Dementia support is one of the areas our Bloomington office is particularly known for. Care Pros complete extensive online dementia education followed by scenario-based exercises and sensory training at the office. That portion of preparation takes approximately three to four hours.

The goal is to help Care Pros understand how to respond when confusion, sundowning, or other dementia-related situations arise. In the home, that can mean using redirection, maintaining familiar routines, offering reminders, providing meaningful activities, and giving family caregivers time away from their caregiving responsibilities.

Care Pros can use redirection and a consistent approach to help someone through periods of increased confusion or agitation.

One local family was caring for a loved one whose dementia included difficult sundowning periods. Home Instead Care Pros were able to redirect him and help him remain calmer. Their involvement also gave his wife regular time to attend to her own needs and allowed other family members more time for their own families. It’s a good example of dementia support helping both the person living with memory loss and the people caring for them.

It can include redirection when someone is confused, mentally engaging games, familiar routines, reminders for meals and appointments, personal care, laundry, meal preparation, and companionship.

Care Pros may also provide respite so a spouse or family caregiver can leave the home or simply take a break. Home Instead Bloomington’s approach is built around what the person can comfortably engage in rather than expecting every visit to follow an identical checklist. Familiarity and routine can become increasingly important as cognitive abilities change.

Yes. Supporting the family caregiver is an important part of in-home dementia care.

The Bloomington client who experienced significant sundowning was cared for by his wife, who also needed time to look after herself. Having Care Pros there gave her that opportunity while her husband received familiar support and redirection. Respite doesn’t require a family to stop being involved—it gives them scheduled periods when they don’t have to carry every caregiving responsibility themselves.

Cost depends on how much care is needed and how often Care Pros visit. A person needing companionship and reminders several times per week will have a different plan from someone requiring extensive personal care or 24-hour supervision.

Home Instead Bloomington develops a customized care plan based on the individual’s current needs. Families can also explore Home Instead’s Cost of Care resource before discussing a specific schedule with the local team.