Services for Dementia CaregiversRudolph C. Hatfield, PhD., edited by Kathryn Patricelli, MA There are many online resources for caregivers. For anyone who is a caregiver for a person with dementia or is considering being a caregiver for a loved one with dementia a good place to start is the Alzheimer's Association's Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiver Website. This site provides useful information about caregiving and other resources that one may find invaluable.
There may also be local services that a person can use to assist them. Depending on the area, some of these types of services may or may not be available. The best way to find out if there are specific services that one can draw upon in their area is to do an Internet search for local government or social service programs. In the United States, you can visit http://www.eldercare.gov to find information about local government sponsored programs. In Canada, visit the Seniors Canada site at https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/seniors/forum.html. In Australia, visit the Aged Care website at https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/.
Some suggestions include:
Adult day care services: There may be adult day care services that provide daytime care for adults with dementia in the same way that services provide child care for children. Adults can be dropped off and picked up later. Caregivers can use the services one or more days per week, depending on the costs, the services that are needed, or services offered by the company.
In-home respite care: These services may be used to allow caregivers to take a break from their normal routine. These services provide care directly in the person's home. It is important to make sure that the respite caregivers that one is hiring are accredited and licensed to perform the services that will be needed when they are in the home.
Home health care services: These providers will tend to medical needs and are often essential for caregivers to use to assist them. Again, make sure that they are licensed and accredited before hiring them.
Other government programs: Depending on a person's eligibility other programs such as a home meal delivery service or caregiver support program can be very useful in assisting our caregivers for someone with dementia.
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