A diagnosis of dementia can be a life-changer not just for the person with the disease, but also for their family and other loved ones. Although it can be difficult and challenging to provide the right care for someone who has dementia, with the right support, it can be very satisfying and rewarding.
During the early stages of the disease, your loved one will likely be able to participate in activities and carry on with their lives as they did before the diagnosis. During this time, while there are less demands on you, it is important to use the time to assemble your network and find out about local support groups. The Alzheimer Society is the leading not-for-profit health organization working nationwide to improve the quality of life for Canadians affected by Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and advance the search for the cause and cure. Active in communities right across Canada, the Society has programs and services near you.
There are also many geriatric and specialized memory clinics run out of hospitals and other medical centres which offer support and guidance to families. Community centres, municipalities, and others offer adult day programs (ADP), supervised programming in a group setting for dependent adults, These programs are a wonderful opportunity for seniors living in the community to have “a day out”, participate in social programming and connect with peers in a safe and supportive environment. At the same time, they offer family caregivers a needed respite from caregiving duties so that they can run errands, work or simply relax while knowing that their loved one is in a safe place and is benefiting from the company of others.
Caring for a partner, relative or close friend with dementia is demanding and can be very stressful especially as the disease progresses. It's important to remember that your needs as a caregiver are as important as the person you're caring for which is why it is important to ask for help. Family and friends can help in a variety of ways, from giving you a break (even if it's for only an hour), to taking the person with dementia to an activity or memory café. Sharing your experiences with other caregivers can also be a great support as they understand what you're going through. You can also share tips and advice.
When caring for someone with dementia, the only certainty is that there will be change! Never get too used to the status quo. That means that family caregivers should prepare for a time that you may not be able to cope alone and need professional outside help. But don’t wait until you’re at breaking point. ActivePro Nursing & Homecare Inc. offers a full range of care services, from companionship to full-time care. We provide private nursing and personal home care services for anywhere from a few hours a week to dedicated around-the-clock support 365 days a year. Our care is provided by attentive staff who are all qualified, bonded, insured and thoroughly screened.
Our services include dressing and bathing, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, foot care, companionship and more. We support individuals in private residences as well as any other care setting such as hospitals, rehab centres, long-term care facilities or retirement homes.
Remember that we are here for you and your loved one whether it's a few hours a week or around the clock care. Our personalized support is provided based on the unique needs of the individual to enhance their quality of life wherever and whenever care is needed regardless of age, needs or lifestyle.
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For more information don't hesitate to contact us, we are here to provide you or your loved ones for the extra care that is needed. Call our local Toronto office at (647) 793-2525 to learn how caregiver services can assist your family.