Dementia support
At TidalHealth, our dementia support service offers practical, personalized and compassionate care for people living with dementia and their families. We focus on reducing stress, preserving independence, and supporting daily functioning and quality of life.
What Our Dementia Support Service Offers
- Comprehensive assessment and individualized care planning
- Memory-strengthening strategies and behavior management
- Medication review and coordination with other clinicians
- Education and training for caregivers
- Respite planning and connections to community resources, including day programs, support groups and counseling for legal or financial matters
Dementia can affect thinking, memory and behavior, making daily activities more challenging. Individuals and their loved ones often need guidance to manage symptoms, plan safely, adjust routines and access community support. Our team turns medical recommendations into simple, practical solutions to make daily living easier.
What to Expect When You Enroll
You will meet a dementia care specialist, such as a geriatric nurse, social worker, occupational therapist or neuropsychologist. The first appointment includes a thorough review of medical history, medications, cognitive symptoms, daily functioning, home safety and caregiver needs. Together, we develop a care plan with clear goals and personalized recommendations.
Ongoing Support
Services may include regular reassessments, in-home visits or clinic appointments. We support caregivers with training on communication and behavior management, plan activities to maintain memory and function, and coordinate care with primary providers and specialists. Referrals to day programs or long-term care are provided as needed. We focus on practical methods and coping strategies that families can use immediately.
What to Know About Dementia and Recovery
Dementia is usually progressive and cannot currently be cured. Our goal is to help each person maintain independence and quality of life while reducing symptoms that cause distress. Regular check-ins allow us to adjust care as needs change and provide ongoing guidance for families.
How to Get Started
To learn more or schedule an assessment, contact our dementia support coordinator. We guide you through the referral process, paperwork, and insurance or payment options. For urgent safety concerns, such as falls or sudden behavioral changes, seek immediate medical help.
Who can benefit from dementia support services?
People with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, those noticing memory changes, and their caregivers can benefit. Services improve safety, coping and planning at any stage.
How do I get started?
You can be referred by your primary care doctor or specialist, or contact TidalHealth’s program directly. We schedule an intake appointment to review needs and determine support.
What happens at the first appointment?
The team reviews medical history and medications, assesses memory and daily functioning, evaluates safety, and listens to caregiver concerns. This information informs a personalized care plan and next steps.
Who provides the care?
A multidisciplinary team may include geriatricians, neurologists, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, neuropsychologists and care coordinators. We collaborate with your current medical providers.
Can dementia support slow or stop the disease?
Dementia is usually progressive and cannot be cured. Support services can slow declines in daily activities, ease symptoms, reduce behavioral challenges and improve quality of life.
Are caregiver services included?
Yes. Services include education, counseling, respite planning and referrals to community programs. Supporting caregivers is central to our program.
How long will someone receive dementia support?
The duration depends on individual needs. Some require short-term planning help, while others need ongoing support. Care is regularly reassessed and adjusted.
What about medications and home safety?
Our team reviews medications with prescribers and suggests safer options. We provide practical advice to reduce risks of falls or wandering.
Does insurance cover services?
Coverage varies. Many medical visits, assessments and therapy services are often covered, but some caregiver and community programs may not be. Confirm details with our intake team or insurer.
What if there is a sudden change in behavior or a crisis?
For immediate risk of harm, call emergency services. For non-emergencies, contact TidalHealth’s dementia support program for guidance, reassessment or urgent care coordination.
