Caring for an individual with dementia can be an extremely challenging experience, but it can also be rewarding if the caregiver is a family member. No matter the case, it is often difficult for even a loving family to provide all the "around the clock" care that a demented relative may need because of the intensity of care that may be required. Most people believe that the process of caregiving is one that must be undertaken without any support or assistance, but that’s simply not the case. It’s very important for any caregiver to be fully aware of the demented person’s needs, as well as their own needs. Feelings of grief or guilt over having to choose between taking on the responsibility of caring for a demented loved one at home or placing them in a nursing home are common. Therefore, researching local options of care may help decrease the anxiety over the situation.

Levels of Care

There are three levels of care involved when caring for an elderly person’s needs. These levels are custodial, intermediate and skilled.

Custodial care can be referred to as basic or personal care. In this situation, a person is given assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, eating, dressing and other routine activities. The care is less intense on a medical standpoint. It basically consists of providing a safe and stimulating atmosphere for the ambulatory (able to walk on their own) individual. This type of care typically takes place in a residential home that is turned into a business for adult care. The people who run the business may have medical certification, but they are not skilled professionals as defined as a medical physician, registered nurse, physical therapist, speech pathologist or occupational therapist. Dementia is a condition in which often renders only custodial or basic care.

Intermediate care is a level of care in which people who require assistance with activities of daily living, basic health services and nursing supervision. However, this level of care generally does not include round-the-clock nursing care. It may only include assistance with personal care, periodic health monitoring (for high blood pressure or sugar levels), and offer medication reminders.

The last level of care, skilled care, is designed for individuals who need 24-hour medical supervision, skilled nursing care, or rehabilitation. However, these individuals must not have the need to be hospitalized. Another option is that skilled care can be provided at home or in a nursing facility, but a physician's order is required.

Treatment Care Options

The following is a brief overview of the treatment and care options for family members and people suffering from dementia:

* respite care - publicly or privately paid temporary care (relieves primary care giver to do errands or just "get away for a while"). Friends and relatives often provide this even when they are unable or unwilling to share primary care responsibilities.

* adult day care – private program that provides a safe, structured setting that helps maintain cognitive function in the dementia patient. This can also be used as a respite for the primary care giver.

* adult foster care – this is a program in which private individuals or non-profit organizations maintain houses and provide care for one or more impaired persons (person must generally be able to perform most self-care functions).

* Meals on Wheels – a program which delivers nutritious meals at the doorstep of a person unable to prepare a meal on his own

* Case manager and service coordinator – social workers assist family members with identifying and coordinating needed services.