How To Care For Loved One With Dementia?

Dementia Care

If you are not personally affected by dementia disease, at some point in time you will likely know someone who has it. So, let’s get into the depth of this disease so we can help those affected by it.

Over a period of time, all types of dementia will lead to loss of reasoning and judgment, loss of memory, behavioral changes, physical decline and even death. This disease is influenced by several factors consisting of age and other conditions an individual may have. Below are some ways we have found to make this difficult journey a little easier for dementia patient and their caregiver:

Do Your Research: Every individual with dementia is different since the disease follows certain patterns. For example: people with dementia and Alzheimer’s can get angry without annoyance. Thus, it is likely your loved one would lash out at you occasionally. Plus, a sun downing symptom can give rise to confusion at night. Knowing these trademarks of dementia disease help you to not take them personally.

Accept You Are Not In Control: There are various ways to help your loved one coping with dementia, like finding them the finest care and interacting with them as much as possible. These things would help your loved one with time.

Try To Interact Only When You Are High On Energy: If you call your loved one at the end of an exhausting day this won’t be a good idea. It would be recommended to skip a day than to have a conversation neither of you would enjoy. It would make sense if you get a caregiver so you can recharge.

Laugh When You Can: Caring for someone with dementia can be tough, but sharing laughs, joking and enjoying comedy can be a great way in lightening the load and help you and this person feel positive.

Protect Your Own Brain Health: When you are around someone with dementia, it can make you wonder what they think so you need to maintain your mental balance in a good way. Some of the factors which may prevent brain deterioration consist of regular exercise, maintaining good cardiovascular health, eating healthfully and brain exercise.

Ask for Help: Caring for dementia patient requires much effort like visiting regularly, following up with nurses, taking them to doctor appointments etc. So, this could have a huge toll on a caregiver who doesn’t have any help. If this is your scenario, get in touch with your local Alzheimer’s association and find out what kind of community support is available.

Now, if you are a caregiver cut yourself some slack because there will be times when you lose patience. Always remember that caring for dementia patient is noble work instead of beating yourself up. Keep doing the good work and spread smiles as much as you can because that’s the way life should be lived.