Anyone who’s dealt with dementia knows that it can be an extremely difficult experience. And family caregivers who care for a loved one at home know how demanding and exhausting this responsibility can be. In this article, we’ll discuss what you need to do to take care of someone with dementia and give them the best quality of life possible.
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Dementia Care at Home
For family caregivers caring for a dementia patient, the most crucial factor is understanding the illness first. As the disease progresses, so will the demands of the patient.
Home Safety Is the Goal
As a person progresses into the mid-stages, you might require some adjustments in your home to decrease the risk of injuries. With a bit of resourcefulness and patience, you can offer your loved ones all the comforts of home, along with added security.
Here are some useful tips
- Be sure to have emergency contact numbers readily available.
- Check the areas of your home that are more likely to cause danger to your loved one who is suffering from dementia, like the workshop, garage, basement, and backyard.
- Make sure all cleaning equipment, tools, and chemicals are stored safely.
- Ensure that your loved one who has dementia doesn’t turn on the stove if you’re not in the kitchen.
- Regularly check fire extinguishers and smoke detectors to ensure they’re working.
- Install grab bars in the shower or tub, close to the toilet, as well as near the vanity.
- Ensure that all the rooms, bathrooms, and walkways are well lit.
Do Your Research
Caring for someone who has dementia might not be easy. Learn more about the disease and treatment options, speak with the doctor, and make the most of their suggestions. Here are some aspects to consider:
- Concentrate on empathy and compassion for the person you love dearly. Don’t try to be perfect.
- Conduct a reality check and be aware that the course of the illness is challenging to forecast.
- Memory problems may only be one aspect of the problem. Sometimes you may also notice mood changes and other mental signs.
- With dementia, the only constant thing is change. So prepare yourself for the next chapter.
Find Support for Dealing with Stress
It’s normal to experience a caregiver’s stress when caring for a dementia patient. It may be helpful to discuss your feelings with a social worker experienced in dealing with caregivers.
Social workers can offer strategies for dealing with the demanding requirements of your loved family member. As you wait, go through these ideas to spark your imagination:
- Schedule ‘me’ time. The more stressful your caregiving circumstance is, the more crucial it is to care for yourself.
- Take regular breaks. This will help you prevent burnout because of the overburdened caregiving demands.
- Do not attempt to accomplish everything by yourself, but seek support from other family members or friends.
Discuss with Other Family Members About the Importance of Care
It is advisable to involve younger family members in the caregiving process. When the time is right, consider having a family meeting involving the younger members as well.
Be truthful when explaining the concept of dementia to your kids. Inform them about the condition, engage them, and allow them to participate in the caring process. Younger children can read to their grandparents or assist with chores.
You can also consider brainstorming ideas with the young adults on how to effectively communicate with the dementia patient.
Final Word
Taking care of a senior with dementia at home is a challenge. However, you can handle the task as a caregiver by following the tips mentioned above.
Good luck!
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