DCC Content Search: Care Options

In the later stages of dementia, many people will require more care and assistance than their family members can provide. Even for people who don't need intensive hands-on care, safety may be an issue and they may not be able to stay home alone.

Caregivers should explore short- or long-term care options for their loved ones before the dementia progresses to the final stages. Respite care is a good option for caregivers who want to keep their loves one at home but who need a break sometimes. Follow the links below to learn about some of these options:

"Respite" care is care temporarily provided to your loved one by someone other than you in order to give you a break from having constant responsibility as a caregiver. The majority of persons with Alzheimer's disease live at home and receive care from family or friends -- about 75%, by some estimates. This is true of those with other forms of dementia as well. These caregivers, some of whom may work part- or full-time, can benefit greatly through the use of supportive services such as respite care.

Read more about the two main types of respite care:

There are several other short-term care services available to dementia caregivers. Like respite care, these services also provide a break for caregivers and also provide their loved ones with opportunities for activity and interaction. In some cases, short-term care may included medical care from a skilled person, such as a home health nurse or physical therapist. Read more about the most common types of short-term supportive care:

Even with help from community and respite services, providing care for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or dementia will become more difficult with time. In later stages, long-term care options may be able to provide best for the needs of the individual; however, these options are often considerations that caregivers and their families find difficult to plan for or to even discuss.

The two main long-term care available to seniors and to individuals with AD/dementia are assisted living facilities and nursing homes (also known as a skilled nursing facility).