It’s always difficult to see friends and loved ones suffer health problems. It’s never easy, but the conditions surrounding dementia make it particularly hard. Their body doesn’t change much, but the person inside seems to be someone else entirely.
However, with the right care, people with dementia can live a happy, rewarding life. It takes careful planning and preparation. Here are a few key tips that will help you along the way.
Self-Care Matters
You can’t care for someone else properly unless you yourself are feeling well. Primary caregivers need to be in a state that lets them help other people.
Self-care is necessary, even if it isn’t fancy or expensive treatment! Just carve some time out every day to go on a little walk, read a good book, or enjoy a restful moment however you choose.
The better rested and emotionally stable you feel, the better a place you’ll be in to care for others.
Cement Routines Every Day
Routines can help everybody, but they’re an extra help for people with dementia. Those experiencing memory trouble need to do important things at the same time each day to create a sense stable calm.
Put things like mealtimes, medication, and recreational activities in a daily schedule and do them all at the same time. The constancy of daily routine and ritual is good for dementia patients.
However, life can be complicated, and people need flexibility around routines. In general, sticking to the same routines makes life easier for both patients and caregivers.
Communication Is Key
Communication with patients is always key, especially when dementia is at play. Having a few communication strategies made specifically for dementia patients is essential, even if no two people, and no two conditions, are exactly alike.
For example, dementia patients often respond to visual cues. Carers need to be extra patient when communicating and be mindful to work on active listening.
It helps to understand what dementia is like, so the better you grasp what they’re going through, the more effective you’ll be in communicating. You’ll also enjoy more fulfilling interactions.
Long-Term Care May Be Best
Even the best-intended friend or relative can’t compete with the level of care offered at long-term dementia care centres. However, it’s a major decision that must be considered very carefully.
Remember that you’re making the decision today, but it impacts the future. You want your loved ones to age in place somewhere warm that can care for them properly. Leading dementia care homes like Sagecare will simplify your caregiving responsibilities, and your loved one will enjoy the improved care.
Talk to your entire family, visit the residence, and do your research. Don’t make such a crucial decision on a whim and consider getting professional advice before making a decision.
People may feel like they lack the patience, mindfulness, and skill necessary to care properly for those with dementia. They may doubt they have enough emotional capacity or even spare time. Either keep the above tips in mind if you’re caring on your own for a loved with dementia, or be patient and thorough when picking the right long-term dementia care centre for them.
