Tips for Assisting Seniors with Dementia
If you have an ageing loved one who was recently diagnosed with dementia, you probably have quite a few questions going through your head. Dementia is very misunderstood, and many families don’t know what they can do to help a loved one who has this progressive disorder. Here are a few tips you can use to help your loved one live a long and fulfilling life.
Research the Disease
One of the best things you can do for your loved one is spend some time studying every aspect of this disorder. Dementia research has progressed quite a bit in recent years, and medical teams have come up with some excellent treatments. While dementia isn’t reversible, you might be able to delay some of the most severe symptoms if you come up with a long-term treatment plan that includes medications, various therapies, and lifestyle changes.
Caring for a loved one with dementia is a challenging task for anyone. The responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming, but help is available. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caring duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Sydney homecare services provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide.
Work with the Experts
Your loved one’s primary doctor should be able to help with basic medical issues, but you need to work with a neurologist as well. A solid medical team can track your loved one’s dementia and come up with solutions that minimise some of the symptoms. The neurologist can also direct you to specialists who can help with various issues, such as aggressive behaviour and malnutrition.
Dementia can be challenging for seniors to manage, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional dementia care. Sydney seniors can benefit greatly from the Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program designed to promote cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. CTM is included at no additional charge with any of the in-home care plans provided by Home Care Assistance.
Promote a Healthy Diet
Many people don’t realise dementia increases the risk of many different dietary issues, ranging from constipation to dehydration. As the disease progresses, your loved one might completely lose interest in eating and drinking, which could impact every facet of his or her health. Eating healthy meals and snacks can be very beneficial to both physical and mental health. You’ll also need to encourage your parent to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Encourage Activity During the Day
Remaining physically active is another great way to reduce the symptoms of dementia. This disorder can impact an individual’s internal clock, and your loved one might experience insomnia if he or she doesn’t remain active and engaged during the day. Going on long walks and gardening are both excellent activities for seniors with dementia, and spending time outside can help your loved one maintain a consistent internal clock. During the initial stages of the disorder, you might even be able to convince your parent to take a dance or aerobics class.
Create a Safe Environment
Dementia can impact judgment, and your loved one could accidentally put him or herself in danger without even realising it, which is why you need to make sure his or her home is as safe and secure as possible. At the very least, lock up potentially dangerous items, such as old prescriptions, firearms, and sharp knives. Dementia can also impact balance, so you might want to install grab bars throughout the home.
Having a professional care worker nearby can give you peace of mind about your loved one’s safety and comfort. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same in-home care. Families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualised care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. If your loved one needs assistance with the challenges of ageing, reach out to one of our knowledgeable, compassionate Care Managers today at [hca_phone].
