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Eldercare Review | Tuesday, March 15, 2022
It is common for patients, caregivers, and family members to experience a wide range of emotions after receiving a dementia diagnosis. Providing the best care requires caregivers to be patient and kind to themselves first. The doctor will need to assess the patient where they are, and hospice care may be recommended
It is common for patients, caregivers, and family members to experience a wide range of emotions after receiving a dementia diagnosis. The process of adjusting to the diagnosis can be extremely challenging, and it is important to understand that it will not be accomplished overnight. It is important to take time to learn about dementia and consider what options exist for dementia care moving forward, including at home and in nursing homes. Providing the best care requires caregivers to be patient and kind to themselves first.
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What are the 7 Stages of Dementia?
Stage 1. Dementia is rarely diagnosed at its earliest stages since it progresses slowly. The problem is hard to detect at first.
Stage 2. Dementia in the early stages (mild cognitive decline) is sometimes characterized by forgetting names and misplacing everyday items. There are plenty of mild health problems, including general aging-related mental decline, which are unnoticeable.
Stage 3. The third stage of dementia begins to become noticeable to others, although it may not be apparent to the individual with dementia. This stage is characterized by memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and general disorganization. In addition, people may get lost when driving or walking.
Stage 4. By the fourth stage, dementia is easier to diagnose, and alarm bells begin to ring among family and friends when the patient is nonsocial, unresponsive, and moody. It is also possible to experience mood swings due to difficulties sticking to routines. Denial may be the response when questioned.
Stage 5. Memory loss, particularly regarding recent events, names, etc., caused by moderately severe cognitive decline. Organizing care giving for loved ones who suffer from Stage 5 dementia can be challenging when they have difficulty with hygiene, dressing, and eating. It might not be necessary to move them into a community right away, but they will need a caregiver.
Stage 6. Although this is a late stage form of dementia that will require full-time care, this stage is sometimes called 'middle dementia'. It will be difficult for most people to carry out basic activities without assistance. A marked increase in paranoia and anxiety will be observed, as well as sleep issues. Moving a patient to a care home or community may be an option if money isn't an issue, but be aware that it may cause great distress to the patient. It may be less distressing to receive full-time care at home.
Stage 7. In dementia patients with end-stage dementia (extreme cognitive decline), catatonia is common but under-diagnosed. Symptoms of end-stage dementia include catatonic or near-catatonic behavior, including walking, talking, and performing basic tasks. There is a possibility that they can communicate with noises, but they will be illogical noises. As a result, they may refuse to eat, resulting in malnutrition. In this stage, informal caregivers are extremely stressed, so professional care should be considered. The doctor will need to assess the patient where they are, and hospice care may be recommended.
Difference between Memory Care and Dementia Care
There is significant overlap between memory care and dementia care, which can be described loosely as either 'memory care' or 'dementia care'. The term ‘memory care’ refers to a type of care facility that focuses exclusively on conditions related to memory. There will be staff available round-the-clock to care for those with dementia. Compared to a specialized nursing home, it is more appropriate for those in the early stages of the illness.
Facilities that offer dementia care—such as nursing homes with dementia programs—are more appropriate for patients at later stages of the disorder. Medical care will be much more involved to help patients perform basic daily tasks such as eating and washing.
When Should a Dementia Patient Go Into Care?
Even though these conversations can be awkward, painful, and emotionally draining, family members must make big decisions alongside their loved ones— to respect the dignity and integrity of the person with dementia. As far as when a dementia patient should enter or receive care, there is no clear answer, but recognizing what types of care are necessary at what stages can make the decision easier to navigate.
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