If your elderly loved one has dementia, you will need a range of techniques to help care for them. The first thing to know is that the symptoms of dementia don’t show up the same for everyone who gets this disease. This means that one tip that works for someone else with dementia might not work in the same way for your elderly loved one. Keeping that in mind, here are some the best dementia care tips that others have used when caring for their loved one.
Calming Environment
One of the first things you will need to do is create a calming environment for your elderly loved one. People who have dementia don’t usually do well in a chaotic environment. It causes them stress and that can worsen the symptoms of dementia they experience. If you and elder care providers can keep your elderly loved one’s home clutter, stress, and chaos-free, that would be a great start.
Encouraging Independence
You will also want to encourage your elderly loved one to keep being independent when they can. It is a good thing for your elderly loved one to do tasks they are still capable of doing. For instance, if your elderly loved one can still do the dishes, let them. Yes, they might need someone to supervise to ensure they don’t turn the water up too hot. However, if they can do the task itself, encourage them to keep doing it. The longer your elderly loved one can be independent, the better their life can be.
Simplifying is Important
Those with dementia need things to be simple, especially as their disease gets worse. When you are talking to your elderly loved one, use short and simple sentences. When you are making plans for your elderly loved one, keep them simple. For instance, if you are planning to have them go to the doctor’s office, don’t run them around to other places. Stick to the one appointment and maybe a stop at their favorite restaurant and then take them home.
Keeping Things the Same
Finally, people with dementia don’t do well with change. They need things to be familiar. For instance, you should not paint or remodel their home (unless it is absolutely necessary). This could cause your elderly loved one to feel like they are living in someone else’s house. They might wander away, get scared, or become depressed.
Conclusion
These are some of the best dementia care tips when caring for your elderly loved one. Taking care of someone that has dementia is often tough. However, when you use these tips and accept help from elder care providers, things can be managed a bit better.
Sources
https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dcbcs/beas/documents/disorders.pdf
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING ELDER CARE IN KNIGHTDALE, NC, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS TODAY. CALL (919) 761-5346.