When Do People with Dementia Need Specialized Care? A Guide for Families

When Do People with Dementia Need Specialized Care? A Guide for Families

Dementia is a progressive condition that causes a decline in the ability to think, remember, and perform daily activities. In the early stages, many families can still care for the person at home. However, as time progresses, care needs typically increase.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of people with dementia worldwide is estimated to exceed 55 million people. This condition affects not only the person living with dementia but also the family members caring for them.

Caring for someone with dementia can be physically, emotionally, and financially demanding. Therefore, it is important for families to understand when professional care support may be needed.

Stages of Dementia and Care Needs

Dementia typically develops through several stages, each with different care requirements.

Early Stage (Mild Dementia)

In the early stage, people with dementia are usually still fairly independent but begin to show some symptoms such as:

• forgetting new information;
• difficulty finding the right words; and
• difficulty organizing schedules.

At this stage, people can usually remain at home with family support.

Middle Stage (Moderate Dementia)

In the middle stage, symptoms usually become more noticeable and begin to affect daily activities.

Common symptoms at this stage include:

• difficulty recognizing familiar people;
• confusion about time and place;
• changes in behavior or mood; and
• difficulty with daily activities.

At this stage, the need for supervision usually increases.

Advanced Stage (Severe Dementia)

In the advanced stage, people with dementia usually need full assistance with daily activities.

Some conditions that may occur include:

• difficulty eating or swallowing;
• difficulty walking; and
• complete dependence on caregivers.

At this stage, professional care often becomes essential.

Signs That a Person with Dementia May Need Specialized Care

The following are some signs that indicate a person with dementia may need professional care support.

1. Frequently Getting Lost or Wandering Without Purpose

People with dementia often experience confusion about location or direction. They may:

• become lost in familiar environments;
• leave home without a purpose; and
• unable to find their way home.

This condition can pose serious safety risks.

2. Difficulty with Self-Care

As dementia progresses, people may have difficulty performing basic activities such as:

• bathing;
• dressing;
• eating; and
• maintaining personal hygiene.

When these needs can no longer be met independently, additional support is usually needed.

3. Behavioral Changes That Are Difficult to Manage

Some people with dementia may experience behavioral changes such as:

• agitation or anger;
• excessive anxiety;
• suspicion of others; and
• aggressive behavior.

These changes often require specialized care approaches.

4. Safety Hazards at Home

Dementia can affect a person's ability to make safe decisions. Examples of risks that can occur include:

• forgetting to turn off the stove;
• falling due to loss of balance; and
• difficulty using household appliances safely.

In such situations, a more structured and safe environment may be necessary.

5. Home Care Becoming Difficult

Caring for a person with dementia can become very exhausting for family members.

Some signs of caregiver burnout include:

• physical exhaustion;
• emotional stress;
• sleep disturbances; and
• depression.

When a family member experiences severe exhaustion, professional support can help protect the well-being of all parties involved.

Care Options for People with Dementia

There are several care options that families can consider.

Home Care

Home care allows the person to remain in a familiar environment. Professional caregivers can help with:

• daily activities;
• supervision; and
• cognitive stimulation activities.

Day Care or Activity Center

These programs provide social and therapeutic activities for older adults for several hours each day.

Benefits include:

• providing mental stimulation;
• reducing loneliness; and
• giving respite to family caregivers.

Memory Care or Specialized Residential Care Facility

Memory care is a facility specifically designed for people with dementia.

These facilities typically provide:

• a safe environment;
• trained staff;
• structured activity programs; and
• 24-hour supervision.

How to Make the Right Decision

Deciding when to seek professional care support can be a difficult decision for families.

Some factors to consider include:

• the level of care the person needs;
• the person's safety;
• the caregiver's health; and
• available resources.

Discussion with healthcare professionals or geriatric counselors can help families make the right decision.

The Importance of Appropriate Care for People with Dementia

Appropriate care can help:

• maintain the person's safety;
• improve quality of life;
• reduce caregiver stress; and
• provide appropriate mental stimulation.

With the right support, people living with dementia can still enjoy a meaningful life.

RUKUN Senior Living
Kawasan Darmawan Park
Jl. Babakan Madang No. 99
Sentul Selatan – Bogor 16810
Telp. 021 8795 1525
Facebook: RUKUNSeniorLiving
Instagram: @rukunseniorlivingindonesia

References (Daftar Pustaka)

• World Health Organization (2023). Dementia Fact Sheet.
• Alzheimer's Association (2024). Stages of Alzheimer's Disease.
• National Institute on Aging (2023). Caring for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease.
• Livingston, G., et al. (2020). Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care. The Lancet.