Dealing with Dementia: Provide the Best Care for Your Loved One

Dealing with dementia is not easy, but there are ways to make it a smoother situation for both you and your relative. The best way to care for someone living with dementia is to learn about the disease and to be educated about what to expect.

The early stages of dementia do not require constant care, which allows for preparation and planning. Discuss care options while your loved one is still able to participate. From there, you can ensure that you are ready for the challenges to come.

As your loved one’s dementia progresses into the middle and late stages, he or she will need consistent care to maintain safety and overall wellbeing. There are a few things you can do so that dealing with dementia is more comfortable for your relative:

Provide a safe and secure environment.

It’s common for people dealing with dementia to wander. Incorporating alarm systems is a good idea, as well as “stop” signs that remind them to remain where they are. Make sure they have some type of identification on them in the event that they do wander away from home. 

Try to prevent sleeping problems.

The best way to ensure a healthy sleep pattern is having a set daily routine for your relative. Make the time of day known by opening curtains and displaying clocks throughout the home. Limit frequent napping; it’s better to have an established bedtime routine. Throughout the day, help them avoid junk food and get a good amount of exercise. When they are in pain, help them find relief if you are able to.

Be patient with communication.

Communicating with a loved one who has dementia can be tough, but it’s important that you remain calm when speaking with them. Be positive, pleasant, and use touch to convey a relaxed tone. Speak clearly and slowly. Ask simple, yes or no, questions. When asking about something without an option, such as bedtime, try to avoid asking anything that allows them to say “no.”

Stay away from overstimulation and sudden changes.

A quick change in surroundings or loud noises can provoke agitation in your loved one. Avoid frustrating situations, and try to make tasks less difficult when able. Give frequent praise and positivity to maintain comfort. Make their environment as peaceful as possible.

Be prepared for hallucinations.

Hallucinations can be scary, but they are common. In order to reduce the likelihood of hallucinations, keep rooms well lit, put dangerous items away, and distract him or her from the situation when necessary. Give simple explanations to your loved one, without arguing with them; this could make the situation worse. With severe cases, consulting a doctor may provide you with better insights. 

Take care of yourself.

Often, we get so wrapped up in making sure our relatives are doing well, we forget about ourselves. Make sure you are maintaining your own health before you take on another’s. Ask for help when you need it, participate in caregiver support groups, and look into care programs to relieve yourself of stress when needed.

Dealing with Dementia Can Take a Team

At Gateway Living, we can alleviate some of the stress of dealing with dementia. We provide comfortable accommodations, organize daily activities, and cook nutritious meals so our residents can live fulfilling lives while they are safe and feel at home. To learn more about our services or to tour our campus, contact us online or call us at 541-744-9817.