You're looking for cost effective but well credentialed dementia care. Whether your loved one lives out in Elkins Park, Berwyn, or Ithan, or he or she resides in a college town like Bryn Mawr or Haverford, you have dozens of superior options at your disposal. Before hiring full time dementia care, however, consider the following questions.
Do you require in home medical services in addition to dementia care? Will the staff or volunteer organization be attending to other patients at the same time? Will insurance or Medicare cover the bulk of costs? If not, what's the patient's long term plan for managing the mounting medical bills? Can you draw on the resources of friends, neighbors, clergy, and volunteers to share the burden of responsibility for the patient? Is it safe or financially feasible for the patient to remain at home, or should he or she be moved to a special facility?
Remember that different stages of dementia require different care methodologies. Some forms of dementia are well known within the caregiver community. For instance, many certified organizations know – at least in a general sense – how to care for Alzheimer's patients. That said, more 'exotic' forms of dementia may follow more complex courses. Speak with the patient's doctors often to develop a smart treatment approach.
Even if you do find superior dementia care, invest in learning more about the condition and about the various forms of redress (e.g. financial and medical) available to alleviate problems ahead. A full spectrum plan of dementia care cannot be drummed up overnight. You'll likely have to research, battle test, and reorganize your options a few times before you find the best program for your patient.
