Caring for Loved Ones with Dementia: A Geriatric Care Perspective

By Supriya P. Patil – Co-founder, Director & VP Operations, Kalaza Care.

Dementia is a growing global concern, with over 50 million people currently affected—a number expected to triple by 2050, according to the WHO. This progressive condition profoundly impacts not only those diagnosed but also their caregivers, who often face emotional and physical challenges. At Kalaza Care, we understand the unique needs of dementia patients and their families, and we are committed to making a difference through specialized geriatric care, assisted living, and memory care services.

The Role of Geriatric Care in Dementia Management

Caring for someone with dementia is both a responsibility and a journey. It requires patience, compassion, and a structured approach to ensure the best quality of life for the patient while supporting caregivers. At Kalaza Care, we focus on creating a supportive ecosystem that addresses the following:

  1. Memory Care Expertise
    • Our specialized memory care units provide 24/7 support tailored to the cognitive and behavioral needs of dementia patients.
    • Staff are trained to manage challenges like wandering, aggression, and confusion while ensuring safety and dignity.
  2. Customized Assisted Living Solutions
    • For families unable to provide care at home, our assisted living facilities offer long-term solutions that include help with daily tasks such as bathing, feeding, and medication management.
    • We prioritize creating a homely environment where residents feel secure and valued.
  3. Post-Hospitalization Recovery
    • Dementia patients often require medical recovery homes after hospitalization for other conditions. Our facilities provide comprehensive care plans that include physiotherapy, wound care, and nutritional support.
  4. Caregiver Support
    • At Kalaza Care, we recognize that caregivers are often the “silent sufferers.” We provide counseling services and resources to help them manage stress and avoid burnout.

Challenges of Dementia Care in India

India faces unique challenges in addressing dementia care:

  • Social Barriers: Traditional caregiving practices are eroding due to urbanization and nuclear family structures.
  • Lack of Awareness: Many families are unaware of specialized services like memory care or assisted living facilities.
  • Inadequate Infrastructure: Geriatric-specific infrastructure is still underdeveloped in many parts of the country.

Kalaza Care bridges these gaps by offering world-class senior living facilities designed with empathy and innovation.

How Kalaza Care Stands Out

  1. Holistic Approach: We integrate medical care with emotional well-being through structured activities like memory games and social interactions.
  2. Flexible Options: Whether it’s short-term respite care or long-term assisted living, we offer customized plans to suit individual needs.
  3. Focus on Quality of Life: By addressing pain management, nutrition, and mental stimulation, we ensure a dignified life for our residents.

Preventing Burnout: A Call for Self-Care Among Caregivers

Caregiving can be overwhelming without proper support systems in place. Here are some strategies we recommend:

  • Recognize early signs of burnout such as irritability or exhaustion.
  • Establish routines that reduce unpredictability for dementia patients while providing structure for caregivers.
  • Seek professional help when needed—whether through respite care or counseling services.

Kalaza Care Approach: 360 degree care

At Kalaza we sincerely attempt to have a compassionate and comprehensive approach to tailoring its geriatric care for dementia patients, ensuring their unique cognitive, emotional, and physical needs are met. Here’s how we provide specialized care for individuals living with dementia:

1. Dedicated Memory Care Units

  • Kalaza Care offers specialized memory care facilities designed to provide a safe and structured environment for dementia patients.
  • Our units are equipped with dementia-friendly layouts, including clear signage, secured spaces to prevent wandering, and calming interiors to reduce anxiety and confusion.

2. Personalized Care Plans

  • We understand that every dementia patient is unique, so we create customized care plans tailored to their specific stage of dementia, medical history, and personal preferences.
  • These plans include assistance with daily living activities (bathing, dressing, eating) and medication management to ensure optimal health outcomes.

3. Trained and Compassionate Staff

  • Our caregivers and nursing staff undergo specialized training in dementia care, enabling them to handle behavioral challenges such as aggression, agitation, or memory loss with patience and empathy.
  • Staff are skilled in communication techniques that foster trust and comfort for residents.

4. Cognitive Stimulation Activities

  • Kalaza Care emphasizes mental engagement through structured activities like:
    • Memory games to stimulate cognitive function.
    • Music therapy to evoke positive emotions and reduce stress.
    • Art and craft sessions to encourage creativity and self-expression.

5. Focus on Emotional Well-Being

  • Dementia often leads to feelings of isolation or frustration. We prioritize creating a nurturing environment where residents feel valued and supported.
  • Group activities, social interactions, and one-on-one counseling sessions help maintain emotional balance.

6. Comprehensive Medical Support

  • Our facilities provide 24/7 access to trained nursing staff, on-call doctors, physiotherapy services, and wound care management for dementia patients who may have additional health conditions.
  • Regular health monitoring ensures early detection of any medical complications.

7. Nutrition and Meal Planning

  • Proper nutrition plays a critical role in dementia care. We offer home-style meals tailored to individual dietary needs, ensuring residents receive balanced nutrition while considering swallowing difficulties or appetite changes common in dementia patients.

8. Family Involvement

  • At Kalaza Care, we believe in involving families in the caregiving process by maintaining open communication about their loved one’s progress.
  • We provide caregiver counseling and education sessions to help families better understand dementia and how they can support their loved ones.

9. Safe Transition from Hospital to Recovery

  • For dementia patients recovering from hospitalization or surgery, Kalaza Care’s medical recovery homes offer a seamless transition with post-hospitalization care that includes physiotherapy, medication management, and emotional support.

10. Respite Care Options

  • Recognizing the challenges caregivers face, we offer flexible respite care options that allow families to take a break while ensuring their loved ones are cared for in a safe and nurturing environment.

By addressing the unique challenges of dementia through personalized geriatric care services, Kalaza Care not only improves the quality of life for patients but also provides peace of mind for their families. Our holistic approach ensures that every resident is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect—because at Kalaza Care, we believe in making aging a journey of comfort and support.

Join the Conversation

At Kalaza Care, we believe in creating a community where families feel supported and seniors live with dignity and comfort. We invite you to share your thoughts:

💬 What challenges have you faced in caring for a loved one with dementia?
💬 How can geriatric-specific infrastructure be improved in India?

Let’s work together to build a future where aging is met with respect, compassion, and innovative solutions! 🌟 Would you like more details about our services? Feel free to reach out or share your thoughts below!

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