Dementia is a degenerative brain condition where a person will suffer from mental difficulties. This is a serious condition because it can hinder even the simple activities of everyday life. Some will know Alzheimer’s disease as the most common form of dementia in older folks, but this condition is not normal or inevitable for aging people.
Getting older can mean that brain processes will get slower than before, and forgetfulness might occur in small things like placing stuff in the house or remembering dates. But dementia can be prevented by keeping the mind and body healthy with good food, exercise, and other activities that keep the brain running throughout the aging process.
Because of how dementia is caused by other diseases, no singular cure will be prescribed. A neuro rehab specialist can help by addressing the root of the problem, hopefully, to regulate the other effects on the person. But when dementia sets in, love, care, and support from loved ones are essential to keep the patient safe, especially inside the home space.
If you are living with someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, here are some tips that you can use to better help them and make things easier on your part.
Get to know the person more
To start, one should know more about the patient. Apart from the medical needs that the doctor has prescribed, you as a caregiver should communicate well with the patient to get to know the impacts of the disease on them. While talking with them, you will see firsthand how much of their memories they’ve forgotten or what difficulties they might need help with.
You will get to find the things that help calm them down, like happy memories of fun activities and the things that rub them the wrong way, like taking a bath or taking their medicine. This process will take a long time, but the next tip should always be upheld no matter what.
Be patient and understanding
When dealing with a condition that can take your autonomy from you, you need patience and understanding from the people around you. This is exactly what should be provided to patients with dementia as they might act out of character anytime, anywhere. These traits you must have an unlimited supply of because they should help to keep everything peaceful.
Patience and understanding translate to how you talk and act around them. Sometimes, they will forget about things, say the wrong words, or ask many questions repeatedly. They can even become aggressive over simple things that you said or did. You will always have to understand that they are trying to communicate with you, so treat them with respect and help to keep them comfortable in any way possible.
Safeguard their environment
The home environment has to be set up specifically for convenience and safety. Sometimes, dangerous objects might have to be kept away from their reach. Other patients will look at things differently and get scared over patterns that look like something else.
Changing these items to more dementia-friendly ones can help to give them comfort. Labels might also be needed to help them figure things out independently. Who stays in this room, how this object works, and where to get something are some things you can write down for their convenience.
Regulate their diet, exercise, and other activities
Of course, their activities have to be regulated as asked by their doctor. Specific diets should be followed, but again, patience might be needed. Exercise can be done by organizing activities that they can enjoy doing. Brain exercises can also help keep them occupied while stimulating their memory in the process.
Living in a home with someone who suffers from dementia can be a difficult transition from your normal life. You’d have to give up a lot of your time and personal resources to care well for your loved one, so you can always hire extra help from a qualified caregiver. But always remember that love is what the world needs right now. You have to help those who need you if you are more than capable of helping.
No matter how hard it can be, you should extend your hands and help make the world a better place. Especially if the one suffering is a relative or close friend, you should try not to see them as pitiful and know they are fighting deep down to get their lives back from the condition. Remember that life is fleeting, and you should cherish your time with the people you love. With this, caring for the patient should be a little less stressful as you deal with other worries in life.
