When seniors with dementia take on more tasks, it can increase their confidence and make daily life less challenging for their caregivers. Regardless of your elderly parent’s limitations, there’s almost always a safe way to promote independence and keep him or her actively involved in everyday tasks. Continue reading to find techniques you can use to encourage your loved one with dementia to remain independent as the condition progresses.
Focus on Strengths
In the middle and later stages of dementia, completing daily tasks becomes more difficult for older adults, especially as brain function decreases and mobility problems increase. However, you can continue to encourage independence by focusing on your loved one’s abilities instead of his or her limitations. For example, if your parent is able to fold clothes and set the table with ease, assign these duties to him or her. Even if your loved one is only able to complete one or two parts of the tasks, he or she may feel accomplished and more self-reliant.
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging, but compassionate help is available. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care services families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Don’t Overstep
Watching over your loved one doesn’t mean you need to assume responsibility for every aspect of his or her life. If you do everything for your parent, he or she will rely on you and give up on doing everyday tasks independently. Maintaining dignity and independence is critical to mental and physical health, and it could slow the progression of dementia. The best way to ease up and encourage your loved one to be self-sufficient is to remain patient. Your desire to have a task completed quickly could cause your loved one to react aggressively or walk away from the activity. When you’re patient and understanding, your parent with dementia may be better able to do things independently.
Adapt the Home
Memory loss, poor judgment, and mobility problems could prevent your loved one from doing many of the things he or she was able to do in the past. For instance, getting up and getting dressed is more challenging for older adults with dementia because they experience short-term memory loss and weaker muscles as the condition progresses. It may help if you make changes to various rooms in the home, especially the bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom. You should also designate a private safe space in the home where your loved one can go when he or she needs a break. Adapting the home could make daily tasks less challenging and provide your loved one with peace of mind, which can increase independence.
Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Montgomery families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.
Promote Physical Activity
Exercising and engaging in various types of physical activity can increase independence in older adults with dementia by helping them maintain muscle strength and reduce balance problems. Following a regular exercise routine could also boost your loved one’s metabolism, making him or her emotionally and mentally ready to take on everyday tasks, such as household chores, meal prep, and grooming. Staying active could also help your loved one continue working on daily projects for longer periods instead of getting tired and giving up. Encourage your parent to take walks with you through the neighborhood or do stretches and exercises at home.
A trained caregiver with knowledge about caring for seniors with dementia can be a fantastic resource for family members. Families looking for top-rated Montgomery elderly home care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones. Reach out to us at Home Care Assistance if you need compassionate, professional care for your loved one. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (334) 593-3988 to learn about the high quality of our in-home dementia care services.