Caring for a loved one with dementia is no small task. It requires a great deal of patience, knowledge, and attention. Due to the cognitive and behavioral changes the disease creates, it’s common for those with dementia to resist care, but we’re here to help. We’ve outlined quick tips on how to assist with caring for those with dementia from the comfort of home.
- Remove hazards.
Once a senior’s dementia is in a moderate state, it’s essential to implement changes at home. First and foremost, remove any hazards on the floor to avoid tripping and falling. Furthermore, if your loved one’s mobility is declining, one of our caregivers can be a helpful resource in making your home safer for all. In case of an emergency, we recommend having emergency contact phone numbers ready on the fridge or kitchen counter in plain sight should your loved one or a caregiver ever need to call for help.
- Do your research.
The more you know, the better you can help treat those with dementia. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your loved one’s healthcare providers and ask questions, they’re there as a resource and more than willing to help. As you learn more about the disease, understand compassion and empathy are the most important elements in care. Prepare for memory loss and personality changes, as hard as they may be, and remind yourself the disease is unfair. The memory loss and heightened emotions that occur due to the disease is never personal or a reflection of how much they love you, but it can be hard to remember that. Remind yourself that if they could remember, they would.
- Manage your stress levels.
Caring for someone with dementia can be draining both physically and emotionally. Remember to take care of yourself first. Fill your cup every day with what will help you be your best self––you can’t pour from an empty cup! If the burden of caring for someone with dementia is too big to carry, we have caregivers to help you. Having in-home care guarantees regular breaks in the day for you to have time for yourself. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Our support services are here to support your tough situation.
Christ Home Care in Nashville, Tennessee offers home care to seniors and their families. It’s our promise to leave a positive impact on the lives of aging adults and their families. From personal care to dementia care, we offer a variety of services to help seniors thrive into late adulthood. Visit our website to learn more about our services or give us a call at (615) 757-7757 today.