Being diagnosed with dementia doesn’t mean seniors need to move from their homes into assisted living facilities or group homes. Seniors with dementia may continue living at home, and the type of care they need will change gradually based on the progression of the condition. However, with medical treatment, healthy lifestyle choices, and the assistance of friends and family, seniors may continue to live at home while working to maintain their independence and stave off the condition’s progression.
Make a Daily Schedule
Schedules are essential when caring for a loved one with dementia. Create a schedule for daily activities like cooking, bathing, dressing, exercising, and taking medication. Encourage your loved one to share his or her opinions about the activities, and try to motivate your parent to be as independent as possible without putting his or her health at risk. There are times when the schedule will need an update or things don’t go according to plan. However, having a routine in place could reduce your loved one’s risk of experiencing confusion, agitation, or fear.
Caring for a senior with dementia may be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is home care Northern Kentucky families may rely on. Professional caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores.
Make the Home as Familiar as Possible
Keeping photos of family members and friends around the home is essential to your loved one’s health. These items are familiar and may spark memories. Familiarity might soothe your loved one and lower the odds of depression and anger. Additionally, engage your loved one in conversations to keep his or her mind active. You could discuss past events, such as vacations, concerts, and games, as well as favorite films, books, and more.
Get Assistance from Others
As a family caregiver, it’s okay to accept offers of help from your siblings, other family members, and close friends. In addition to having family and friends step up to help with your loved one’s care, consider hiring a home care provider. These professionals may come into the home while you’re away at work or on vacation or when you simply need a break. Getting assistance from others allows you to relax and handle other commitments without risking your own mental and physical health.
A professional caregiver with training and expertise in dementia care may be a tremendous asset. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of at-home care. You may rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide an individualized care plan to meet your senior loved one’s unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that may stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
Remove Clutter
Seniors living with dementia have a greater chance of falling and sustaining injuries that may be serious or even fatal. Dementia causes changes in the brain that may make it difficult to count steps or remember where objects are placed in specific areas. However, removing clutter in the home could lower the risk of falls and allow your loved one to move around safely. Other steps include moving cords out of walkways and keeping cabinet doors shut and locked. Remove throw rugs and replace them with nonslip mats, and install handrails and safety grips in areas with stairs.
Caring for a loved one with dementia is a challenging task for anyone. The responsibilities may sometimes feel overwhelming, but help is available. Seniors may 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 Northern Kentucky elder care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they may focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need extensive assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands of Northern Kentucky is here to help. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (859) 444-5699 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.
