Consistency Matters in Dementia Care

Whether a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease is cared for at home or in a skilled residential facility, there are certain hallmarks that signify good care. Consistency happens to be one of the most important. Consistency involves a number of different factors that can help those living with dementia enjoy their lives to the fullest while ensuring a level of care that is exceptional.

Whether care is provided at home or in a residential care setting, medical professionals recommend a consistent approach be taken in these areas:

• The people caring for the loved one – While consistency is relatively simple to ensure at home when a family member and a few other familiar faces might be responsible for all care, it can be trickier to ensure in a care facility. One of the points to consider when selecting a residential facility to care for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s is the consistency of the care given. People living with memory disorders tend to do better when staff members are able to build a rapport with them by providing specialized care day in and day out. It is also important to make sure staff members are highly trained.
• The environment – It is also important to keep a loved one’s surroundings comfortable, warm and familiar. Making sure not to dramatically change the home environment is important if family members will be caring for the loved one. In a residential care facility setting, make sure the atmosphere is homelike. Also be sure to bring familiar items to the loved one’s room to help make them feel more at home.
• The schedule – Routine can be especially important for helping loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease thrive. If caring for a loved one at home, set a daily schedule and try not to deviate from it very often. Doing so can help lend a sense of stability while enabling the loved one to know what to expect. When reviewing care facilities, take a look at their daily schedules and make sure they are set in place throughout each week.
  Caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s is a labor of love. Ensuring they receive the proper care at home or in a specialized setting demands attention to detail and a sense of consistency.

About Author
The Cottages have been operating in Texas since 1997 and are family owned and operated by The Cottages Senior Living. The Cottages are state-of-the-art certified assisted living residences for people living with Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders.