Caring for Alzheimer’s Patients

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Compassionate Support for Families Navigating Dementia Care

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia affecting older adults. It is a progressive, degenerative, and ultimately fatal illness, currently affecting an estimated 4 million seniors in the United States. While research continues to shed light on potential causes and treatments, there is currently no known cure. Existing medications can slow the progression of symptoms for some individuals, but the reality remains: Alzheimer’s patients require increasing levels of care over time — and so do the loved ones who care for them.

Providing Care at Home

Over two-thirds of Alzheimer’s patients are cared for at home, typically by a spouse or close family member. While home care can offer a comforting environment and personal connection, it also places a significant emotional, physical, and mental strain on the caregiver.

To prevent caregiver burnout, it’s vital that families build a support system early. Local chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association offer access to:

Caregiver support groups
Educational resources
Practical tips for managing behavioral challenges
Referrals to adult day care and home care providers

💡 Tip: Respite care isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Whether through professional in-home aides, adult day programs, or help from other family members, giving the caregiver a break helps extend the possibility of keeping the loved one at home longer and more safely.

When Home Care Is No Longer Enough

As Alzheimer’s progresses, in-home care may no longer be practical or safe. At that point, families are faced with the difficult decision of choosing a long-term care facility. This process involves weighing:

Location (proximity to family and friends)
Cost (what the family can afford and what benefits may apply)
Level of care (what services and supervision the facility offers)

Choosing the right facility is critical. Placing a person in a facility that is too advanced or too unstructured for their current condition can result in poor outcomes or emotional distress.

Avoiding Common Placement Mistakes

Unfortunately, some facilities may accept Alzheimer’s patients even when unprepared to properly meet their needs — often because they are trying to fill a vacancy. This is why families benefit from working with a state-licensed referral agency like California Registry.

With over 50,000 successful placements in the last decade, we help families navigate the Alzheimer’s care maze with sensitivity, honesty, and experience. We understand both the unique behavioral and physical care needs associated with dementia and how to match those needs with facilities that are equipped to provide compassionate and appropriate support.

Types of Facilities That Provide Alzheimer’s Care

There are four primary care settings suitable for Alzheimer’s patients, depending on the stage of the disease and the individual’s overall health and needs:

Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living offers care in a more social and home-like environment. These settings are ideal for early-stage Alzheimer’s residents who are still relatively independent but need help with:

Daily routines (e.g., grooming, dressing, bathing)
Medication reminders
Meal preparation
Housekeeping and supervision

Licensed Residential Care Homes (Board & Care Homes)

These are smaller facilities, typically housing 6–15 residents in a residential setting. They are licensed by the state and provide a more personalized level of care. Some of these homes specialize in memory care, making them a great choice for mid-stage Alzheimer’s when behavioral issues begin to increase

Dedicated Alzheimer’s Care Facilities

These communities only accept dementia patients, making them uniquely suited for individuals with moderate to advanced Alzheimer’s. Features often include:

Specially trained staff
Secure environments to prevent wandering
Structured activities tailored to cognitive abilities
Higher staff-to-resident ratios
A calming, simplified layout to reduce confusion

These facilities vary in size from small 6-bed homes to larger communities with 100+ residents. Because they are focused exclusively on memory care, families often find greater peace of mind knowing their loved one is in an environment specifically designed for them.

For a curated list of dedicated Alzheimer’s care facilities, call us anytime at (800) 777-7575.

Skilled Nursing Facilities with Alzheimer’s Wings

For patients in the late or terminal stages, nursing homes may be the only appropriate setting. Many skilled nursing facilities have designated Alzheimer’s units or memory care wings, providing:

24/7 skilled medical care
Assistance with all daily living tasks
Management of severe behavioral symptoms
Hospice and palliative care as needed

Some nursing homes accept Medi-Cal if the patient has exhausted their private funds.

Choosing the Right Path

There is no “one-size-fits-all” answer when it comes to Alzheimer’s care. The most important step is ensuring that your loved one’s current and future needs are met — emotionally, physically, and medically.

At California Registry, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Our experienced advisors will:

✅ Assess your loved one’s care level
✅ Explain your options clearly
✅ Match you with pre-screened, state-licensed facilities
✅ Support you during every stage of transition

How our FREE service works

Our family-first process will help you find the right senior living community for your loved one.

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Connect with an expert senior living advisor

Review a personalized list of communities

Tour sites and finalize the placement

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Our Senior Living Advisors can help with:

Hospital discharge
Rehab Facility discharge
Alzheimer’s & Dementia care