It’s not something you might consider - something that seems so out of probability you never had it cross your mind - that a person living with Lewy Body Dementia might not be allowed to participate in living in a Memory Care facility - but it happens. Seriously!
I hadn’t even thought about it until our last support group when a woman came to speak about finding good care and housing for loved ones brought it up. She stated there were places that would refuse admission to people suffering from LBD. Wow! And she also told us it happens more than we would think.
Knowing the differences between LBD and Alzheimer’s helps to create the understanding that the LBD patient requires a bit more care than that of the typical Alzheimer’s sufferer. However, one would imagine that a memory care facility would be equipped to deal with the needs of all the residents.
There are those, however, who have suffered discrimination. For example, SERIOUS PROBLEM - discrimination when it comes to LB, illustrates what I’m referring to.
Why would a regular facility keep your loved one from entering? Well, rather than fighting them, you might be better off in calling and asking first. What you’ll find is that some might charge more than others for caring for the patient, and others might simply state that you must agree to spend time every day with the patient. Yet, others will readily accept the patient.
Why the differences? Because LBD patients have hallucinations, have a shorter attention span, and exhibit symptoms that differ from those of the Alzheimer’s patient. Some facilities are worried that the LBD patient may disrupt or create havoc with their small communities.
To be honest, finding information on this topic has been rather difficult, but knowing it does exist in every state, as well as around the world, is something that families need to be aware of. Research Shows LBD Places High Toll on Families, is a link from the Lewy Body Dementia Association, which demonstrates the differences in care needs between AD and LBD patients; they are great.
To be sure, one must do research and find a placement for their patient in a facility that is equipped and willing to care and tend to your loved one willingly. We were pretty lucky with Mom - I am not sure they ever had such a patient, but they’ve learned through laughter and a great deal of compassion.
If anyone has been refused services because of LBD, they need to begin researching options and facilities in their area to make a worthwhile decision - finding that treasure of a facility, rather than doting on the negativity of those who cannot/will not. There is hope, there is a place.
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