Tips for Loved Ones with Dementia

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 16 million Americans care for a loved one living with dementia. If you’re a caregiver for someone with dementia, it can be difficult to learn how to manage the dementia symptoms that manifest as changes in your loved one’s cognition, physical and motor abilities, feelings, perception, communication, and even personality. Here, we offer tips for dealing with dementia and helping your loved one feel supported while improving his or her quality of life.

• Remember that early signs of dementia aren’t always clear cut, and the diagnosis can come as a surprise. Your loved one is still the same person and still needs independence, connection, and engagement. Invite him or her to do things with you, engage in conversation, and remember that your friendship and support are important. Ask how your loved one is doing, acknowledging that dementia is a disease just like heart disease or cancer.
• Learn as much as you can. Ask questions of your loved one’s doctor, including asking for recommended reading. Look for resources that can help family members learn to cope.
• Especially as the disease progresses, speak simply. Rather than asking open ended questions that can overwhelm someone with dementia, ask simple questions that only require a yes or no answer. This can help reduce anxiety for the person with dementia.
• Be patient. The memory and communication challenges a person with dementia faces can cause agitation. Even though you probably have a lot on your plate, it pays to slow down and try not to put additional pressure on your loved one, who is already feeling emotionally and mentally taxed. Be prepared to repeat yourself and give your loved one plenty of time to respond.
• Make sure your loved one’s environment provides the right kind of stimulation. Make it easy to access natural light during daylight hours, and provide warm lighting in the evening before bed. During the night, respect the need for darkness and use a yellow amber nightlight only if necessary. Use color wisely as well. People with dementia experience changes in vision and benefit from strong color contrast. However, busy patterns and dark places on the floor can be confusing and may even cause them to fall. Pay attention to what works for your loved one and tailor the environment accordingly.
• Encourage exercise. Remaining active can slow brain aging, while a sedentary lifestyle raises the probability of dementia. Exercising daily for at least 20 minutes can help your loved one to think more clearly and can bring their surroundings into better focus.
• Don’t forget to laugh! A sense of humor is good for everyone. It’s especially beneficial, though, for people with memory loss. Telling jokes to a loved one can help relieve stress as well as medication, and it can also alleviate the pressure you’re feeling as a caregiver.

If you’re looking for a senior community that values and nurtures its residents, take a tour of a Cambridge Village community. At each Cambridge Village location, you can experience Optimal Living® for active adults that’s given us the reputation of being one of North Carolina’s premier communities. We offer an exceptional lifestyle, with evolving wellness, concierge healthcare, and engaged experience, for a retirement experience that exceeds your expectations. For more information, contact us through our website.