 30 days. During their stay, respite care residents live in a fully furnished apartment and have access to all the amenities of full-time Encore residents.
Encore Communities in Shoreline and Silverdale, Washington, and Corvallis, Oregon, offer respite care. Contact us today to learn more!
Sources:
[1] https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving/what-respite-care
[2] https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/health/info-2022/common-dementia-behaviors.html
Dan is Vice President, Marketing of the Alumus family of companies. A Seattle native, he earned his BA in Humanities and Political Science at Evergreen State College. He started his career as a newspaper columnist, eventually transitioning into marketing and tech writing for Microsoft and several other startups. He later launched a successful creative agency focused on branding, digital marketing, and content production in Los Angeles, where he worked for several nursing and behavioral health clients, eventually becoming the National Marketing Director for one of them.
He has taught Vipassana mindfulness meditation and MBSR and spends whatever free time he has with his son snowboarding, hiking, and camping in the mountains.
