How to Help a Loved One with Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease?

It can be a stressful experience taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia because these patients tend to suffer from depression and sometimes display violent behavior as well, which can further intensify your caregiving concerns. But don’t worry! You are not alone in this situation. About 15 to 16 million people in America are facing this kind of predicament, and there are millions of others around the globe. With the availability of only a few medical treatments for this ailment, caregiving alone is the option that can make a discernible difference in your and their life too. 

When you feel that you are not able to provide the needed attention and care to the person anymore due to their progressing symptoms, you can try to locate dementia care homes nearby. But before that, there are some things that you can implement on your end to help your dear one who has succumbed to this cognitive deficit.

Tips for caring for dementia or Alzheimer’s patients

Every small contribution and thoughtfulness can go a long way while you look after your elderly, who are affected by this mental condition. Here is a quick view of what you can do to help them.

Set a timetable

Make routines and schedule time for daily activities to remove any chance of confusion or frustration for your beloved parent or someone else.

Avoid argument

These patients can argue about certain things without even realizing that they have forgotten. But don’t challenge their opinion or belief. Let things go so that they are not upset.

Provide nutrition

Poor nutrition and misfit lifestyle choices can be linked to dementia. So, pay attention to their diet by controlling their sugar intake and infusing a vegetable-rich menu. These minor changes can lead to a  huge impact on their behavior.

Keep them occupied

You may want to do everything for them, but it’s essential that you allow them too to manage some things on their own. Start an activity, and then let them continue. It will not only make them busy but also give them a sense of independence.

Maintain a medication chart

What medicine you give them and in what amount should be recorded appropriately. Also, note the timings. It will come in handy when you consult with your doctor or assign responsibility to another caregiver.

Plan a physical exercise session

Daily physical activities are critical for these patients for their overall well-being. So, schedule a separate time for your loved one for this.

Use different ways to communicate with them

The possibility of having verbal communication with them is almost a naught. You have to find out unique avenues to connect with them. Reading, singing, music, and art are some of the fabulous mediums that can help you with this. Or, just a tender touch of your palm on their arm is sometimes more than enough to elicit your feelings of love, respect, and care for them.

Keep patience when they become violent

When the symptoms progress, the person can have drastic mood swings and personality transformation. The sight may be heartrending for you to watch, especially when you know how they were before this disease caught up with them. But you have to maintain calm and patience. By chance, if you feel it’s burning you out, then maybe you should find memory care facilities for them.

Caregiving is a responsibility, which can be rewarding if you do it with awareness and attention.