Aging adults with dementia eventually reach a point where they need daily assistance. Your senior loved one may reach this point in the middle stages of the condition, but it’s best to start planning as early as possible. Using this guide to start your preparations can help you get ready for the reality of helping your loved one every day.
Identify Individual Care Needs
People with dementia require different types of care that are determined by their mental abilities as well as their preferences. Your loved one may only need a small amount of help each day in the beginning. This early care may involve things such as helping your loved one remember to take medication or prepare food. Later, your loved one may need constant monitoring to prevent him or her from wandering off or doing something at home that could cause an injury.
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.
Use Technology when Possible
There are many ways to make providing daily care easier for both you and your loved one. For instance, you can use home automation services to turn off appliances and ensure the doors are locked each night. You might also want to set up your loved one’s accounts for automatic bill paying services and use a calendar app to send reminders when he or she has an upcoming appointment. Keep in mind you still need to oversee the use of technology. Always keep an eye on your loved one’s accounts to make sure the automation is working correctly.
Remember to Use Compassion & Empathy
Providing daily care for someone with dementia can be challenging. You’ll get tired and frustrated at certain points during your time with your loved one. It’s also stressful to watch someone you love experience severe cognitive decline. Try to remember this might not be the ideal situation, but you and your loved one are doing your best. This is also a wonderful time to bond and strengthen your relationship. When you get frustrated, take a deep breath. Remember your loved one isn’t trying to make things difficult. Talking with compassion can soothe both of you and maintain your loved one’s dignity.
Having a professional caregiver nearby can give you peace of mind about your loved one’s wellbeing. 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 in-home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Plan to Work in Shifts
Daily care plans should also include options for night supervision. You simply cannot watch your loved one around the clock and stay healthy. Once your loved one is at the point where he or she needs assistance at night, you need to recruit help. A professional caregiver can stay overnight in your loved one’s home so you can get some sleep. If you’re not at the point of needing overnight care, you still need to plan to take time off. Taking regular breaks can help you maintain the positive attitude your loved one needs, and they make you less likely to make mistakes.
Caring for a loved one with dementia is a challenging task for family members. 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 home care service 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. Call one of our friendly Care Managers at (520) 276-6555 to learn about ways our experienced caregivers can help your loved one.