Short-term care provides temporary relief for immediate needs, while long-term care offers ongoing, comprehensive support for daily living. Here’s how to find both.

When a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, choosing the right type of care can be one of the most important and challenging decisions you make.

It’s essential to research and understand the various options for both short-term and long-term care to ensure that your loved one’s needs are met effectively.

Navigating care options for a loved one with Alzheimer’s involves distinguishing among the various types of long- and short-term solutions.

Let’s take a look at each option.

Long-term care options

In-home care

Long-term in-home care for someone with Alzheimer’s involves ongoing support and assistance provided in their own home.

This type of care is essential for people with Alzheimer’s who prefer to stay in familiar surroundings or those whose care needs can be effectively managed at home.

It typically includes a range of services tailored to the person’s needs, such as personal care (bathing, dressing), medication management, meal preparation, and companionship. Professional caregivers, who are often employed through home care agencies, deliver these services.

Caregivers can provide overnight stays if needed, ensuring round-the-clock supervision and assistance.

Residential care facilities

Residential care facilities for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia provide housing, support, and specialized care tailored to the residents’ needs.

People often live in these facilities long term, receiving around-the-clock supervision and help with daily activities such as personal care, medication management, and meals.

Here are the different types of residential care facilities:

  • Assisted living facilities: These facilities provide assistance with daily activities but are less intensive than nursing homes.
  • Memory care units: These are specialized units within assisted living or nursing facilities that offer enhanced security and tailored care for people with dementia.
  • Nursing homes: These facilities provide 24/7 medical care, including skilled nursing services and rehabilitation.
  • Continuing care retirement communities: These communities offer a range of care options, from independent living to nursing care, and allow residents to transition between levels as needed.
  • Group homes: These are small residences where a few people live together and receive care from staff.
  • Residential care (group) homes: These facilities provide personal care and support services for about 6 to 10 residents in a home-like setting.

Short-term care options

Respite care

Short-term respite care is a temporary relief service for primary caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s. It provides a break from caregiving duties, allowing caregivers to rest or attend to personal matters.

Respite care can be provided at home or in other facilities, depending on the needs and preferences of the caregiver and the person they are caring for.

Common providers of respite care include:

  • home care agencies
  • day centers
  • residential care facilities
  • family members or friends
  • volunteer organizations

Adult day services

Adult day centers are daytime facilities designed to support caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. They offer structured programs and supervision during the day, typically operating from morning until early evening.

These centers provide a safe and engaging environment where people can socialize, take part in activities such as music and exercise programs, and receive necessary care while their caregivers attend to other responsibilities or take a break.

While they generally don’t provide overnight care, some may offer extended hours into the evening or weekend sessions to accommodate varying caregiver schedules.

Hospice care

Hospice care is specialized end-of-life care provided by interdisciplinary teams, which include doctors, nurses, and volunteers. It focuses on enhancing quality of life for people who are nearing the end of life — typically those who have 6 months or less to live.

Hospice services can be provided at home, in hospice centers, or in hospitals and can offer pain management, emotional support, and spiritual care.

According to a 2022 study, hospice care offers several key benefits for people with dementia:

  • Better quality of care: About 52% of caregivers of people with dementia who used hospice services described the care as excellent, while 41% of caregivers of those who didn’t use hospice reported the same.
  • Improved symptom management: About 67% of caregivers reported that anxiety and sadness were managed in people who used hospice care, while only 46% of caregivers reported this for those who were not in hospice care.
  • Fewer changes: Only 10% of people who received hospice care experienced transitions in the last 3 days of life, while 25% of those who did not use hospice care experienced such transitions.

Assessing the care needs of a loved one with Alzheimer’s involves a comprehensive approach that considers their current abilities, medical condition, and preferences.

Here’s a structured approach to guide you:

  • Medical assessment: Start with a thorough medical assessment from a healthcare professional such as a primary care doctor or a geriatrician. They can evaluate the person’s overall health and cognitive abilities, as well as any specific medical conditions related to Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Cognitive assessment: A neuropsychologist or neurologist specializing in dementia can conduct cognitive assessments to evaluate memory, reasoning, language skills, and overall cognitive function. These assessments help determine the stage of Alzheimer’s and guide care planning.
  • Functional assessment: Assess the person’s ability to perform activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Occupational therapists or social workers can evaluate how well the person manages tasks such as dressing, bathing, and cooking.

Based on these assessments, you can make an informed decision about the most suitable type of care for your loved one to ensure that they receive the appropriate support and quality of life.

Financial planning for care involves several key steps to ensure that you manage costs effectively while securing appropriate support for your loved one.

Here’s a structured approach:

  • Assess current finances: Review income, savings, investments, and debts to understand the financial situation.
  • Understand care costs: Research the costs of different care options such as in-home care and residential facilities.
  • Check insurance coverage: Review health insurance policies, including Medicare and Medicaid, to understand what is covered. Consider long-term care insurance if it is not already in place.
  • Seek help with legal planning: Establish power of attorney, living wills, and other legal documents to ensure that financial and medical decisions can be made.
  • Look into government assistance: Explore eligibility for government programs such as Medicaid, veterans benefits, and Social Security Disability Insurance.
  • Consult a financial advisor: Consider consulting a financial planner who specializes in care for older adults or people with Alzheimer’s.
  • Explore community resources: Look into nonprofit organizations and community resources that offer financial assistance or low cost care options.
  • Look for tax deductions: Investigate potential tax deductions for medical expenses and caregiving costs.

Here are some tips for finding and evaluating care providers for a loved one with Alzheimer’s:

  • Research providers: Start by gathering a list of potential care providers through online searches, referrals from healthcare professionals, and local care organizations for older adults.
  • Check credentials: Verify that providers are licensed and accredited and have the necessary certifications. Ensure that caregivers are trained in Alzheimer’s care.
  • Visit facilities: Schedule tours to see the environment, meet staff, and assess cleanliness and safety. Observe interactions between staff and residents. The National Institute on Aging provides an online guide with helpful tips for selecting a long-term care facility.
  • Review costs: Get detailed information on fees, what’s included, and any additional charges. Compare costs with your budget and available resources.
  • Read reviews: Look for online reviews, ratings, and testimonials from other families. Check with regulatory agencies for any complaints or violations.

Helping your loved one with Alzheimer’s adjust to new care can be challenging, but these strategies may ease the transition:

  • Introduce gradually: Begin with short visits or trial periods to help your loved one become familiar with the new environment and caregivers.
  • Maintain routines: Keep familiar routines and activities to provide stability and comfort.
  • Visit frequently: Regular visits can offer comfort and reassurance, helping your loved one feel supported.
  • Involve them: Include your loved one in decisions and activities to help them feel in control.
  • Create familiar spaces: Bring personal items such as photos and favorite objects to make the new environment feel like home.
  • Provide information: Share details about their preferences, medical needs, and routines with caregivers to ensure consistent care.
  • Seek support: Consider seeking out support groups or counseling to manage the emotional impact of the transition.

Choosing the right care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s involves evaluating both short-term and long-term options to find the best fit for their needs.

By understanding the various care types and their specific benefits, you can make informed decisions to ensure that your loved one has the appropriate support and quality of life.