Dementia Care in Norfolk: Tips from the Pros

If you provide dementia care to a loved one in the Norfolk, VA area, you know firsthand how challenging it can sometimes be to offer this type of care. Dementia can lead to troubles communicating, incontinence, wandering, paranoia, memory loss, and mood swings. These symptoms can be frustrating for seniors and challenging for caregivers. To help you provide high-quality dementia care to your loved one in the Norfolk area, we’ve created a list of tips to keep in mind when faced with the more difficult behavior associated with dementia. You can also call on the professional caregivers at Visiting Angels^® Norfolk, Portsmouth and Suffolk.

Providing Dementia Care in Norfolk

When offering dementia care to a loved one in Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, or the surrounding areas, some tips to keep in mind when faced with difficult behavior include:

• Validate Your Loved One. While your loved one’s paranoia and delusions may be imagined, their feelings are very real. Try not to argue with or contradict your loved one. Instead, reassure them, help them look for "lost" or “stolen” items, and gently draw their attention elsewhere.
• Modify the Environment. Surrounding your loved one with familiar objects and furniture will help them feel secure. You can, however, modify their environment to help them in times of confusion. Put signs with illustrations on the bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom doors. Add nightlights to prevent disorientation and falls in the dark. Add locks to doors and gates on stairs to prevent wandering.
• Encourage Independence. Wandering and agitation may be due to boredom and feelings of a loss of control. Encourage your loved one to be independent and assist you with day-to-day tasks, even if these tasks end up taking longer with your loved ones “help”.
• Simplify. When speaking to your loved one, use clear sentences and ask yes or no questions. Reduce distractions such as the TV or radio when asking questions. Make dressing and going to the bathroom easier with Velcro closures and elastic waistbands. Break bigger tasks into smaller and more easy-to-manage steps, for example, give one item of clothing at a time when dressing.
• Ask for Help. Reaching out to a neighbor, friend, or professional dementia care provider in the Norfolk, VA area will give you the time you need to rest and recharge while ensuring your loved one still has care.

For more information on giving your loved one supportive and compassionate dementia care, call Visiting Angels Norfolk, Portsmouth and Suffolk today.