Dementia is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It can be challenging to watch someone you love struggle with this disease. You want to do everything you can to help them, but it’s hard not knowing where to start. This blog post will discuss five ways that you can better support your loved one living with dementia.
1. Hire an In-home Support Service
Your loved ones need to have the support they need at every stage of their illness. If you are unable to provide this care yourself, consider hiring an in-home support service. They will assist with daily activities, help your family member stay active through fun, engaging activities and promote overall wellness. An in-home support service can also help your family member stay safe through transportation to doctor’s appointments, meals, and more. Regardless of the type of dementia, your loved one has or their symptoms, an in-home support service can be an invaluable tool for maintaining good health.
2. Create a Positive Mood for Interaction
It is essential to optimize your loved one’s interactions with their environment. You can do this by creating a positive mood for interaction, which will improve the overall experience. For example, you could play their favorite music or wear clothes that calm them down. By engaging in pleasant activities with them regularly, you will ensure that this is a positive experience for them, and their mood will be elevated as a result.
3. Visit in Person Safely
It is essential to visit your loved one in person. Do not rely on over-the-phone communication, as this will lessen the benefits of visits. However, it would help if you took precautions when visiting them in person. For example, wear comfortable shoes that support your back and choose clothing that allows you to be active throughout the entire visit. At the end of the visit, you should ensure that your loved one is safe by using a caregiver support system. This will allow them to feel at ease during your visit and give you peace of mind.
4. Avoid Upsetting Triggers
Certain triggers could upset your loved one. For example, avoid using voice interactions with them if they cannot process these types of requests. Please do not talk to them about upsetting topics or allow other people to use loud voices around them. Instead, find ways to keep their environment and interactions calm and positive. This will promote a better mood and help them to stay calm during the interaction.
5. Encourage Physical Activity
It is important to promote physical activity with your loved one. This will help them to maintain good health. If you are not sure how they like to stay active, ask them about it and engage in the activities that they enjoy most. For example, look for classes or hobbies that might interest them, such as line dancing or knitting. Keeping your loved ones active will ensure that they enjoy activities as they did before their dementia. Keeping them physically fit will help improve overall health and happiness.
Dementia is a very challenging disease. This can make it difficult to know how to support your loved one living with dementia, but the right caregiving services and tools will help you do this effectively. By hiring an in-home support service, creating a positive mood for interaction, checking on safety measures, and staying active with them, you will be able to provide your loved ones with the care that they need.
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