When someone you love is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, the news sends a wave of emotions through the entire family. Learning to care for your loved one who is experiencing these issues can be a very laborious, emotional, and unpredictable task.
At Leading Home Care, we want you to know that you are not alone in this situation. We have a team of caregivers dedicated to helping provide your loved one with the best care possible, such as cognitive care. Because Alzheimer’s and Dementia attack the memories of those who live with it, we encourage family members to stay involved in the care of those who are sick.
So, we put together a few tips to assist family members in learning different ways to care for their loved ones.
1. Develop a Daily Routine
When caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, it is helpful to establish a daily routine. Setting routines can help you discover which times of the day are better for your loved one. If they are more aware and at ease during the daytime, getting the more difficult tasks done earlier in the day will be easier.
2. Create a Safe Space
As the disease progresses, people with Alzheimer’s or Dementia may begin to pose potential risks to themselves and others. Therefore, it’s important to ensure your loved one’s home is essentially child-proof.
- Lock away potentially harmful items, such as chemicals, firearms, matches, medications, and knives.
- Move extension cords and other items that may contribute to falls.
- Put locks on all windows and doors leading outside of the home to prevent wandering.
3. Give Your Loved One Choices
Sometimes, giving your loved one different options to choose from can help make frustration-causing tasks go a bit smoother. Whether it is about meals or clothing, giving your loved one the ability to choose what they would rather eat or wear for the day can make all the difference.
4. Have Lots of Patience
If your loved one struggles to recognize you or has trouble remembering things you’ve discussed with them, try not to get upset or make it seem like something is wrong with them for not remembering. Instead, always respond in a calm and understanding way. Be patient if you have to repeat yourself multiple times, and if your relative is unsure of who you are, reassure them that they are safe with you and confirm their feelings.
5. Focus on Their General Health
While you are focusing on the emotional health of your loved one, don’t overlook their physical health. Promoting a healthy lifestyle through exercise, stress management, and a proper diet can help slow down the progression of different symptoms caused by Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Leading Cognitive Care You Can Trust
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or Dementia can be an overwhelming task for family members to handle on their own. You may sometimes feel burnt out or need a bit of rest. Leading Home Care is here for you whether you need a long-deserved break or just additional assistance caring for your loved one. We offer personalized cognitive care services specifically tailored to the needs of your loved one so you don’t have to worry. Give your local Leading Home Care office a call to learn more about how we can help take this weight off your shoulders.
