Dementia is a group of illnesses that often affect people with old age. It alters the memory, thinking capacity, and ability to perform normal activities. While there are several reasons for dementia, high blood pressure, and high blood glucose levels are often found common among patients. If any of your parents or grandparents are suffering from dementia, you might know the struggle associated with their care.
Elderly with dementia can be particularly hard to handle because of their lack of memory and total dependency on others. If you are struggling to care for your elderly with dementia, here are some helpful tips that you can explore.
1. Create A Consistent Routine
Consistency is crucial to keep dementia patients grounded. When there is a change in routine frequently, it can confuse the elderly. Therefore, you should establish a consistent schedule.
Make sure that you invest in creating a consistent schedule for your elderly. You should inform every caretaker about the routine and encourage everyone to follow the pattern. A routine creates a structure that reduces confusion.
2. Invest In Safety
You should make sure that the home where your elderly with dementia are living is modified to offer them safety and comfort. Create a safe environment by minimizing potential hazards such as securing loose rugs as they can pose a risk of slip and fall.
You should also install handrails along the walls where your elderly spend most of their day.
3. Implement Effective Communication
When you are communicating with your elderly suffering from dementia, make sure that you are clear with your words. Keep an eye contact with them and talk to them slowly and clearly so that they can understand your words.
People with dementia have memory loss, they might ask the same question again and again. Make sure that you are patient and listen carefully and attentively. You should reassure them that you heard their point so that it can alleviate their anxiety.
4. Encourage Socialization
Socialization is generally very important for the elderly, however, when your parents or grandparents are suffering from dementia in St Charles County MO, you should take them to special facilities that care for people with dementia.
Socialization in facilities offering memory care st charles county mo can give your elderly a chance to talk to other people and make friends. Specialists in such facilities know activities suitable for such elderly, helping them manage their living conditions in a better way.
5. Help Them With Independence
Elderly with dementia often get fussy and anxious when they find themselves in controlled situations. Make sure that you offer them independence by encouraging them to do tasks appropriate for their age and condition.
This type of independence in performing simple tasks and making small decisions can reduce anxiety and anger and help them feel autonomous. This independence can also help them feel accomplished and worthy of something. For instance, you can provide them with two options for meals and help them choose what they want.