Many families want to continue to support their person at home and avoid residential aged care if possible. To achieve this it is essential that you plan for the future, have (and use) the right supports, and ensure that you do not become exhausted by your caring responsibilities.
Some people with dementia go into an aged care home after a crisis. A common scenario is a person has a fall, leading to a visit to hospital, after which doctors and family feel it is not safe for them to continue living at home. Planning ahead for a time where the person is less physically able may help prevent crises like falls. Also essential is utilising community services and other supports so the person with dementia can return home.
Carers describe that talking about aged care homes with the person with dementia can be useful. This can be a very emotional topic and sometime talking about this with a counsellor can help. Discussing the potential need for a care home in the future can help you deal with some of the guilt and gives the person with dementia the opportunity to talk about what they would like or consider acceptable.
Planning ahead also means considering legal, financial and medical practicalities. Pages in section Making plans and decisions details what you need to have in place. Ensuring their will and advance care directives are prepared in advance can provide peace of mind.
Planning for the future
Include the person with dementia in conversations about planning for the future. Consider legal, financial, medical and future care practicalities in your discussions.
