Helping seniors with dementia can become a full-time job for family members. When that happens, it will require a lot of organization, loving care, and patience.
It is a sad fact of life that seniors are likely to be affected by Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia at some stage during their retirement. When they do, they are going to usually depend on some of the same people they have cared for most of their lives. Can you meet that challenge?
Dementia in its various forms usually starts with confusion and forgetfulness and gradually progresses to complete short-term memory loss. Most seniors that are affected find it impossible to manage life unassisted. When a person has dementia of any kind, they need home care from family members, or assisted living care. Eventually, most find it extremely difficult to look after their loved ones at home.
The onset of dementia is quite slow, and so the person may be looked after home. However, there usually comes a time when home care becomes too much of a burden for families, because of time constraints, or safety issues.
Helping Seniors with Dementia – 5 Tips for Family Caregivers
Here are five tips that you can follow when helping seniors with dementia.
Avoid Confusing Situations – If you are caring for seniors with dementia at home, try to avoid situations that make them confused, angry or upset. Making life as easy as possible for them will also make it easier for you.
For instance, if a person with dementia finds it difficult to get dressed, simply allow them to put on what they can and assist them with the rest. Constant reassurance that their mistakes don’t matter will help to keep their frustration levels down.
Don’t Contradict Them – Contradicting any senior makes them feel bad. Contradicting a person with dementia may cause them to become extremely agitated. If they told you that they fed the cat, but you know they did not, don’t argue with them. You can easily do it later when they are not looking. If they think they are sitting at a bus stop when they are in their favorite chair, why worry? Your job is to reassure them that everything is okay.
Help Them With Bathing and Other Daily Tasks – There might come a time when you need to assist your elderly loved one with bathing or showering, hair care, dressing and other daily tasks. If you ever become overwhelmed with any of this, you can always seek help with an in-home care service.
Secure Your Home to Prevent Wandering – If wandering becomes a problem, make sure the yard is locked so they cannot go out. If they must be kept in the home, you may be able to disguise the door by blocking it with furniture or simply draping a cloth over the handle. Locking doors is not safe in case of fire.
Obtain a Medical Bracelet – Your loved one should wear a medical bracelet with their name, and your contact details on it in case they do wander away and get lost.
Know When to Get Help for Seniors with Dementia
When someone you love has dementia, you want to do everything you can to take care of them. You want them to stay at home as long as possible, too. However, there are times when you might not be able to take care of them safely and effectively anymore. If this happens, you should know that other options, such as assisted living care can help. Assisted living facilities in Denver, such as Applewood Our House are there to provide professional assistance for seniors who need assisted living and memory care.
Nearly everyone eventually needs some help, and Applewood Our House is there when you need them.
