How to Care for Someone with Dementia
Let’s take a deeper look at dementia, and how family members can best support an older person living with the condition.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 7 million people aged 65 or older are living with dementia, a cognitive condition that causes memory loss, behavioral changes, and loss of self-care skills.
Understanding the illness, and its progressive nature will be very helpful to family members trying to meet their loved one’s specific needs.
Let’s take a deeper look at dementia, and how family members can best support an older person living with the condition.
Common Symptoms of Dementia
Dementia affects people in different ways, but most will experience these common symptoms:
- Impaired Judgment & Problem Solving Skills
- Memory Loss, Affecting Daily Activities
- Mental Confusion & Disorientation
- Difficulty Communicating
- Personality Changes & Mood Swings
Steps for Elderly Dementia Care
1. How to Handle Challenging Behaviors
Dementia causes a wide variety of behavioral changes in people, and although it’s impossible to eliminate them, there are strategies that caregivers can utilize to help reduce their intensity.
Patience
It’s important to keep in mind that a person living with dementia has little control over their behaviors and emotions. Being patient with them can go a long way in reducing tension. Do your best not to argue, or show frustration with your loved one.
Providing a Comforting Atmosphere
Creating a peaceful, comforting environment in your loved one’s home, or residence is a great way to minimize the powerful effects of dementia-related behaviors.
Strategies for Managing Dementia Behavior
- Don’t Argue or Correct Incorrect Statements.
- Speak in Calm, Reassuring Tones.
- Reduce Noise & Clutter.
- Keep Favorite Family Photos or Other Well-Loved Objects in Sight.
- Let Natural Light Fill Rooms During Daylight Hours.
- Listen to Soothing Music.
- Encourage Physical Activities like Walks or Light Exercise.
- Keep Routines Consistent.
- Provide Frequent Reassurance.
Should your loved one become physically violent, be sure to step away from the situation and seek assistance. If behavior patterns worsen, speak to their doctor about prescribing or altering medications.
2. Creating a Safe Environment
Staying safe at home is critically important for people living with dementia. Even the smallest safety improvements can prevent accidents or serious injuries.
Home Safety Tips for Older Adults:
- Removing Trip Hazards Like Loose Rugs or Cords.
- Installing Grab Bars in Bathrooms and on Stairways.
- Locking Cabinets that Contain Harmful Substances.
- Providing Adequate Lighting to Reduce Fall Risks.
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3. Engaging in Mentally Stimulating Activities
Engaging in mentally challenging activities, even just a few times a week, can slow cognitive impairment in people living with dementia. Whether it be doing puzzles, playing games, gardening, cooking, or exploring new hobbies together, keeping your loved one’s mind busy will lift their spirits, and help them stay more focused, and present in their daily life. Frontier Senior Living’s award-winning Spark™ program, inspired by Montessori methods, provides our Assisted Living and Memory Care residents the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities based on their personal interests and abilities, giving them a rewarding sense of purpose and meaning in their communities.
The Spark™ program incorporates a wide array of programs, and social roles, including gardening, beer making, book club, cooking, health and wellness programs, dancing, day trips, making products like soaps and skin scrubs, as well as participation in the welcoming committee, or party planning group.
Be sure your loved one has plenty of opportunities to engage in similar events. Visit our Spark™ program page for ideas on which activities you could incorporate into their daily routine at home.
4. Assisting With Daily Care Needs
Self-care skills are often negatively affected by progressing dementia. Be watchful for signs that your loved one may no longer be able to function independently in these key areas.
Personal Hygiene
Should bathing, doing laundry, brushing teeth, or basic grooming become difficult, provide the assistance they need to accomplish these tasks.
Nutrition
Good nutrition plays a critical role in overall health. Monitor your loved one’s food intake and choices to ensure they are eating a healthy, balanced diet.
Medication Management
Many people living with dementia struggle with taking daily medications. Make the process easier by utilizing pill organizers, and if needed supervise their medication regimen.
Sleep Patterns
Encourage them to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. This will optimize alertness during waking hours, and reduce moodiness, and the potential for accidents.
Exploring Dementia Care Options
There are a number of dementia care options available for families trying to meet the specific care needs of their loved ones.
Type of Dementia Care:
Home Care
Home caregiving can be provided by family members or a staffing agency that employs Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), or similarly qualified professionals.
Assisted Living
Assisted Living is a great choice for people living with dementia who are still somewhat independent, but need assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), which include bathing, dressing, eating, using the bathroom, and ambulating
Memory Care
A Memory Care community focuses on meeting the special needs of people with advanced dementia who require round-the-clock assistance, specialized, memory-stimulating activities, and constant supervision.
Supporting Caregivers: Self Care & Guidance
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be exhausting both physically and mentally. Family caregivers must take the time to practice self-care to maintain their own health and well-being.
Helpful strategies include:
- Seeking Professional Assistance when Caregiving becomes Overwhelming.
- Taking Regular Breaks & Utilizing Resources Like Respite Care.
- Participating in Caregiver Support Groups.
- Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle through Proper Nutrition, Exercise & Adequate Rest.
Frontier Senior Living is Here to Help
Caring for a loved one living with dementia can often be complex, as family members try to provide the best and most appropriate care possible. When a person living with dementia requires more assistance than can be provided at home, transitioning to an Assisted Living or Memory Care community is a good option.
The compassionate staff at Frontier Senior Living has helped thousands of families find the right care to meet their loved one’s physical, mental, and emotional needs.
If you would like to learn more about our many services, we invite you to visit one of our beautiful communities, take a tour, and visit with our friendly staff.
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Nearby Communities
Keepsake Village of Columbus Memory Care
2564 Fox Pointe Drive Columbus, Indiana 47203 (812) 900-4936 Levels of Care:Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Landing on Dundee Senior Living
156 West Dundee Road Wheeling, Illinois 60090 (224) 313-4547 Levels of Care:Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Auberge at Naperville
1936 Brookdale Road Naperville, Illinois 60563 (331) 305-6175 Levels of Care:Memory Care
