Things to Remember Before Hiring an In-Home Nurse for a Dementia Patient

Caring for someone who has dementia can take a toll on them both emotionally and physically. As the condition worsens, caring for these individuals becomes all the more challenging. That being said, the patient suffering from dementia has to struggle a lot more than the caregiver. It’s a situation that pushes both the patient and their caregiver to their absolute limits.

According to the US Population Reference Bureau, over seven million Americans aged 65 or older had dementia in 2020. It’s being predicted that more than nine million Americans could have dementia by 2030. Irrespective of the number of patients, it’s imperative to provide them all with proper care. For that, many people opt for in-home care services and decide to hire a nurse to care for the patient. 

However, before you make the important decision to hire an in-home nurse for a dementia patient, there are several crucial factors to consider. This article outlines the key considerations to keep in mind before bringing an in-home nurse into your loved one’s life.

Assess the Level of Care Needed

Dementia is a complex condition that manifests differently in each individual. The first step is to assess the level of care your loved one requires.

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that 6 in 10 dementia patients tend to wander. That means they might end up falling down or hurting themselves at any given time. Therefore, you might need a nurse to stay with them 24/7. Again, the need for such type of assistance depends on the condition of the patient. 

Some patients may only need assistance with daily tasks like grooming, bathing, and meal preparation. Others might require more specialized care, including medication management and mobility assistance. Understanding your loved one’s specific needs will help you determine the type of nurse with the right skill set and experience.

Qualifications and Experience

When seeking an in-home nurse for a dementia patient, it’s crucial to ensure that the nurse has the necessary qualifications and experience. Look for nurses who specialize in dementia care or have experience working with dementia patients. 

Dementia care often demands a unique set of skills, including effective communication, patience, and the ability to manage challenging behaviors. Request references and conduct interviews to gauge a nurse’s expertise and compatibility with your loved one’s needs.

In your hunt for registered nurses to care for your loved one, you’ll find many who opted for a fast track to nursing careers. These nursing students or graduates opted for a nursing program mainly because their passion lies in a nursing career, despite studying something else before. However, don’t underestimate these registered nurses, as their fast-track BSN programs prepare them for the real world through a variety of courses.

According to Elmhurst University, these programs also offer clinical placements. These placements further boost their skills and expertise and prepare them to tackle real-world nursing challenges. Therefore, you can rest assured that these nurses have the qualifications needed to provide in-home care for the patient. 

Customized Care Plan

Every individual with dementia is unique, and their care plan should reflect that. Before hiring an in-home nurse, collaborate with them to develop a customized care plan tailored to your loved one’s needs. 

This plan should outline the daily routines, medical requirements, preferred activities, and any other considerations that are important for providing the best care possible. A flexible and adaptable plan will ensure that your loved one’s changing needs are met.

Background Checks and References

Entrusting the care of a dementia patient to an in-home nurse requires a thorough vetting process. Conduct comprehensive background checks and verify the nurse’s credentials. Request references from previous clients or employers as well to get a better understanding of the nurse’s work ethic, reliability, and quality of care. This step is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of your loved one.

According to Zippia, the US has over 271,475 home health nurses employed throughout the country. However, not all of them will meet the requirements to provide care for people with dementia. There’s also the matter of trusting these caregivers with someone else’s life, often 24 hours a day. Thus, strict vetting is a must if you want to find the right fit. 

Clear Communication Channels

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful in-home dementia care. Establish clear communication channels with the in-home nurse, other family members, and any other healthcare professionals involved in your loved one’s care. Regular discussions about any concerns or changes and a willingness to listen and collaborate will create a supportive environment for your loved one’s well-being.

Conclusion

There can be no doubt that dementia is indeed one of the deadliest diseases out there. Thus, if you’re planning to provide in-home care for such a patient, you know you’re taking a noble and necessary step.

However, given the nature of this condition, you’ll have to be extremely careful while choosing a nurse to provide such care. The tips we’ve shared above can help you take those precautions and effectively assess the qualifications of the potential caregiver.

All you need to do is be patient on your end. While this process can get lengthy, it is worth it. After all, at the end of this journey, you’ll be able to provide high-quality in-home care to a loved one suffering from dementia.