Tips for Caring for Someone with Dementia

When you are a caregiver to a loved one it can be very rewarding, but also difficult especially if your loved one has dementia.

There are different types of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia, to name a few. Each of these types has its own unique feature however, what they do have in common is the progressive cognitive impairment that makes day-to-day functioning difficult. This is why people with dementia need a caregiver who can assist with everyday tasks.

Here are a few tips to follow when caring for someone with dementia:

Be open and flexible to new ways of communicating.
As your loved one’s dementia progresses it is critical to understand that there may come a time where you will need to adjust how you interact and communicate with your loved ones. This can also help you respond to situations more effectively.

Make a conscious decision to avoid agitation, stress, and conflict.
Take steps to maintain a normal routine as often as possible. Avoid exposing your loved one to situations that may cause stress and agitation.

Know how to recognize situations that may be dangerous.
When caring for someone with dementia certain situations may be more dangerous now than ever. Activities such as driving and cooking may now be more dangerous now but eliminating them may also be detrimental. Finding safe ways to incorporate these is key.

Be proactive, not reactive.
Getting a head start when it comes to your loved one’s legal, financial, and medical matters can alleviate a great deal of stress in the long run. Ensure you take the appropriate steps when assessing your loved ones’ matters.

Ask for help.
When the time comes for transitional care, remind yourself that you don’t have to do this alone.