Dementia care offered by seniors' care facilities does not differ significantly from Alzheimer's care offered in memory care facilities, but this may be changing, and some differences are worth noting. Families with elderly members suffering from a lesser-known dementia may be concerned that the disease afflicting their loved one is not as well understood as Alzheimer's Disease. Some other forms of dementia do manifest quite differently, and some progressive-minded care specialists may offer specialized care for different forms of dementia.
FEATURED
Baycrest Terraces
55 Ameer Avenue, Toronto,
Ontario, M6A 2Z1
We are Toronto's Finest Kosher Retirement Residence located on the Baycrest campus. We offer Independent & Assisted Living and Memory Care. Baycrest Terraces, "Where Life Thrives". Call us today for more information. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
Governors Walk Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
150 Stanley Avenue, Ottawa,
Ontario, K1M 2J7
A former monastery and friary, Governors Walk is designed to pay respect to the past while featuring a modern touch. Governors Walk is steps away from the picturesque Rideau River and Stanley park. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
Sagecare 147 Elder Street
147 Elder Street, North York,
Ontario, M3H5G9
Enlightened dementia care touches more than memory. 147 Elder St. is a place that provides opportunities for the joy and meaning still ahead when wellbeing can no longer be realized at home. Lifestyle Options: Memory Care |
FEATURED
The Manor Villages StayWell Manor
174 Ypres Green SW, Calgary,
Alberta, T2T 6M2
Staywell Manor Village offers elegant retirement living in the heart of Calgary. Whether you are looking for independent living, assisted living or memory care, we have lifestyle options to meet your needs. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
FEATURED
The Briton House
720 Mt. Pleasant Road, Toronto,
Ontario, M4S 2N7
Family-owned and operated, the Briton House is dedicated to the highest standards of service. Offering a full continuum of care, a variety of amenities and suites, home-cooked meals, and a 15,000 sq. ft. indoor garden. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
Aspira Kensington Place Retirement Living
866 Sheppard Avenue West, Toronto,
Ontario, M3H 2T5
A resort-like retirement residence in Toronto featuring a fitness centre, beauty salon and a variety of other luxuries, including a private dining room and more. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
The Dunfield Retirement Residence
77 Dunfield Avenue, Toronto,
Ontario, M4S 2H3
The Dunfield Retirement Residence has established a new standard in senior retirement living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) with 177 spacious apartments. Where people come to LIVE! Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
The Manor Village at Fish Creek Park
22 Shawnee Hill S.W., Calgary,
Alberta, T2Y 0P8
Within walking distance of one of Calgary’s finest parks in SW Calgary, this unique all-inclusive community provide a wide range of services and amenities for every lifestyle choice. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
Queens Estate Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
265 Queens Drive, Toronto,
Ontario, M6L 3C6
At Queens Estate, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home. Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
McCowan Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
2881 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough,
Ontario, M1J 0A2
McCowan Retirement Residence is a vibrant and family oriented retirement home located in Scarborough. With team members who have been here since we opened in 2004, you can expect a warm welcome and a feeling of home. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
Amica Dundas
50 Hatt Street, Dundas,
Ontario, L9H 0A1
This luxurious retirement home in Dundas, a short drive from Hamilton and the Niagara region, offers active living for seniors, with a variety of amenities including fine dining. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
Greenview Seniors Residence - Metta Lifestyles
880 Lawrence Ave E, North York,
Ontario, M3C1P6
At Greenview Residence, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home. Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
One Kenton Place
1 Kenton Drive, North York,
Ontario, M2R 2H6
We offer individualized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s & dementia, by identifying their social, emotional, physical, intellectual & spiritual needs, and are committed to treating residents with dignity & respect. Lifestyle Options: Memory Care |
Garneau Hall Seniors Community
10923 82 Ave NW, Edmonton,
Alberta, T6G 2N9
Located in the heart of the Garneau district of Edmonton, Garneau Hall offers seniors a caring environment with the added comforts of home and the opportunity for an enriched new life. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Chartwell Wescott Retirement Residence
3841 Allan Drive SW, Edmonton,
Alberta, T6W 4B8
An upscale retirement community with art studio, pool, yoga room and more. Located in Ambleside (Windermere) in south Edmonton with convenient access to coffee shops, grocery stores, restaurants and shopping. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care |
Amica The Glebe
33 Monk Street, Ottawa,
Ontario, K1S 5X6
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Promenade Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence
110 & 150 Rossignol Drive, Orleans,
Ontario, K4A 0N2
Located in Orleans, Promenade is surrounded by walking paths. From Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care, we offer a vibrant community focused on exceeding your expectations. Contact us today 613-229-7973. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Garrison Green by United Active Living
3028 Don Ethell Boulevard SW, Calgary,
Alberta, T3E 0C9
At Garrison Green by United Active Living, we offer memory care, independent, and assisted living. Enjoy spacious suites, in-suite laundry, fitness studio, art studio, flexible dining, underground parking and much more! Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
OPAL Vancouver
438 West King Edward Ave, Vancouver,
British Columbia, V5Y 05M
438 West King Edward Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Y 0M5 Opal offers a full continuum of support from Independent Living to Complex Care/Dementia Care/Long Term Care. Allowing the opportunity for aging in place. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
The Village of Wentworth Heights
1620 Upper Wentworth St., Hamilton,
Ontario, L9B 2W3
The Village of Wentworth Heights is a full-service retirement living community offering retirement apartments, full-service suites, assisted living and memory care. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
The Village of Riverside Glen
60 Woodlawn Road East, Guelph,
Ontario, N1H 8M8
This elegant Guelph retirement home offers a range of care including assisted living and long term care, serviced by a friendly, caring staff. Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
Park Place Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence
110 & 120 Central Park Dr, Ottawa,
Ontario, K2C 4G3
Located in Central Park, Independent Seniors will find a home in our Seniors' Suites. Those needing more care find comfort in our Retirement Residence. We're focused on exceeding expectations. Call today 613-266-1354. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Ravines Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence
626 & 636 Prado Private, Ottawa,
Ontario, K2E 0B3
Located in Citiplace, Ravines is surrounded by walking paths. From Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care, we offer a vibrant community focused on exceeding your expectations. Contact us today 613-223-8506. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
The Village of Winston Park
695 Block Line Road, Kitchener,
Ontario, N2E 3K1
This elegant retirement residence in Kitchener-Waterloo offers a continuum of care from independent living apartments to assisted living, memory care and long-term care. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
Trico LivingWell
7670 4A St SW #100, Calgary,
Alberta, T2V 4S3
Trico LivingWell is designed to empower older adults to live their best lives by facilitating inclusivity and togetherness through a holistic health, empathetic and personalized approach to aging. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Holland Gardens - Verve Senior Living
552 Holland St W, Bradford,
Ontario, L3Z 4H3
Located in the heart of a vibrant community, Holland Gardens is the perfect place to live, laugh and enjoy life. An exciting community offering a luxurious resort lifestyle, an ideal place for inspired senior living. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Magnolia Gardens
5840 Glover Rd, Langley,
British Columbia, V3A 9K3
An oasis in the heart of Langley City, Magnolia Gardens features bright, spacious suites and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Two choices in senior living: 115 independent living suites, and a 40-suite licensed Care Centre. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
New Horizons Tower
1140 Bloor Street West, Toronto,
Ontario, M6H 4E6
A well-established not-for-profit, NHT is committed to enriching the lives of seniors. Gracious dining & café, a terrace garden, daily fitness, a vibrant Concert Series - there is plenty for residents to enjoy at NHT! Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
The Village of Humber Heights
2245 Lawrence Avenue West, Etobicoke,
Ontario, M9P 3W3
The Village of Humber Heights is a retirement community that offers various lifestyle options and levels of services ranging from independent living with meals, to assisted living, memory care, and long-term care. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
Amica Stoney Creek
135 King St. E, Stoney Creek,
Ontario, L8G 0B2
Amica Stoney Creek celebrates its rich heritage on the site of Stoney Creek Dairy, a local treasure from 1929 to 2012. Stroll to shops, pubs, or Olde Town Stoney Creek, or take a trip to nearby Hamilton or Niagara. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
The Village of Taunton Mills
3790 Brock Street North, Whitby,
Ontario, L1R 0H2
The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby presents several levels of service from seniors' apartments with full kitchens, retirement apartments with meals and services to memory care, assisted living and long-term care. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Parkland Ajax
3 Rossland Road West, Ajax,
Ontario, L1Z 0V1
Parkland Ajax offers independent and supportive options! Beautifully designed spacious suites, exceptional on site amenities and professional staff on site 24/7, Parkland is where you can live your best life! Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Amica Pickering
1450 Pickering Parkway, Pickering,
Ontario, L1V 0G2
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Prince of Peace
300 Prince of Peace Way, Rocky View County,
Alberta, T1X 1G2
Prince of Peace a variety of suites styles with kitchenettes and incredible mountain views. It's the perfect residence for seniors who are active, require some assistance, or have memory care needs. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Riverwalk Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
528 25 Ave SW, Calgary,
Alberta, V2S 0L5
Riverwalk Retirement Residence is centrally located in the Cliff Bungalow-Mission community of Calgary. We offer a continuum of care including Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Delmanor Elgin Mills
80 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill,
Ontario, L4C 0L3
Award Winning Delmanor Elgin Mills, has proudly served the Richmond Hill community since 2002, offering Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care options, you can choose from a variety of well-appointed sized suites. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
The Village of Erin Meadows
2930 Erin Centre Boulevard, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5M 7M4
Mississauga's unique continuum of care featuring a vibrant Main Street with Independent Living Suites, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Suites, Assisted Care, Memory Care and Long Term Care. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Parkland Ancaster
558 Golf Links Rd., Hamilton,
Ontario, L9G 4W9
At Parkland Ancaster, we will offer a luxurious, vibrant, social lifestyle in a beautiful safe, premium home. Enjoy upscale amenities, creating a supportive space for you to thrive socially and lead fulfilling lives. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
The Village of Glendale Crossing
3030 Singleton Avenue, London,
Ontario, N6L 0B6
A true retirement hub featuring independent Living Apartments with full kitchens, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement suites with walk out patios, Assisted Care, Memory Care and LTC. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
The Village at University Gates
250 Laurelwood Drive, Waterloo,
Ontario, N2J 0E2
Now welcoming our Retirement Home Residents to the Village. We offer Waterloo a range of services for today's Senior including Retirement Apartments, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Long Term Care. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
The Village Langley - Verve Senior Living
3920 198th Street, Langley,
British Columbia, V3A1E1
We believe that the desire for fulfillment and living a life with purpose does not diminish with a diagnosis of dementia. We focus on the possibilities of each person, supporting each to live with laughter, love and joy. Lifestyle Options: Memory Care, Long-term care |
Parkland on Eglinton West
4650 Eglinton Ave. W., Etobicoke,
Ontario, M9A 0E3
Parkland on Eglinton West offers Lifestyle Apartments, All-Inclusive Lifestyle and Supportive Lifestyle options for seniors. Parkland makes it easy for you to do more of what you love! Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
The Vineyards Residence
726 Valley Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1V 0E9
The Vineyards approach to assisted living & memory care allows people to go about life as they always have, despite health changes. Beautiful suites & homemade meals. Discover for yourself why we say Life’s Better Here Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
The Village of Tansley Woods
4100 Upper Middle Road, Burlington,
Ontario, L7W 4W8
At The Village of Tansley Woods, we offer the full continuum of care - Independent Living Suites, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement Suites, Assisted Care, Memory Care and Long Term Care all in one village. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Amica Little Lake
70 Lakeside Terrace, Barrie,
Ontario, L4M 0J2
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Wintergreene Estates - Verve Senior Living
4950 Pasqua Street, Regina,
Saskatchewan, S4S 7L2
At Wintergreene, you'll discover a combination of independence, privacy, activities, health and wellness programs & friendly companionship to savour throughout your retirement. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Forest Valley Terrace By Symphony
1510 St. Joseph Boulevard, Orleans,
Ontario, K1C 7L1
Forest Valley Terrace is proud to be the only community that is specifically designed & dedicated to the unique needs of seniors with all stages of Alzheimer’s, dementia or other forms of memory impairment in Ottawa. Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care |
The Village of Arbour Trails
32 Bayberry Drive, Guelph,
Ontario, N1G 0C9
Guelph retirement home offers Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. Includes 24 hour onsite nursing team and medication support within a Village-like setting. It takes a Village to care. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
The Waterford
1345 56th Street, Tsawwassen,
British Columbia, V4L 2P9
Featuring bright suites surrounded by pedestrian pathways, and a two-acre water feature in Tsawwassen town-centre. Two choices in all-inclusive senior housing: independent living and a licensed Care Centre suites. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
Richmond Care Home
27 Nixon Farm Drive, Richmond,
Ontario, K0A 2Z0
Richmond Care Home is a unique 16-unit retirement home designed for women living with dementia. We offer exceptional long-term and respite memory care, that's very reasonably priced in an intimate home-like setting. Lifestyle Options: Memory Care |
Carp Commons Retirement Village - Verve Senior Living
458 Donald B. Munro Drive, Carp,
Ontario, K0A 1L0
One visit to Carp Commons Retirement Village and you’ll see the difference in terms of amenities, food, services, programs, and the little touches that make it feel like home. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Don Mills Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
2 Green Belt Drive, North York,
Ontario, M3C 1L8
A luxury senior living community in the heart of North York. Be inspired by beautifully appointed amenities in our state-of-the-art building offering exceptional care, intelligent technology & exciting life enrichment. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Hawthorn Park Retirement Community - Verve Senior Living
867 KLO Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1Y 9G5
Living at Hawthorn Park Retirement Residence means you have choices & can customize the services you need, as you need them. We offer three lifestyle opportunities; supportive living, assisted living & complex care. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
Aster Gardens
7 Brower Drive, Sherwood Park,
Alberta, T8H 1Y7
Aster Gardens, an Optima Living community, opened in March 2021, we are transforming Senior's living. You are going to love living here....Let Us Welcome You Home! Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care |
Amica Taunton
85 Taunton Road East, Whitby,
Ontario, L1R 0S4
AMICA Taunton offers a full continuum of care from townhome condos to Memory Care. We have 24/7 nurses and a visiting doctor. Residents choose to dine between 7am-7pm and enjoy special menus created by our Red Seal Chef. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
The Shores of Port Credit - Verve Senior Living
280 Lakeshore Rd. W., Mississauga,
Ontario, L5H 0A5
The Shores is designed for vibrant living with the highest quality of personal care. Amenities include pool, fitness & exercise club, restaurant, bistro & cafe, a golf simulator lounge & wine cellar. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Carleton Place Terrace by Symphony
6 Arthur Street, Carleton Place,
Ontario, K7C 4S4
We offer a truly all inclusive plan. We welcome pets: offer residents accommodation options .Our array of activities & chef-prepared meals keep our residents healthy & active. Offering beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
River Ridge Seniors Village
#4 River Ridge Dr. N.W., Medicine Hat,
Alberta, T1A 8V1
A premier Park Place residence in the heart of Medicine Hat offering independent living, supportive living, and long term care options. With spectacular views and services, River Ridge is a warm place to call home. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
Credit River - Verve Senior Living
175 Rutledge Rd., Mississauga,
Ontario, L5M 0X7
Credit River is a 6-storey condo style residence, with an array of well-appointed suite styles to choose from and our highly-skilled health care professionals are available around the clock if you need them. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Symphony Senior Living Kanata
27 Weaver Crescent, Kanata,
Ontario, K2K 2Z8
Enjoy the natural setting of the surrounding Kanata Lakes with access to all essential amenities. Symphony Senior Living Kanata is community that offers a variety of service packages and suites to fulfill all your needs. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Home care companies |
In-Home Assisted Living Inc.
2 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto,
Ontario, M4V 3A1
In-Home Assisted Living offers caregivers and nurses to help seniors and people with medical challenges to remain living in their own home with safety and comfort. Also ask about our hospital bedside support. Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care |
Take It Easy Care Inc.
Ajax, Brock, Clarington, Pickering, Scugog, Uxbridge, Whitby, Oshawa,
Ontario, .
Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in tailoring our services to meet their unique needs, recognizing that no two individuals are the same. Whether it's medical care, companionship, or assistance Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Home Care |
Nurse For Care
2390 Eglinton Avene East, Suite #224, Toronto,
Ontario, M1K 2P5
We offer Caregiver, PSW & RPN services in a Customized, Affordable way to all ages & needs in GTA, Hamilton, Durham, Sudbury or anywhere in Ontario at Home, Hospital, Rehab, Retirement home, & Long-term care facilities. Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care |
Richmond Heights Health Clinic and Home Care
10520 Yonge Street, Unit 4, Richmond Hill,
Ontario, L4C 3C7
Richmond Heights Health Clinic & Home Care, provides compassionate 24 hour personalized senior care services with bonded, registered & licensed Nurses / RPN's, in your home, hospital, rehab, LTC & retirement communities. Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care |
Respite care for dementia caregivers is a service funded by provincial governments in BC, Albert, Ontario and elsewhere. The length and availability ranges from one province to the next. In BC, these care stays are considered up to 3 months; in Ontario, you can take up to 90 days of respite care per year, but no more than 60 days in a row. This is a wonderful service that allows caregiving families a break from the rigours and stress of daily care for dementia sufferers. You may be required to cover some of the fees, but (for example) in the province of BC this comes to less than $40 per day. Home care providers can also be brought in to help, as part of provincial respite care programs.
Home care services are provincially funded in some cases, but you can also hire private home care to provide excellent, professional care to supplement the care you may be giving your loved one, especially during the early stages of any form of dementia. Home care can provide homemaking services and personal support for everything from hygiene to feeding and incontinence, and catheter and other tube care. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are just two more care aspects that may be available.
Adult day care programs are an important service available in many communities, with more being offered all the time. These are a growing trend in services for caregivers of seniors with dementia. Programs are usually 2 or 3 hours long, and offered daily or several times weekly. Here, seniors in the early stages of dementia can interact with others, play games, or participate in various other activities.
Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia is generally considered the second most common form of senile dementia, far behind Alzheimer's, but still accounting for about one tenth of all dementia diagnoses. It's also called post-stroke dementia, due to its common association with strokes. When there is a lack of blood flow to the brain (as occurs with strokes), nerve cells die. This results in changes to the functioning of the brain, and to an individual's mental abilities.
Effects can vary widely from one patient to the next: some can survive post-diagnosis for 20 years or longer, while other cases can be terminal within months. In many cases, patients deteriorate in distinct increments, with sudden, noticeable changes in behaviour and symptoms. "Vascular cognitive impairment" is considered a more accurate description by many specialists.
Vascular dementia care
Home care services and retirement homes with memory care facilities should (in all likelihood) readily accept patients with vascular dementia. Care treatments for vascular dementia post–diagnosis will focus on preventing future insults that exacerbate the dementia. For example, blood pressure reduction, better diet, and mental exercises are all very beneficial. Home care services with diet assistance, or adult day care programs with interactive brain games can definitely help.
Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)
This occurs when there are abnormal deposits of the protein alpha-synuclein in the cerebral cortex and other parts of the brain (aggregate deposits are called Lewy Bodies). This dementia manifests in memory loss and cognition problems, as seen in Alzheimer's sufferers, but with notable differences. The clarity of visual hallucinations can be more pronounced in those with DLB, sleep disorders are more prevalent, and slowness of movement is also more common. This is often confused with Parkinson's because it affects physical movement in a very similar manner, and the alpha-synuclein deposits in the brain are a feature of both dementias.
Lewy Body Dementia care
Since dementia with Lewy Bodies can manifest some aggressive behaviour, some memory care homes and care services may be more cautious about taking in Lewy Body dementia patients. Other facilities, especially, those with a strong understanding of dementia, will readily accept those with this form of dementia. The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer's Disease can also manifest aggression or irritability, etc.
If you are seeking care for someone with Lewy Body dementia, be sure that care is tailored to help with the distinct symptoms of this disorder, notably its more pronounced effects on physical movement and on visual perception. No treatments have been shown to slow progress of this disease, but home care services, adult day care programs can help spell off relief for family caregivers.
Parkinson's Disease (Parkinsonian Dementia)
Parkinson's is a progressive dementia with many similarities to dementia with Lewy Bodies, as well as Alzheimer's. The prevalent symptom is physical shaking and other problems with movement. Dementia is sometimes seen in the disease's advanced stages; those with Parkinson's Disease are anywhere from two to six times more likely to develop dementia than the general population. Other symptoms include cognitive difficulties like problems with judgment as well as memory loss. In advanced stages of Parkinson's there is decreased physical movement, quieter speech and other negative effects. A small percentage of late-stage Parkinson's patients suffer psychotic symptoms.
Care for Parkinsonian Dementia
For the most part, memory care retirement homes and home care services will accept Parkinson's sufferers as much as they will accept Alzheimer's patients. These services will be very helpful to families in the advanced stages of the disease, especially in dealing with Parkinsonian dementia. Respite care may be an option in some provinces, and beleaguered caregivers of those in later stages of the disease should consult with government services and to apply for short stay programs or help from home care.
If your family has committed to care in a facility that accepts Parkinson's sufferers but does not offer adequate care for dementia, your loved one may have to move.
Creutzfeld Jacob disease (CJD)
Creutzfeld Jacob disease is a universally fatal disease, caused by an agent called a prion; Classic Creutzfeld Jacob disease affects mainly older people, as opposed to Variant CJD, found in younger people. Typically, CJD is fatal within a year, for older people. It is extremely rare, affecting one in one million people annually.
Dementia care for Creutzfeld Jacob disease (CJD)
This is a disease that progresses more rapidly than Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
Care homes and home care services will likely have no problem accepting someone with CJD into their care and offering full care for the duration of the disease. Consult with homes listed here to learn more.
Other types of dementia
Other types of dementia are less common, including Korsakoff Syndrome, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, Huntington's Disease and a number of others.
Care for other types of dementia
Home care services and retirement residents are not likely to distinguish any of these lesser known dementias from the care they offer to those with Alzheimer's Disease. For the most part, retirement homes with specialized memory care facilities will be well-equipped to deal with any form of dementia. As medical science progresses, diseases are all increasingly better understood and care provided improves.
More about dementia care
Dementia care environments offer many advantages over providing care at home only. Here is a brief look at why families should look closely at using local care facilities on a dedicated basis or even for respite care stays only.
Medication administration and other care by professional staff. Care homes have staff on hand 24/7 where your loved one is watched over, and his or her care needs will be met.
The professionalized care environment alleviates other negative effects of dementia. Loud noises, clutter, or too much activity can increase irritation or the potential for outbursts on the part of dementia sufferers. Memory care environments in retirement homes are specially designed and created to accommodate those with dementia. One of the primary considerations is to maintain a peaceful environment.
Exposure to innovative, helpful therapies. Music therapy, light therapy, brain games, Snoezelen treatments and other therapies are used in many memory care homes. Read more about these therapies.
In most scenarios, long term care is the eventual solution for those suffering from senile dementia. Many of these facilities have long waiting lists, though, and families find it helpful to get temporary care in a private retirement residence, where excellent care and therapies offer peace of mind.
Choosing private care may not be easy, as with so many choices that families face concerning dementia care. Below is a survey of costs for dementia care in a variety of cities across the country, in different residences offering varied care options.
Location
|
Cost/mo from
|
Care details included
|
Vancouver, BC
|
$4,388 | housekeeping and meals
|
Newmarket, ON
|
$5,500 | housekeeping, meals, bathing (1x/week), transfer, dressing, feeding, incontinence, medication administration
|
Guelph, ON
|
$4,085 | housekeeping, meals, bathing (1x/week), dressing, transfer, incontinence, medication administration
|
Toronto, ON
|
$5,400 | housekeeping, meals, bathing (1x/week), transfer, dressing, feeding, incontinence, medication administration
|
The above is only an overview, taken from homes listed here at Comfort Life. Please consult with individual dementia care homes to find actual costs and care given.
Unfortunately, there is often little direct government support to help offset many fees and costs related to dementia care, until or unless you are caught in an emergency. A typical scenario is that families care for family members at home, then move cautiously into procuring professional dementia care, paying as they go. There are a variety of means at your disposal to pay for dementia care, and many people miss opportunities; we offer an overview of ways others pay for seniors' care. You should also be sure to check out benefits for caregivers.
While the lump-sum monthly cost of private dementia care seems expensive, people forget many minor costs of living at home. When considering the cost of any senior care, take a look at our examination of costs of staying at home vs. moving into seniors' care.
Paying for dementia care is just one more difficult adjustment family must make, but there are many other people who have dealt with this.
When it comes to caring for someone with dementia, families make many difficult decisions. Deciding on professional care, and how to afford it, are some of the most difficult of all these decisions. Every family is working from their own budget, and hiring professional care is done as judiciously as possible by all families. Ultimately, you will not regret getting the best care possible for the one you love. This doesn't have to be the most expensive, though. Understand your budget and keep things as flexible as possible at all stages of care.
Seek as much support and advice from people around you as you need. Research every step of the way, and always be learning. We wish you all the best at every stage of your caregiving journey.
alz.to: What is Dementia?
Alzheimer.ca/ includes links to many resources for families and seniors dealing with all forms of senile dementia, including Alzheimer's Disease. You can find local chapters across the country.
BrainXChange is a Canadian initiative "dedicated to improving quality of life and supports for persons with or at risk of having brain-health needs related to dementia, mental health and neurological conditions related to aging or have experienced brain health changes earlier in life that are now more complex with aging."