Practical Tips to Support Your Parent with Dementia
When your parent faces a dementia diagnosis, many thoughts can run through your mind. How much longer will mom still be “mom”? Is this the last holiday that dad will remember? What will our future look like? What will our everyday life look like?
It’s natural to fear the future when dementia is in the picture. However, a dementia diagnosis does not mean all the good days are in the past. A person living with dementia can enjoy the present moment. What once brought them joy can continue to bring them happiness. Family members are crucial in ensuring their loved one with dementia feels valued and included. Here are a few practical tips to support your parent with dementia.
Visit with an Open Mind
One way to support your parent with dementia is to visit with an open mind. Set no expectations around the visit. Smile and greet them, ask how they’re doing, and gauge their current mood. If they are having a great day, move forward with any tasks you need to accomplish with them. If they’re more confused or seem agitated, focus on creating a calm environment and set aside your to-do list.
Learn to Redirect
Another way to support your mom or dad with dementia is to learn to redirect. You will never be able to convince someone with dementia that they are wrong. Instead of arguing, remember to acknowledge their feelings and redirect conversation or behavior to help them overcome their agitation. For example, your mom walks around anxiously looking for her school-aged children. In reality, her kids are now adults with their own families. Acknowledge your mom’s concern, then redirect. For example, you might say, “I understand that you’re looking for your children; why don’t you tell me about them?” After she answers, redirect her to another activity or topic of conversation.
Utilize Local Services
Fortunately, there are numerous local resources in the greater Richmond area to help you support your elderly parent with dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Richmond Chapter can point you to support groups, educational programs, caregiver tips, and resources. Other support group information for dementia caregivers can be found here. The Aging and Disability Services of Chesterfield County provides numerous local resources, including memory cafes, financial resources, and caregiver support. Ensure your parent’s affairs are in order. Chesterfield’s Aging and Disability Services offers a Senior Law Clinic that may be useful.
Maintain a Routine
Finally, do your best to maintain a routine with your elderly parent.People with dementia thrive with routine. A daily structure can help decrease undesired behaviors such as aggression, restlessness, and agitation. It also allows someone with dementia to know what to expect. Their routine doesn’t need to be overly structured. However, it should include regular meal times, daily exercises, such as walks, time for leisure pursuits, simple chores, rest time, and a consistent bedtime.
Visiting Angels Chesterfield-Richmond understands the challenges of caring for a parent with dementia. Fortunately, you do not have to navigate this care journey alone. We offer dementia care services tailored to specific symptoms, risks, and challenges related to the different types of dementia. When providing care for seniors with dementia, we include the essential personal home care services we provide for every client. In addition to services specifically designed to help older adults manage dementia symptoms such as memory loss and wandering. These services will give your loved one the support they need to live at home safely and with compassionate in-home senior care, which is vital to making everyday life a little bit easier when dealing with dementia. To learn more, don't hesitate to get in touch with us today by calling 804-423-6500.