People with dementia need more care as their symptoms get worse over time. Problems with memory, thinking, and behavior often present challenges for people with dementia, along with their family members and caregivers. There are support systems, resources, and services available to help people in any stage of the disease. This type of help can come in the form of:
- Day-to-day support. These services provide short-term care through adult day centers and respite services, which can allow caregivers to take a break. It might include supervision, meals delivered to the home, and/or transportation.
- Long-term care in the home. Care may be provided by unpaid family members and friends or by paid service providers and can include general care or medical care. Long-term care comes in many forms, such as home care services and home health care services.
- Residential care. This type of care may become necessary as a person with dementia requires more care and supervision than can be provided at home. Assisted living facilities may provide enough support in the early stages of dementia, whereas nursing homes may be more appropriate for those who cannot live safely at home.
- Hospice services. Hospice care provides end-of-life care and comfort for people with dementia and their families. Services can be provided at home, in a residential facility, in a hospital, or in a hospice facility.
Learn more about the different types of care for someone with dementia.
