How can I help my parents living with dementia?
Supporting a loved one with dementia can be challenging, but there are several things you can do to help. Here are a few suggestions:
- Be patient and understanding. Dementia can cause confusion and memory loss, so try to be patient when your loved one repeats themselves or forgets things.
- Help them maintain a routine. People with dementia may find comfort in a regular schedule, so try to help them stick to a routine for meals, activities, and bedtimes.
- Keep the environment safe. Dementia can also cause changes in a person’s mobility and judgment, so it is important to make sure their living space is safe, free of tripping hazards, and easy to navigate.
- Provide emotional support. Dementia can be an emotional and isolating experience, so make sure to provide your loved one with love, companionship, and emotional support.
- Encourage them to stay active. Keeping their body and mind active through activities like exercise, music and arts can help slow the progression of dementia.
- Educate yourself on dementia and its care. The more you know about the disease, the better equipped you’ll be to help your loved one and understand what they are going through. We have a free Guide to Dementia that tells you everything you need to know about the disease.
- Remember to take care of yourself as well. Being a caregiver can be emotional and physically taxing, make sure to find support for yourself.
Supporting a loved one with dementia can be a difficult task, but with the right approach and resources, it can be manageable. One option to consider is hiring a professional live-in care provider like Corinium Care to assist with your loved one’s care. We can provide support with tasks such as maintaining a regular schedule, keeping the environment safe, providing emotional support, encouraging physical activity and overall care of your loved one. Additionally, it is important to educate yourself on dementia and remember to take care of yourself as well.
