Confusion, agitation, and anxiety are common symptoms of dementia. However, these symptoms can often be alleviated or even prevented if a senior lives in a calm and comforting environment. If your aging loved one is living with dementia, here are a few ways you can bring more comfort into his or her life.
1. Show Compassion
Seniors with dementia sometimes experience feelings of loneliness and loss because of loved ones who have passed away, but they may have difficulty comprehending these people are deceased. Instead of correcting your loved one and trying to get him or her to understand a particular person is no longer alive, encourage him or her to focus on the positive feelings and memories associated with the person. For example, if your loved one starts talking about his or her deceased mother, ask about the things they used to do together and what your loved one liked most about her.
2. Speak with Reassurance
Dementia-related agitation is often the result of fear. Verbally reassuring your loved one that everything is safe may have a calming effect. You may even find your loved one responds better to another family member’s voice instead of yours. There may be no apparent logical reason for this response, and it shouldn’t be interpreted as a personal slight in any way.
Symptoms such as agitation, confusion, anger, and frustration are common in elderly people with dementia. Dementia can be challenging for seniors to manage, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional dementia care. Tucson seniors can benefit greatly from the Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program designed to promote cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. CTM is included at no additional charge with any of the in-home care plans provided by Home Care Assistance.
3. Provide Comforting Objects
Holding objects like blankets, stuffed animals, and dolls can help seniors with dementia feel calm and comforted. The objects serve as distractions and focal points for their attention, which can be especially effective with women because they often retain deep-rooted maternal instincts years after raising their own children.
The cognitive challenges that accompany dementia often leave aging adults unable to manage everyday tasks, which puts their safety and health at risk. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elder care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
4. Make Your Presence Known
Avoid approaching your loved one if you’re likely to catch him or her unaware. Impaired hearing and vision may make it difficult to see or hear you approach. As a result, your loved one may become startled and act out physically.
5. Try Music Therapy
Music often has a soothing effect on seniors with dementia. Familiar melodies can connect them with feelings of happiness and security located deep in their long-term memory. It may take a little time and experimentation to find just the right type of music for your loved one, but classical music and songs from his or her past are a good place to start.
Caring for a loved one with dementia is a challenging task for anyone. The responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming, but help is available. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Tucson homecare provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help. To learn more about our reliable, compassionate in-home care services, contact us at (520) 276-6555 today.