What 24-hour dementia care means
Around-the-clock dementia care means a caregiver is present at home day and night, so a person with memory loss has help with routines, personal care, and safety at every hour.
It is non-medical care delivered in your loved one's own home. It is different from the skilled, part-time visits Medicare may cover after a doctor's order. See does Medicare pay for dementia home care.
Who it helps
- People who wander or try to leave. The Alzheimer's Association says six in 10 people living with dementia will wander at least once
- People who are awake, restless, or confused at night
- People who can't be left alone safely, even briefly
- Families who can't cover every hour, and caregivers whose own health is suffering
What caregivers do around the clock
- Keep a steady daily routine for meals, activity, rest, and bedtime
- Help with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting with dignity
- Prepare meals and encourage drinking and eating
- Stay alert at night and respond calmly when the person wakes or becomes unsettled
- Watch for safety risks in the home
- Share what they notice with family so everyone stays informed
How the arrangement can be set up
Around-the-clock care can be structured in different ways, for example with scheduled shifts so caregivers stay rested and alert, or with a live-in arrangement. What fits depends on the person's needs, how they sleep, the home itself, and California rules. We'll talk through the options on a call and you can start with fewer hours and build from there.
What it costs
Cost depends on the number of hours, the level of hands-on help, and the schedule. Medicare does not pay for 24-hour care at home, so most families use private pay, long-term care insurance, VA benefits, or California programs when they qualify. Read paying for dementia home care in California.
Where we provide it
We provide dementia home care in Sanger and nearby communities, including Fresno, Clovis, Selma, and Reedley. Not sure whether you're in our area? Ask.
Frequently asked questions
What is 24-hour dementia care at home?
It is care arranged so that a caregiver is present day and night, so a person with dementia is not left alone. Families often choose it when wandering, nighttime waking, or safety risks make it unsafe for the person to be alone, or when family can no longer cover every hour.
Is 24-hour care the same as live-in care?
Not always. Around-the-clock care can be structured in different ways, such as caregivers working scheduled shifts or a live-in arrangement. The right structure depends on the person's needs, sleep patterns, the home, and California rules, and we will talk through the options with you.
Can we start with fewer hours and build up?
Yes, many families begin with a few daytime or overnight shifts and add hours as needs change. Tell us what is hardest right now and we can start there.
Does Medicare pay for 24-hour care at home?
No. Medicare lists 24-hour-a-day care at your home as not covered. Families usually combine private pay with long-term care insurance, VA benefits, or California programs when they qualify.
How do caregivers help keep someone safe at night?
Common steps include night lights, door alarms or sensors, keeping coats and keys out of sight, and a calm bedtime routine. The Alzheimer's Association recommends these kinds of measures for wandering. We tailor what we do to the home and the person.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Our care is non-medical and does not replace a doctor. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Sources
Related: When is it time for dementia care at home, Respite care, Memory care at home.