Dementia’s effects on senior Americans are widespread. And current evidence indicates that its influence on society will only grow in the years and decades ahead. These facts point to a very clear reality. Now and in the future, many of us will be responsible for caring for someone with dementia.
A senior memory care program can be essential in helping you provide the greatest possible level of support. In addition, dementia specialists offer a variety of tips to maximize the effects of your at-home efforts. Reach out to Parkway Place today at 281.305.1846 for information about senior memory care and navigating a dementia diagnosis.
Understanding Dementia and Its Progression
Dementia is not a specific kind of brain condition. Instead, the term refers to a number of conditions and disorders. The list of these ailments includes:
- Alzheimer’s disease, the leading cause of dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Vascular dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Mixed dementia
Each form of dementia damages key areas inside your loved one’s brain. However, the specific area and degree of damage vary from condition to condition.
In most cases, dementia is permanent. It also typically progresses, i.e., grows worse over time. Still, some underlying dementia causes can be remedied. Examples of these causes include thyroid disorders and certain vitamin deficiencies, and medication side effects.
How to Care for Someone With Dementia: Performing Everyday Tasks
As dementia progresses, it alters your loved one’s ability to think clearly, reason, and remember things. In turn, declining abilities in these areas make it harder to perform everyday tasks. When it comes to discussing how to care for someone with dementia, help with these tasks plays a central role. Expert tips for providing daily support include:
- Keeping a regular schedule for sleeping, dressing, bathing, and eating
- Using a calendar or notebook to help your loved one track daily events
- Planning suitable activities that fit your loved one’s likes and dislikes
- Buying clothing that’s as easy as possible to put on and take off
- Minimizing fall hazards throughout the home
- Taking other required steps to help ensure your loved one’s day-to-day safety
It’s also crucial to maintain a respectful attitude toward your loved one. The same holds true for being flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances. These things not only help preserve your loved one’s dignity. They may also help defuse the frustration that commonly affects people with dementia.
Additional Tips for Caring for Someone With Dementia
You can also do a number of other things to make caring for someone with dementia easier. Common recommendations include:
- Actively listening to your loved one’s fears and concerns
- Providing reassurance when fears and frustrations run high
- Displaying pictures and other items that provide a sense of security
- Regularly engaging your loved one in active conversation
In addition, always remain mindful of your loved one’s personal space.
Taking Care of Yourself
Tips for caring for someone with dementia are vital. However, don’t forget that you also have to take care of yourself. Specialists recommend that dementia caregivers eat well, exercise, and get plenty of rest. It’s also important to make space for activities that help you feel happy and well. In addition, you may want to join a caregivers’ support group or enroll in a respite care program.
Learn More About How to Care for Someone With Dementia at Parkway Place
Need more tips for caring for someone with dementia? Parkway Place is here for you. We’re dedicated to helping you be the best possible caregiver. We also feature a full slate of memory care services for your loved one with dementia. And if you need a break from caregiving, you can take advantage of our supportive respite care program. For more information, call us today at 281.305.1846 or reach out through our online form.