The dementia care crisis in America is growing at an alarming rate. According to CNN reporting, as the US population ages, the number of people diagnosed with dementia each year is projected to double – from approximately 514,000 cases in 2020 to about 1 million annually by 2060. This dramatic increase means more Arizona families will face the complex challenges of dementia caregiving in the coming years.
If you don’t yet know if your loved one has dementia (but you have suspicions), check out our article on when to seek help for memory loss issues. And keep in mind that it can sometimes happen early–to (relatively) young people.
When it comes to caring for someone with dementia, knowing when to seek additional help is often the most challenging decision families face. The progression from early-stage dementia to more advanced care needs happens gradually, making it difficult to identify the right moment to transition to professional support.
What are the signs that a person with dementia needs more help?
For many families, the journey begins with subtle memory loss that evolves into more complex challenges. Understanding the progression of different types of dementia can help you recognize when your current care arrangement is no longer sufficient.
Key indicators that additional help is needed:
Safety concerns have increased – The person with dementia wanders, leaves appliances on, or falls frequently
Primary caregiver burnout is evident – You're physically exhausted, emotionally drained, or your health is suffering
Basic needs aren't being met – Hygiene, nutrition, or medication management has become problematic
Behavioral symptoms have intensified – Aggression, paranoia, or sundowning (late-day confusion) has become unmanageable
Medical complications require specialized knowledge – Conditions beyond memory loss need professional attention
"The decision to move a relative into a nursing home is often among the most excruciating that caregivers make. In one 2019 research study, over 50 percent of caregivers felt at least 'somewhat guilty' about nursing home placement; over 13 percent felt 'extremely guilty,” shared Barry J. Jacobs, clinical psychologist and AARP contributor.
Early intervention often leads to better outcomes, which is why your healthcare team may recommend exploring care options before a crisis occurs.
How do you diagnose dementia and determine what type of care is needed?
Before making decisions about care arrangements, securing a proper diagnosis is essential. Many conditions can mimic symptoms of dementia but may be treatable or reversible.
The diagnostic process typically involves:
Comprehensive medical evaluation – To rule out other potential causes of cognitive changes
Cognitive assessments – To measure memory, language, and problem-solving abilities
Brain imaging – To identify structural changes associated with different types of dementia
Laboratory tests – To exclude metabolic or vitamin deficiencies
Once a form of dementia is diagnosed, your healthcare team can provide guidance on the level of care required based on the specific presentation and progression. This assessment should consider both current needs and how they're likely to evolve over time.
Should a person with dementia live at home or in a facility?
The decision between home vs assisted living represents one of the most significant crossroads for families navigating dementia care. Both options offer distinct advantages depending on your loved one's specific situation.
Home-based care options for people with dementia:
Family caregiving with support services – Incorporating respite care, adult day programs, and home health aides
In-home professional caregivers – Ranging from part-time assistance to round-the-clock care
Home modifications – Installing safety features and memory aids to maintain independence for longer
Remote monitoring technology – Using sensors, medication dispensers, and emergency response systems
Family caregivers often prefer to help the person with dementia remain at home as long as possible. However, this approach requires substantial support systems and typically becomes more challenging as dementia progresses to late-stage dementia.
Facility-based care options for dementia:
Assisted living with memory care – Providing a balance of independence and support in a secure environment
Specialized memory care communities – Offering programming specifically designed for dementia care
Skilled nursing facilities – Delivering higher levels of medical care for those with complex health needs
Hospice care – Focusing on comfort and quality of life in advanced stages
The right setting depends on your loved one's specific needs, the resources available, and the progression of their condition. Many families find that what works in early-stage dementia may not be sustainable as care needs intensify.
When is it time to consider professional caregiver support?
Even the most dedicated family caregivers eventually reach points where additional expertise becomes necessary. Professional caregivers bring specialized training in dementia care techniques that can significantly improve the quality of life for both the person with memory loss and their family.
Professional care should be considered when:
Care tasks exceed family capabilities – Personal care, transfers, or medical procedures become too difficult
Behavioral challenges require specialized approaches – Aggression, restiveness, or wandering needs expert management
Family caregivers can no longer maintain balance – Work responsibilities, other family needs, or caregiver health is compromised
The care relationship is deteriorating – Emotional dynamics are strained beyond what's healthy for either party
Remember that incorporating professional support isn't an all-or-nothing decision. Many families begin with part-time assistance and gradually increase professional involvement as needs evolve.
How do you know when hospice care is appropriate for someone with dementia?
The transition to hospice care represents a shift in focus from curative treatments to comfort measures. For people with dementia, determining the right timing for hospice can be particularly challenging since the disease trajectory isn't always linear.
Hospice care may be appropriate when:
Mobility has become severely limited – The person has become bedridden or chair-bound
Communication abilities have significantly declined – Verbal interaction is minimal or absent
Eating and swallowing difficulties have emerged – Weight loss or aspiration risks are present
Infections occur more frequently – The immune system shows signs of compromise
Symptoms of late-stage dementia are evident – Physical complications require intensive comfort care
Hospice services can be provided in various settings, including the home, assisted living facilities, or dedicated hospice centers. The goal is to maximize comfort and dignity while supporting both the person with dementia and their family through this difficult transition.
What Arizona resources are available to help care for someone with dementia?
Arizona offers several funding sources and support programs designed to assist families navigating dementia care, though eligibility requirements and waiting periods vary.
Key Arizona resources for dementia care:
Arizona Long-Term Care System (ALTCS) – This Medicaid program helps cover costs of care for qualifying individuals, including in-home services and facility-based care. Eligibility is based on medical need, income, and assets.
Arizona Non-Medical Home and Community Based Services (NMHCBS) – Provides assistance with daily activities, respite care, and home modifications for seniors who don't qualify for ALTCS but need support.
Arizona Family Caregiver Support Program – Offers respite services, supplemental support, and training for family caregivers.
Banner Alzheimer's Institute – Provides comprehensive assessment, treatment planning, and family education programs specifically for dementia.
Alzheimer's Association Desert Southwest Chapter – Offers support groups, education programs, and a 24/7 helpline for caregivers.
Arizona Caregiver Coalition – Connects families with local resources and provides a caregiver resource line.
Veterans Benefits – For eligible veterans, the VA offers various programs including Aid & Attendance benefits that can help cover care costs.
The application processes for these resources can be complex, and advance planning is essential as many programs have waiting lists. Working with a geriatric care manager or elder law attorney familiar with Arizona's systems can help navigate these options more effectively.
Next Steps: Creating a Dementia Care Plan
Navigating the complex world of dementia care requires thoughtful planning and awareness of available resources. Here's how to develop a sustainable approach for helping someone with dementia receive appropriate care in Arizona:
Start with a comprehensive assessment – Work with healthcare providers to determine current needs and anticipated progression
Research your options before they're urgently needed – Tour facilities, interview home care agencies, and understand costs
Review financial resources and eligibility for assistance programs – Determine what help might be available through Arizona programs
Create a staged care plan – Develop strategies for each phase of the condition, from early stage dementia through advanced care needs
Build your support network – Connect with local resources, support groups, and educational programs
Remember that dementia care isn't static – what works today may need adjustment tomorrow. Regular reassessment and flexibility are key components of effective long-term planning.
Specialized Neurological Support in Arizona
For families seeking specialized neurological care for dementia, Neurology Associates Neuroscience Center offers comprehensive services at their Chandler and Mesa locations. Their team specializes in dementia care, including management of challenging symptoms like hallucinations that often accompany Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Recognizing the difficulties many families face with transportation and scheduling, we provide both in-person evaluations and telemedicine appointments for qualifying patients. Our integrated care approach addresses the complex neurological aspects of dementia that primary care physicians may not specialize in managing. Contact us!
IMPORTANT NOTE:
While this guide provides information about dementia care options and resources, all care decisions should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals. Management of dementia symptoms, especially behavioral changes, should always be implemented under proper medical supervision to ensure both effectiveness and safety.