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Living with a loved one who is suffering from dementia can often feel challenging. When you have to take care of them as their condition progresses, it can be a daunting undertaking! But imagine a scenario when you find yourself looking at no other options than to find emergency care for your loved one, even if it is against their wishes.
Here’s what you need to know about finding emergency care for dementia patients and how to proceed when they refuse to go into care!
An overview of seniors with dementia
Recognizing signs of dementia in older adults is crucial amidst normal behavioral variations. Early identification allows for timely intervention. Common symptoms include frequent memory loss, mood shifts, and difficulty following conversations.
15 Signs of dementia in older adults
Isolating the symptoms of dementia with normal behavior can feel confusing. Often, even the healthiest of people can be forgetful or act out erratically. That does not necessarily mean they are displaying signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s, especially the elderly!
But it is crucial to know the early onset signs of dementia, especially in older adults if they exhibit the following symptoms frequently:
- Frequent memory loss
- Frequent mood shifts
- Struggling to follow a conversation
- Inability to find the right words
- Agitation, anxiousness, and hypertension
- Gradual depression (resulting from other symptoms)
- Delirium or hallucinations
- Basic problem-solving challenges
- Problems in planning or completing familiar tasks
- Confusion with time or location
- Insomnia
- Having anger outbursts at night
- Misplacing objects around the house frequently
- Repeated inability to retrace steps
- The rapid decline in decision-making
Note: It is important to note that more symptoms vary with other forms of dementia or Alzheimer’s, and it can vary with the stage. For more information, you may read the following articles:
10 Eye-opening facts about dementia in the US
It is estimated that about 5.8 million people in the US have dementia, whereas according to the CDC, at least 5.6 million are over the age of 65 and above!
Here are some other statistical facts about dementia patients who are seniors:
- Based on present stats, it is estimated Alzheimer’s amongst Hispanics is likely to increase seven times.
- Women are more likely to suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s than men (because it is estimated they live longer).
- 1 in 9 seniors who are 65 and older (that’s 10.7%) has Alzheimer’s disease.
- Between 2050 – 2060, the cases of Alzheimer’s are projected to increase. Somewhere from 13 million to 15 million.
- At least 1.4 million visits have been emergency cases in a span of 3 years (2016-19).
- 8% of such emergency cases have been accidents, while 7% were due to behavioral disturbances.
- At least 1 in 3 seniors have died from Alzheimer’s cases or dementia. Shockingly, dementia kills more than prostate and breast cancer combined.
- 1/3 of caregivers of dementia patients in the US are daughters.
- The lifetime cost of care for someone who has dementia is estimated to be around $390,000 – $400,000.
- 1 in 10 (men) is at risk of Alzheimer’s, whereas 1 in 5 (women) are also at risk. Both groups of people fall over the age of 45 and above.
Prioritizing emergency dementia placement for seniors
When faced with urgent circumstances requiring emergency placement for seniors with dementia, swift action, and preparation are essential. Here’s how to navigate the process effectively:
Be prepared for emergency placement
Familiarize yourself with local resources and facilities offering emergency placement services for seniors with dementia.
Keep essential documents, such as medical records and legal documents, readily accessible in case of emergencies.
Have a list of emergency contacts, including healthcare providers, family members, and caregivers, readily available.
Don’t wait – Here’s how to find an emergency placement!
Contact local hospitals or healthcare facilities to inquire about emergency placement options for seniors with dementia.
Contact social service agencies or organizations specializing in senior care for assistance and guidance.
Utilize online resources and directories to search for memory care facilities or nursing homes offering emergency placement services in your area.
Consider seeking recommendations from healthcare professionals, friends, or family members who have experience with emergency placement for seniors with dementia.
How long can a person with dementia live at home?
For many people, dementia can aggressively advance to a point where it becomes vital to place them in memory care facilities. In other cases, if an elderly is in the mildest stages of dementia, they can live at home for years to come.
There have been cases where older adults have lived at home for over 20 years after being diagnosed with dementia. Dementia can differ from person to person. It is difficult to say how long they are able to stay at home as it is subjective to their condition.
Questions to ask yourself
The following questions are essential to ask when it comes to dealing with a dementia patient:
- Can I handle the increasing care needs at home as dementia progresses?
- Are there safety concerns or home modifications required?
- What support networks or resources are available for caregiving?
- How will staying at home affect the patient’s quality of life and social interactions?
- What are the financial implications of home care versus other options?
- How can I prevent caregiver burnout while caring for the patient at home?
- What signs indicate the need for alternative care arrangements?
- Have I discussed the patient’s care preferences with them and their healthcare provider?
- Are there additional therapies or interventions to support the patient at home?
- How can I create a dementia-friendly environment at home for the patient’s comfort?
Dealing with a dementia patient refusing to go into care
Encountering resistance from a loved one with dementia who refuses to enter care can be emotionally challenging and fraught with complexities. But it is important to remember that this is very normal, as they, too, are in a state of stress and duress.
Communicate clearly and effectively
Use clear, simple language and gentle persuasion to explain the need for placing the person into care. It may take some time, but it’s still the best approach.
Try to involve them in decision-making
While their cognitive problem may hamper their judgment, it is not to say they are entirely unaware. Be patient and help to empower the patient by involving them in discussions about their care and preferences.
Address their fears and concerns
Patiently listen to their worries and concerns about entering emergency care should the need arise and provide reassurance and support.
Seek professional help
Consult with healthcare professionals. That includes senior specialists or social workers with experience dealing with similar cases.
Consider alternatives
Explore alternative care options, such as in-home care or day programs, that may be more acceptable to the dementia patient if all else fails.
Is there free care for dementia patients?
It all comes down to one pivotal question for family caregivers: the cost. Generally, the cost of memory care can range between $4,000 to $6,000 (depending on the state). Often, it can be higher than $6,500 in places like Connecticut, the District of Colombia, South Dakota, or Vermont. In-home dementia care can be surprisingly costly, as it can go over $9,000 on average.
When placing your loved one in an emergency, the cost & the facility, aided by the urgency and level of care required, can shoot up the price.
While specialized facilities are not accessible, there are ways to avail care for seniors with dementia or at least bring the cost down. They are as follows:
1. Assistance from government programs
- Medicaid: Medicaid plans will cover long-term care costs for low-income individuals.
- PACE: The Program of All-Inclusive Care for Elderly (PACE) can provide seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s financial assistance, depending on their eligibility.
- Veterans’ Benefit: Veterans suffering from cognitive health decline can provide dementia care assistance.
2. National organizations
The following organization offers support in the form of numerous resources and assistance:
- Alzheimer’s Association
- Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
- National Task Group on
- Intellectual Disabilities & Dementia Practices
- Lewy Body Dementia Association
Final thoughts
Dealing with dementia can be exhausting, often with a hint of melancholy, for both caregiver and patient. But to be in a scenario where one has no other option but to place their loved one in emergency care, even against their will?
While painfully upsetting, such a stride is often the best course of action to ensure no further harm to the patient or caregiver.
Related articles:
- Care homes for aggressive dementia patients
- Fall prevention tips for dementia patients
- Music therapy for dementia patients
- Sundown syndrome in seniors
FAQs
Where is the best place for someone with dementia?
Memory care facilities are the number one place to place dementia patients, especially those at a critical stage of the condition. However, many seniors with mild or early onset dementia prefer to stay at home, and in such cases, home care services (that specialize in dementia care) are more applicable.
When should a dementia patient be placed?
There’s no right time for a dementia patient to be placed in an emergency facility. Depending on the situation and the stage of dementia they are at, the earlier, the better. An elderly suffering from such cognitive health issues should be placed as soon as possible before their condition deteriorates.
How to deal with a parent who has dementia?
Dealing with a parent suffering from dementia can be stressful, but it is essential to remember remaining patient is vital in managing such stress. If required, take help from resources that outline dementia patient management. You can also turn to certified caregivers (dementia home care) or place your loved one in memory care facilities.
