Practical Tips to Help Someone With Dementia
According to a special report by the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately 12 to 18 percent of American adults age 60 and above are living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI refers to the subtle changes in memory or thinking that are serious enough to be noticed by family members, friends, and the person experiencing symptoms. Each year, it’s estimated that 10 to 15 percent of people living with MCI go on to develop dementia.
It’s devastating when a loved one is diagnosed with MCI or dementia, such as Alzheimer’s. However, families can help their loved ones have a quality life even as the disease progresses. If you have an aging loved one who is living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, here are a few practical tips to help you better support them.
Create a Familiar Routine
A person with dementia thrives on having a familiar routine. Routines help create a sense of security and calm while also helping them know what to expect daily. Help your aging loved one with dementia by creating a familiar routine that fits their lifestyle. Their routine should include meals, snacks, daily exercise, leisure pursuits, downtime, and bedtime. It’s also helpful to select the same day each week to run errands or make doctor appointments. Although those in earlier stages of dementia can manage a change in routine from time to time, sticking to a familiar routine most days of the week will help facilitate everyday life.
Preempt Agitation
It’s common for someone with dementia to become agitated, restless, or anxious. Sometimes these feelings result from the disease itself and cannot be explained. However, most of the time, agitation happens for a reason. Hunger, tiredness, pain, change in routine, noisy environments, and being pushed to do something are common triggers for agitation. Does your loved one become agitated right before meal times? Perhaps they need a healthy snack to prevent hypoglycemia. Do they seem restless in the evenings? Consider taking them for a walk after dinner to help them balance their emotions. Does their mood change when they’re around a large group of people? They may need a quiet place to retreat when the extended family visits. Families should look for what may have triggered their aging loved one and take preventative measures to preempt agitation in the future.
Learn How to Redirect
Someone with dementia isn't always living in our current reality. Their reality may include people who have moved away or are deceased. They may believe they still have an office job or have young children at home. Families can be of tremendous help when their loved one is living in a different reality by learning how to redirect them. When they ask about something from their past, redirect the conversation towards reminiscing. Ask them to tell you more about that person or experience. Keep a busy box nearby to give them something to do when they seem anxious. Folding towels, sorting a deck of cards, or matching colorful socks are practical ways to redirect someone with dementia by giving them a sense of purpose.
Take Advantage of Local Resources
There are abundant local resources for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and their families. Start by exploring the Alzheimer’s Association North Central Texas Chapter for local programs, services, and support groups. Dale Brock, Visiting Angels Fort Worth and Southlake owner is a proud North Central Texas Chapter board member. Next, search for adult day programs to help keep your loved one in the earlier stages mentally and socially engaged. Dementia Friendly Fort Worth provides education, resources, and services to enhance the lives of seniors with dementia and their family caregivers. Meals on Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County delivers healthy meals to seniors who cannot prepare meals for themselves. Finally, James L. West Center for Dementia Care provides online support groups, free caregiver videos and podcasts, and a unique dementia virtual experience to help families better understand the disease. These are just a few fantastic local resources for families walking through dementia.
More than 5 million Americans are living with dementia, which means if your loved one is experiencing memory issues, you are not alone. However, it can be scary for a loved one to confidently leave a senior with memory loss at home alone, especially as the disease progresses. Fortunately, Visiting Angels Southlake is here to help. We offer experienced dementia care services that are personalized to each client’s situation, diagnosis, and strengths. Our team is not only well-trained in dementia care best practices, but we have also equipped them with state-of-the-art technology that assures our clients receive the best home care in our area. With dementia care at home, you benefit from activities adapted to each individual and one-on-one care, creating a higher quality of life than a facility can provide. To learn more or to get started with dementia care services, don't hesitate to contact us today by calling 817-684-1996.