Dementia is an umbrella term encompassing conditions targeting an individual’s cognitive abilities, such as retaining memory and reasoning skills. Since these conditions are progressive, the symptoms will worsen over time, especially when such conditions are left unaddressed. Hence, as a provider of dementia care in Marco Island, we offer ways for families to overcome the challenges of dementia.
Receiving a dementia diagnosis will always be challenging to process—both for the diagnosed and those living with them. That is why the ideal first step would be for families to educate themselves about dementia. Family members must learn about the potential changes in behavior a person with dementia may exhibit. They must also formulate healthy responses to these behaviors. During this phase, it’s best to decide whether the family can responsibly care for their loved one or whether it’s best to hire private duty caregivers.
If you and your family willingly took the role of being personal caregivers for your loved one with dementia, consider applying the following tips to help your loved one cope with life:
- Help your loved one develop and maintain a routine.
Individuals with dementia will feel more comfortable and calm when doing something familiar. Hence, when your loved one is in the early stages of dementia, observe when and how they do their daily routine (such as bathing, grooming, toileting, etc.), and help them maintain these patterns, especially as their condition progresses. - Engage your loved ones in activities.
Keeping the mind active will significantly impede the worsening of dementia. Consider organizing brain-stimulating activities for your loved ones with dementia. You can either play nostalgic music, work on solving puzzles, engage in meaningful conversations, or do other activities your loved ones enjoy. - Take turns with other family members in caring for a loved one with dementia.
Becoming a caregiver involves overwhelming responsibilities. That is why taking breaks is integral to the job. When you start to notice signs such as fatigue or constant irritability while caring for your loved one, it’s best to ask other family members for help. When everyone else is unavailable, your family can always seek respite care services from us.
When things get overwhelming, you can trust Ageless Private Duty Home Care, LLC, to help you. Contact us today if you’re seeking caregivers who can render live-in care in Fort Myers Beach.