Dementia is a progressive condition, making it challenging for family caregivers to manage. It’s difficult to care for an aging parent who no longer remembers who you are, but you need to maintain compassion and patience each day. Here are some of the most important things you need to remember when providing care for a senior loved one with dementia.
Take Advantage of Local Resources
There are professional services available to make caring for older adults with dementia less challenging. For example, you can reach out to elder attorneys who can assist you with making wills and managing assets. When it pertains to your loved one’s care, you can reach out to medical experts and professional caregivers.
For trusted and reliable dementia care, Oakville families can turn to Home Care Assistance. We are experts in caring for seniors with memory-related conditions, our caregivers are available 24/7, and all of our dementia care programs are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Maintain Balance
To prevent caregiver stress, ask other family members and friends to step in and help with your caregiving duties. Receiving help with caregiving can give you time off and offer your loved one the opportunity to spend time with others. It’s important to maintain balance when caring for an aging parent with dementia, as it can enhance the atmosphere and lower your stress levels.
For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Oakville, ON, Home Care Assistance is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break.
Use Positive Body Language
As dementia progresses, it may be difficult for seniors to express themselves clearly and understand what others are saying. Use relaxed facial expressions and other forms of positive body language. Negative body language is easy for seniors with dementia to pick up on, and it increases the odds of experiencing behavioral changes. Pointing and demonstrating are other ways to effectively communicate with your loved one. A warm smile could go a long way toward boosting your loved one’s confidence.
Limit Environmental Distractions
Positive environments help seniors with dementia manage stress, isolation, and discomfort. As the condition progresses, your loved one may become more sensitive to his or her surroundings and experience confusion and agitation. A loud television can also lead to high levels of anxiety. Other types of environmental distractions include radios, street noises, non-soothing home decorations, hard-to-navigate rooms, uncomfortable indoor temperatures, and excessive visitors. Maintaining a less chaotic environment at home can allow your loved one to enjoy life and slow the progression of dementia.
Dementia is a serious health issue that affects an older adult’s health, wellbeing, and independence. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, an Oakville home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services. To create a customized in-home care plan for your aging parent, give us a call at (905) 337-1200 today.