November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. It’s a time to raise awareness, provide Alzheimer’s education, and honor those living with various forms of dementia. At Hidden Meadows on the Ridge, dementia care in Sellersville, PA, we know the toll an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can have on an individual and their family.
Caring for someone with this condition can be a challenge. The good news is that there are many ways to provide comfort and care to a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.
Here’s a guide to understanding the condition and providing meaningful help to a loved one with dementia.
Understanding Dementia
Dementia is a term that describes a variety of cognitive impairments. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Educating yourself about your loved one’s diagnosis is important for understanding the best ways to care for them. Some key steps to consider include:
Educate Yourself
Familiarize yourself with the various types of dementia, the symptoms to watch for, and how the disease typically progresses. Understanding what your loved one is facing is the first step to providing proper support. You can find extensive resources about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease through the Alzheimer’s Association.
Consult Professionals
Medical professionals and dementia care organizations can provide support, information, and resources to help you understand your loved one’s care needs. The National Institute on Aging is a good resource for information on senior health and caregiving.
Include Them
Although your loved one may struggle with memory loss and cognition, their emotional connections may be strong. Be sure to include your loved one in everyday activities and conversations. Show them that you value and respect them, despite the cognitive challenges they face.
Helping Your Loved One With Alzheimer’s
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be a challenge. Some thoughtful planning and memory care awareness can help you feel more prepared to provide the care and comfort your loved one deserves.
Be Involved
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is never easy. At first, it can be overwhelming when there’s so much to learn and prepare for. One good way to stay informed is to go to doctor’s appointments with your loved one. The doctor can help you understand how to keep your loved one safe and develop a comforting daily routine. They can recommend support services in your area to help you better manage your loved one’s care.
Make Their Home Environment Safe
Individuals with dementia are at risk for life-threatening accidents. Driving or wandering can be especially dangerous for them. There are measures you can take to keep their living environment safe.
Walk around their home and check for potential hazards. Look for potential trip hazards or clutter that could become dangerous. Make sure there is no accessibility to alcohol, unnecessary medications, power tools, chemicals, or firearms.
Establish Daily Routines
Individuals with Alzheimer’s may take comfort in established routines. Helping them to wake up, eat, shower, and dress at set times can be helpful. Repetitive routines can help them remember what to do and feel more in control of their surroundings.
Maintain Independence
Individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s may be able to do many self-care tasks independently. Allow them do as much for themselves as possible as long as they are safe. Encouraging those with dementia to maintain some level of independence helps them feel useful and more self-confident.
Engage in Conversation
Your loved one may have difficulty remembering many things and engaging in long conversations. They still need to feel valued and maintain emotional connections with friends and family. Talk to them, focusing on feelings rather than facts. Hearing your voice can be a comfort and a reassuring presence in their life.
Keep It Simple
Try to keep things as simple as possible for your loved one with dementia. Effortless activities can be comforting for them. These include:
- Listening to music
- Watching TV
- Folding laundry
- Sitting outside
- Gentle exercise
If your loved one becomes irritable, avoid engaging in arguments. Use lighthearted humor to ease stressful situations as much as possible.
Helping Yourself as You Care for a Loved One With Alzheimer’s
Prioritizing your health will help you be a better care partner. Be healthier and feel less stressed by following some simple self-care tips.
Take Care of Your Basic Needs
It’s easy to get overwhelmed while caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. As a result, you may forget to prioritize your daily self-care needs. Be sure to eat healthy, get enough sleep, and exercise daily. Taking care of yourself will help you feel good, improve your mood, and be a more effective caregiver.
The “long goodbye” of Alzheimer’s can be heartbreaking. The emotional toll is a heavy one for family members. Support groups can be a source of comfort for loved ones dealing with the ups and downs of caring for someone in mental decline.
Take Breaks
Taking breaks from caregiving helps manage stress and prevent burnout. Engage in things you enjoy when you can. Try to maintain some balance and sense of self while managing your loved one’s health needs.
Ask For and Receive Help
Being a sole caretaker can be exhausting. If you’re in this situation, reach out to family and friends for help. If you’ve been trying to handle everything on your own, now is the time to ask for help.
Professional Care
As Alzheimer’s progresses, your loved one may need professional care. This may include a nurse, home-care aide, or a memory care community. Look for quality dementia care services in Sellersville, PA. They can provide the daily care and cognitive support your loved one needs.
Taking Action During Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is an important time to educate and raise awareness about those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. If you’re caring for someone with this condition, knowledge is power. Understanding the disease and the best ways to care for and comfort your loved one can make a huge difference in their life and yours.
If you’re considering memory care services for your loved one, Hidden Meadows on the Ridge is here to help. Our senior living community in Sellersville, PA, offers safe, supportive care and personalized services for your loved one’s needs.
Contact Hidden Meadows on the Ridge today to learn more.
