Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to 60–70% of cases [1]. Dementia becomes more common with age, although it is not a normal part of ageing [2]. Once someone is affected, it starts to interfere with daily life through the loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities.
While everyone loses some neurons as they grow older, people with dementia lose far more. This is where dementia care homes in Delhi play a role, offering the right daily care alongside a mix of medicines, therapies and cognitive training.
Jagruti Rehab Centre runs elder care homes across India, providing a safe, comfortable and well-located place for people living with dementia and other mental health conditions.
Here is how elderly care homes look after people with dementia.
Comfortable Living Space Just Like Home
The brain is the central organ of the human nervous system controlling every action and reaction of our physical parts. What if the brain is suffering from dementia or any other mental health issues?
The simple answer is- if the brain stops functioning as usual giving the person memory loss, hallucination, extreme headache, seizures, nausea, personality change, movement difficulty, thinking issues, and much more.
Overall, the person finds it difficult to manage day-to-day tasks, which can make them completely dependent on others. Busy families often do not have the time to give a loved one with dementia the patience and homely feeling they need. Dementia care homes are designed for people with these needs. Residents get space to live, talk and enjoy themselves with others, supported by trained medical and non-medical staff.
24 x 7 Support Staff For Care and General Well-Being
What if your grandfather feels the urge to urinate every 2 hours at night? It will surely disturb the other family members or the room will become unbearable for others.
At a dementia care home, round-the-clock staff remain available for residents. They prepare nutritious meals, help with day-to-day activities, give reminders for timely medicines and listen to residents with patience. Residents can focus on living a comfortable and dignified life.
Availability of Alternatives to Dementia Medicines
Medicines are part of dementia treatment, but they are not enough on their own. Good dementia care also involves other therapies, activities and support.
Staff at dementia care homes may offer cognitive stimulation therapy, which uses group activities and exercises to improve memory, problem-solving and language ability; evidence suggests it benefits people with mild to moderate dementia [3].
Elder care homes also have occupational therapists who work on cognitive rehabilitation. Psychologists, psychiatrists and family members are also involved in counselling.
Involvement in Recreational and Social Activities
Experts agree that recreational and group activities bring positive changes in people with dementia. Elder care homes encourage residents to take part in dancing, singing, painting, acting, yoga, group discussions, festival celebrations and many other activities.
Checklist for Choosing an Old Age Home for Dementia Patients in Delhi
- Opt for a home that allows guided or unguided interaction with other residents, so your loved one does not feel isolated and lonely.
- Even if everything is available in-house, consider how close the home is to a hospital, grocery stores, restaurants, parks, places of worship and markets.
- Trustworthy elder care administrators ensure regular cleaning, dusting and maintenance of the facility, but some homes ignore this. Choose one that shares its maintenance routine.
- Check the home’s certification documents before placing your trust in it. Ask for these documents and make sure you have written terms and conditions before enrolling.
- Wheelchairs and walkers are common in old age, so the home should be fully accessible. This also helps residents with mobility difficulties.
- Experts advise removing or reducing tripping and falling hazards for people with dementia [4], so check for non-skid floors, level surfaces and the location of bathrooms to prevent accidents.
- Good food matters. Your loved one will stay there for a long time, so the home must serve hygienic, nutritious meals.
- Safety is paramount in any dementia care home. Look for physical and digital security systems such as emergency alarms, CCTV coverage, SOS buttons beside beds and automatic door sensors.
- Never overlook the presence of an in-house medical team. With medical and non-medical staff available 24 x 7, you do not need to wait or go elsewhere for first aid in an emergency.
- Affordability is another factor. Not everyone can afford a five-star, hotel-like facility, so choose a home that offers good value for money.
Related Learning: Top 10 Old Age Homes in Delhi
Conclusion
A good dementia care home can help a loved one live safely, comfortably and with dignity, while giving families peace of mind. With the right mix of medical care, trained staff available 24 x 7, a clean and secure environment, and regular social activities such as dance, drama, yoga and singing, people with dementia can continue to enjoy a meaningful quality of life. To learn more about elder care options, contact Jagruti Rehab Centre.