If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, you may have a difficult time adjusting to changes in his or her abilities and learning how to provide the best care possible. However, there are a few things you can do to make the journey less challenging for both you and your loved one.
Appoint a Primary Family Caregiver
Choosing a primary family caregiver is one of the most important initial steps you can take when providing dementia care for your loved one. The primary family caregiver can handle your loved one’s medical and financial affairs, and you should also select a secondary caregiver in case the first one is unavailable during an emergency situation.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to help your loved one handle his or dementia symptoms and other age-related health issues. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of senior care. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years.
Learn How to Communicate Effectively
As dementia progresses, you will notice changes in the way your loved one communicates. Your loved one will often be confused, irritated, and nervous, and you need to be prepared for sudden outbursts as well. Regardless of what your loved one says or does, always remain calm and remember these important communication tips:
- Speak slowly
- Keep sentences clear, simple, and short
- Repeat words as often as necessary
- Make eye contact and use hand gestures
- Avoid yelling
- Don’t sneak up on your loved one
- Don’t patronize your loved one
Make the Proper Living Arrangements
You’ll need to decide if your loved one will live with you or other family members or if he or she will remain at home while receiving care. If your loved one is currently living far away from you or another family caregiver, he or she will likely need to move closer. Once you know where your loved one will be living, you need to determine if the home he or she will reside in is safe. Here are some of the things you should do to prepare the home for your loved one:
- Place nightlights throughout the house
- Keep walkways free of clutter
- Remove throw rugs and other items that may cause a fall
- Install grab bars in the bathroom
- Place nonslip mats in the bathtub
- Keep sharp objects and other dangerous items out of reach
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 Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider service of home care Northern Kentucky, families may trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Hire a Professional In-Home Caregiver
Caring for a senior with dementia can be overwhelming, and you’ll likely need additional support. You cannot provide adequate care for your loved one if you don’t take care of yourself, which means taking time off to relax, go on vacation, sleep, and handle personal or professional commitments. Consider hiring an in-home caregiver who understands the behaviors of seniors with dementia and can keep your loved one calm and safe while you take a break from your caregiving duties.
Caring for seniors with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia care Northern Kentucky families may rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call Assisting Hands Home Care of Northern Kentucky at (859)-444-5699 today.
