Caring for an aging parent with dementia requires many skills, including household management, effective communication, patience, and good decision-making. Developing a caregiving plan based on your loved one’s needs and abilities can make the role less challenging and boost his or her quality of life. Here are some tips that could make daily tasks easier for you and your loved one with dementia.
1. Schedule Activities Accordingly
When seniors with dementia are at their best, they’re more likely to participate in hobbies and social activities. Daily tasks like grooming and eating may also be less stressful. You should avoid scheduling outings, meals, and physical activities when your loved one is agitated. You can determine when your loved one is at his or her best based on his or her mental health and reactions to certain situations.
2. Be Respectful
Caregivers don’t have the right to intrude on their loved ones’ privacy, talk down to them, or act disrespectfully. Your loved one should be treated as an adult, regardless of the situation. Before entering your loved one’s room, knock and state your name clearly. You should also avoid taking over during mealtimes or exercise periods or when carrying out conversations. Being respectful could strengthen your relationship and reduce the risk of your parent engaging in combative behavior.
3. Base Tasks on Your Loved One’s Strengths
Short-term memory, attention span, and thinking abilities generally decrease due to the brain damage caused by dementia, so find fun ways to keep your loved one’s mind active. The objective is to promote stimulating activities instead of challenges that could cause low self-esteem. Basing daily tasks and hobbies on your loved one’s strengths allows him or her to maintain many cognitive abilities and slow the progression of dementia.
Dementia can be challenging for seniors to manage, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional dementia care. Montgomery 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.
4. Accept Support
When you’re at your best, you can provide the high-quality care your parent deserves. Accept support from family members and close friends. You should also consider using respite care services. Receiving help allows you to take breaks and practice self-care, which can lower your risk of burnout.
Remain open to constructive criticism and positive changes. If your sibling suggests another way of doing things, it could prove to be beneficial for you and your loved one. Remember your priority should be your parent’s wellbeing.
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 caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted homecare 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. Home Care Assistance is here to help.
5. Be Realistic
Providing your loved one with a safe, secure, and happy environment is what makes you a successful caregiver. Even though there are bad days, never give up on your loved one. Set realistic goals and celebrate small successes. Don’t force things on your loved one, and make adjustments as necessary. There’s no cure for dementia, and as it progresses, your loved one’s health may continue to decrease. There are steps you can take to boost your parent’s cognitive abilities, but you must remain realistic and stay positive when things don’t go as planned.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful addition to your family’s caregiving team. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of at-home care. Montgomery families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ 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. Call Home Care Assistance today at (334) 593-3988 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.