As dementia progresses people usually need more care and support. It is a good idea to consider all the options carefully before the situation reaches crisis point.

If a person with dementia is assessed as being in need of certain services, social services may be able to help provide these. Services vary from area to area but range from meals on wheels or day care, enabling the person to stay in their own home, to care in a nursing home. The views and preferences of the person receiving services should always be taken into account.

Even if it is concluded that the person's needs are not yet urgent enough to receive help from social services, an assessment will give everyone clearer information about the situation and the kinds of help available from other sources.

Local voluntary organizations, such as the Alzheimer's Association, are a source of further information, advice and practical help.

Thinking it through

Once everyone is aware of the services available, a decision can be made about whether the person can remain in their own home with additional support or whether they would prefer to move into sheltered housing or a nursing home, for example.

You may also want to consider the financial implications of the options available. Social services should be able to give you an idea of the costs of the various services that are arranged through them.

It is important not to rush into a decision. You might also want to talk to friends and relatives, other caregivers or your local Alzheimer's Association branch.

AD and Help at home

If the person with dementia is staying in their own home, there are a number of points to consider:

• Benefits. Check that all benefits are being claimed. Extra benefits for the person with dementia or their caregiver can make a great difference.
• Equipment. Would equipment such as a raised toilet seat, a walking frame, a gas detector or a memory board make it easier for the person to stay in their own home?
• Adaptations or repairs. Adaptations such as a wheelchair ramp, a specially designed shower, improvements to the heating system or basic repairs might enable the person to remain at home.
• Practical help. Would meals on wheels, help with shopping, cooking or other domestic tasks, or assistance with bathing or dressing make a difference? Ask social services whether they can arrange these services or put you in touch with an appropriate organization. Speak to your doctor if nursing care is needed at home.
• Company and breaks for caregivers. Would a befriending scheme, home care service, day care or respite care be helpful? Again, ask social services whether they arrange these services.

If social services are unable to arrange appropriate help, find out what services other organizations can provide. Ask at your local library or the United Way or at a local Alzheimer's Association group.

The Alzheimer's Association publishes helpful information sheets about help at home and what to look for when making your own arrangements.

Social services may have a list of local private home care agencies.

AD and Assisted living accommodations

There are many different types of assisted living accommodations, both to rent and to buy. The support offered ranges from just getting prepared meals to part-time nursing care.

No matter what you decide on it's important to carefully check the financial and legal implications before settling on an option.

continue: Group Home or Nursing Home

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Reviewed: 03/2006