Taking care of a loved one is a rewarding but tasking experience. It’s especially challenging if your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia since they’ll need extra and special care.

Dementia is used to describe the general decline in cognitive function that affects behavior, memory, thinking, and daily activities. Think of it as an umbrella term that encompasses different types of conditions, including Alzheimer’s Disease, frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy body dementia. Although they are similar in that they progressively cause cognitive decline and make daily life difficult, they often manifest different symptoms. 

Because of this, people diagnosed with dementia need help with personal care, everyday tasks, finances, health, and medication management. And with memory loss and behavioral changes, caregivers need to handle their loved ones uniquely. 

Tips for Caregivers of People with Dementia

Juggling between work and family is hard enough, let alone caring for your loved one. It can drain you emotionally and physically. But if you know how to handle your loved one in each stage of dementia, the burden is lighter. Here are some tips to help you get along. 

Adapt your Communication and Interaction

If your loved one has just been diagnosed with dementia, it’ll take time to come to terms with your new reality. You’ll often see and treat them as though they are their former self. You should be cautious and avoid this because their understanding, behavior, and memory are different now. 

Granted, it’ll take time to adjust your perception, communication, and interaction with your loved one. But provided you remain open-minded in your daily engagement and communication, you’ll get better. This state of mind will help you respond better to repetitive questions and your loved one’s forgetfulness that may put them and the whole family in danger or worry.

Finally, extend enough grace when caring for people with dementia. When you’re on the verge of anger, remember that their actions aren’t intentional but, instead, a result of a situation outside of their control.

Avoid Conflict, Stress, and Agitation

Dementia can easily lead to heightened emotions and outbursts from your loved one. You should avoid situations that might trigger anger, frustration, or agitation in your loved one. This includes keeping your environment calm, structured, and predictable by sticking to routines.

Your loved one may forget the names of people they’ve known their whole life or where they kept a precious item. When this happens, avoid blunt correction. Instead, gently redirect or go along with the conversation if it doesn’t cause harm.

For example, if they confuse the year or forget a name, prioritize kindness over accuracy. Smiling and reassuring them will go a long way in helping them go through the different stages of dementia. Getting rid of environmental stressors like loud noises, clutter, or crowded spaces can also make them feel safe and secure.

Simplify Daily Tasks and Foster Independence

Having dementia robs your loved one of their independence. Unfortunately, your loved one can feel the loss and would want to preserve their independence. Although they might not do it as before, with your help, they can still retain a sense of independence.

You can do this by simplifying tasks to their current abilities. For example, when getting dressed, hand them one item at a time, such as their shirt and pants, instead of just directing them to get dressed.

Visual cues and reminders also go a long way in guiding their daily routine. Consider marking drawers with pictures of their contents or use calendars to remind them of daily events.

Focus on Nutrition and Hydration

Eating and drinking habits often change with dementia. Your loved one may forget to eat or lose interest in meals altogether. When this happens, prioritize nutrient-dense foods that are easy to chew and swallow. Finger foods like cut-up fruits or small sandwiches can make eating less overwhelming.

Also, the meal times should be quiet and free of distractions to help your loved one focus. Remember to offer them water throughout the day to prevent dehydration since it can worsen fatigue and confusion. If you notice significant weight loss or trouble eating, consult a healthcare provider.

Create a Safe Environment

We cannot stress enough the safety of your loved one. To aid in this, you should remove all potential hazards and declutter your home. Secure medication, sharp objects, and cleaning supplies in lockable spaces. To enhance safe, independent personal grooming, consider installing grab bars in the shower.

From time to time, your loved one may wander. You’ll have better peace of mind installing GPS tracking devices and alarms to alert you when they leave. This way, you know where they are at all times without hovering.

Engage Them in Meaningful Activities

Keeping your loved one engaged improves their quality of life and reduces restlessness. Activities like puzzles (simple crosswords and sudoku), music, drawing, or gardening can be both calming and stimulating.

Taking time to reminisce by looking at old photos or discussing happy memories also helps keep them sharp, and the familiarity provides comfort and strengthens emotional bonds. To stay strong and maintain physical health, take your loved one on short walks.

Take Care of Yourself as a Caregiver

Caring for people with dementia can be emotionally and physically demanding. To provide the best care, you need to care for yourself too. Schedule regular breaks and lean on family or friends for support.

Join caregiver support groups to connect with others who understand your challenges. Sharing your experiences can be therapeutic and provide new strategies for handling difficult moments.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you feel overwhelmed. Respite care services or in-home care from healthcare professionals from Trusted Touch Healthcare can give you time to recharge.

Use Technology to Stay Organized

Technology can ease the burden of caregiving. Apps for reminders, medication tracking, and communication can help you stay organized. For example, you can use a calendar app to schedule doctor appointments, manage medications, and track daily routines.

At the same time, smart home devices, like motion sensors or voice-activated assistants, can also provide additional safety and support.

Seek Professional Help from Trusted Touch Healthcare

When your loved one’s behavior worsens, or you notice a significant weight loss and inability to complete daily tasks they previously could on their own, you should get professional help. Taking this step doesn’t equate to failure; instead, it shows where your priorities are in caring for and protecting your loved one.

At Trusted Touch Healthcare, we have a team of health professionals who will provide quality care to your loved one in the comfort of your home and help you avoid caregiver burnout. Contact us today at (301) 272-5140.