Worldwide, over 55 million people are living with dementia, impacting more families than ever before.
Do you have a beloved friend
or family member who's showing signs of dementia? Perhaps they've already
received a diagnosis and they're receiving some type of dementia care.
Either way, no doubt you want to do
everything you can to help. Keep reading for some practical suggestions you can
start using today.
Understand
Dementia Treatment Options
In the early stages of dementia, it
may be possible to care for the patient at home. Family members may seek any
help they need from nearby friends, community centers, and support
groups.
As the disease progresses, however,
the patient will likely need more help with everyday tasks. Families need to
consider whether to bring in outside help from a nurse or home health aide, or
if it's time to consider a memory care center to better care for the patient's needs.
No two cases of dementia are alike,
and every family has different personal and financial circumstances.
Researching options in your area is a vital first step in getting
the dementia care your loved one needs.
Be
Patient & Empathetic
Dementia has a direct impact on the
patient's ability to communicate. They may struggle to answer your questions or
communicate their needs. They may also repeat themselves and forget things they
just spoke about moments earlier.
Although this can be frustrating for
them (and for you), try to remain patient and calm. Maintain control of your
voice, your facial expressions, and your body language. Use simple words and phrases,
and avoid giving choices if there aren't any.
It's also important to acknowledge
the patient's feelings. Even if there's no obvious reason for them to feel sad,
confused, upset, or angry, their feelings are real to them. Stay
positive, acknowledge how they feel, and do your best to defuse the situation
or redirect their attention.
Create
a Safe Environment
Those living with dementia often get
confused, lost, and prone to wandering off. Make their living environment
dementia-friendly by removing possible trip hazards and ensuring all exits are
secured and locked.
You also want your loved one to feel
safe in your presence too. Smile, speak at a normal volume and in a calm
manner, and avoid correcting them. If possible, reminisce about people and
places that they still remember.
Take
Care of Yourself Too
If you play a large role in
someone's dementia care, you may start to notice signs of caregiver burnout. If you constantly feel stressed, depressed, or anxious,
you need to take some time out to take care of yourself.
Hire extra help, send your loved one
to adult daycare, or arrange for respite care for a few hours. Remember, you
can't help someone living with dementia if you don't take care of yourself
first!
Successfully
Living With Dementia
For those living with dementia, the
world can be a confusing and overwhelming place. If someone you love is
undergoing dementia treatment, use the tips above to show your support and concern.
Dementia care isn't the only topic
on the table today. Stay right here and keep browsing our site for more
informative articles like this one.
