Importance of Home-Based Care for Dementia Patients

Home-based care is a crucial aspect of dementia patients. It enables them to stay in a familiar environment, thereby reducing confusion risks as an individual will remain in a familiar routine (Afram et al., 2015). Familiar places stimulate memories (Howley, 2019). In an institution, a patient will experience a new routine that might be hard to adjust to. Given that the patient will stay in an environment that they are familiar with, it is likely to increase safety. Patients feel more secure and have peace of mind when in familiar environments.  According to Trinity Home Care (2021), familiar environments reduce anxiety and confusion among dementia patients. They will recognize the house’s layout, thereby enabling easy movement within the house.

Additionally, patients feel more comfortable when they interact with their family members or their caregivers in a familiar setting. They continue enjoying family love under home-based care. Also, they form a strong relationship with their caregivers since they have enough time to interact. However, it takes too much time for patients to feel at home while caring for nursing (Bursack, 2019). They have limited interaction with the caregivers, and therefore there is no personal relationship.

Additionally, patients with dementia in home-based care show improved outcomes compared to those in a skilled nursing home. The patients at home-based care have improved their everyday tasks and engagement with activities (Gitlin et al., 2010). Also, the patients have a lower likelihood of developing other diseases such as pneumonia and ulcers (Mitchell et al., 2004). Compared to institutional care, home-based care will help improve cognitive function, thereby reducing

memory loss as patients will live around household memories. In addition, a study shows that home care for dementia patients enables personalized care, whereby caregivers keep a closer eye on patients compared to institutionalized care, thereby enhancing safety and close monitoring of medication (Afram et al., 2015).  Also, home-based care provides nutritional counseling and home-cooked meals that meet their patient’s nutritional needs (Nikmat et al., 2011). Therefore, patients in home-based care lead a quality life, and as a result they live a better life.

Healthcare cost for older people with dementia is expensive. Some studies indicate that home-based care is less expensive compared to skilled nursing facilities. Sands et al. (2015), provided home-based care targeting older adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s condition is cost effective compared to the nursing facilities. The prices of institutional nursing care vary

according to the quality of services the patient or the family of the patient want (Nikmat et al.,

2011). High-quality service nursing homes charge exorbitant prices. According to the National Association of Home Care (2021), the cost for patient in skilled nursing facility is about $544

per day, whereas the cost of patient in a home-based care is about $132 per day. Therefore, the homebased care is more affordable.

Challenges in Dementia Patient Caring