Dementia is a decrease of cognitive function caused by a variety of illnesses. It has an impact on memory, cognition, and behavior. As the condition progresses, a loved one with dementia will require assistance at home. You can assist by attempting to comprehend how the person with dementia views the world. Allow the person to discuss any difficulties and participate in their own daily care.
Caring for an elderly parent is a difficult undertaking. When dementia care is involved, things get a lot more complicated. Dementia can cause unpredictable cognitive and behavioral changes, and parents may refuse treatment.
The most crucial thing for a carer of a senior with dementia is to first understand the disease. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most severe kind of dementia, despite the fact that it is only one type of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease, meaning that symptoms worsen over time.
Dementia Care at home
Your loved one’s needs will change as the disease progresses. You can take care of your loved one’s physical requirements by working closely with his or her doctor. Your ability to provide care at home for a long time is also crucial. Having a competent care team by your side might help make this process go more smoothly.
Make the most of your time:
Create a daily regimen. Some duties, such as showering or going to the doctor, are more manageable when the person is alert and refreshed. Allow aside some wiggle room for unexpected events or particularly trying days.
Involve the individual:
Allow the person with dementia to do as much as they can with as little help as possible. For example, if you lay out clothes in the order they go on, he or she may be able to set the table with the use of visual cues or dress independently.
Give options:
Every day, provide some, but not too many, options. For example, offer two dress options, inquire as to whether he or she likes a hot or cold beverage.
Give clear directions:
Dementia persons benefit the most from simple, one-step communication.
Limit naps:
During the day, dementia persons should avoid taking multiple or extended naps. This reduces the chances of getting the days and nights mixed up.
Minimise distractions as much as possible:
To make it simpler for the person with dementia to focus at mealtime and during talks, turn off the TV and minimize other distractions.
Laughter:
For the most part, laughter is healing. However, it has been proved to be useful to those who suffer from memory loss. According to a study conducted in Australia, making jokes to a loved one can ease stress in the same manner that taking medication does. Laughter can also help you release the stress of being the caregiver for a loved one.
Regular walks:
Walking with a caregiver on a regular basis might help to enhance communication skills and prevent wondering off.
Supervised Feeding:
Feeding can be made easier with the help of supervised meals. Dementia persons frequently forget to eat and drink, leading to dehydration. Discuss the need for more calories as a result of increased physical activity caused by restlessness and wandering with your healthcare practitioner. If they’re able, encourage them to feed themselves. Serve finger meals like chicken strips, orange slices, or steamed broccoli that are easy to hold and eat. Try to figure out why they aren’t interested in food.
Encourage them and give them your support:
“You did a fantastic job getting dressed today,” for example.
Music:
Calming music can help with restlessness and wandering, as well as anxiety, sleep, and behavior.
Make a secure environment
Avoid falling:
Avoid tripping hazards such as scatter rugs, extension cords, and other debris. In essential areas, install railings or grab bars.
Make use of locks:
Install locks on cabinets containing potentially harmful items such as medicine, alcohol, weapons, poisonous cleaning supplies, and potentially deadly utensils and tools.
Check the temperature of the water:
To avoid burns, turn down the hot-water heater’s thermostat.
Take care to avoid a fire:
Keep matches and lighters out of reach of dementia persons. If the person with dementia smokes, make sure to keep an eye on them. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher on hand, as well as fresh batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Key Takeaway
Each person with dementia will have a unique experience with the disease’s symptoms and progression. Make these helpful hints specific to the needs of your family member. This can be difficult time for both the persons and caregiver, reach out to support groups which can understand your situation.
To provide a safe environment, regulate aggressive or agitated behavior, and meet their needs, people with dementia may eventually require 24-hour monitoring and help. Patience and flexibility, as well as care and support from family and friends, can help dementia persons in dealing with the obstacles and frustrations that lie ahead.
Contact us to see how we can help taking care of your loved one in your home.