Dementia is used as a general term for the progressive deterioration of cognitive functions that are severe enough to interfere with daily activities and independence. Dementia results from damage to brain cells which disrupts the ability of brain cells to properly communicate causing thinking, behavior, and feelings to be affected. Alzheimer’s disease is the main cause of dementia but there are other causes such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, head injury, etc. 

There is no cure for most types of dementia but with proper medication and care, the progression can be slowed and a person’s quality of life can be improved. In this article we share 5 practical tips to help you deal with the difficulties of caring for a loved one with dementia. 

 

Make Communication Easier

Dementia can make it difficult for people to remember and recollect the words they are trying to say. This can make communication strenuous and cause feelings of frustration and anger. It’s important for you to be patient and use a gentle tone of voice to help your loved one remain calm. To make communication easier, try these tips:

• Use short sentences and be sure to speak clearly and slowly
• Maintain eye contact and give your loved one extra time to respond 
• Try not to interrupt – even if you think you know what they are trying to say
• Keep directions simple, with one step at a time

 

Create a Safe Environment

Dementia impairs judgment and problem-solving skills, and as the disease progresses, risk of injury greatly increases. Some simple steps can improve safety around the home:

• Lower the thermostat on the hot-water heater to prevent burns 
• Install locks on cabinets that contain chemicals, medicines, guns, or tools
• Remove small rugs, electrical cords, and other trip hazards 
• Install grab bars in the shower and around the toilet to reduce the risk of falls in the bathroom
• If there are stairs in the home, make sure there is at least one sturdy handrail for added support and mark the edges of each step with brightly colored tape to make them more visible

 

Minimize Agitation & Conflict

Dementia makes it difficult for people to handle stress, confusion, and change. To minimize agitation and conflict, keep a consistent routine for bathing, dressing, eating, and other activities. It’s also important to keep a person in their usual environment so they feel familiar, comfortable, and safe. Simplifying daily activities goes a long way towards reducing frustration, as well. For example, instead of purchasing pants that button up, opt for comfortable bottoms with an elastic waistband to make dressing easier. You can even lay out clothing items in the order they get put on to help your loved one become more familiar with their dressing routine and gain independence. Remember, a person’s capabilities may fluctuate from day to day, so be flexible and modify as needed.

 

Promote Good Sleep Habits 

People with dementia often have problems sleeping and as dementia progresses, sleep disturbances become worse and more frequent. This can be dangerous and cause problems for people with dementia because lack of quality sleep makes it difficult to think clearly. To help promote healthy sleep it’s important to create a restful environment. 

• Create and stick to a night-time routine
• Run a bath, play soothing music, enjoy a hot milky drink or even spray linen sheets with a calming lavender spray to help the person relax 
• Be sure to limit tea, caffeine, and alcohol in the afternoon and evening to avoid restless sleep and sleep cycle disruption
• Incontinence is very common as dementia progresses so consider using an incontinence mattress and products for better sleep

 

Take Care of Yourself

When caring for someone with dementia, it’s easy to let your own physical and mental health slide. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. It’s incredibly difficult to take care of a loved one alone so it’s important to rely on others when needed. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to be vocal and specific about what you need from others. Support groups like Alzheimer’s Association or the Family Caregiver Alliance allow you to share your experiences, coping strategies, feelings, and more with others who are facing similar caregiving challenges. It can be challenging to accept help or make time for yourself, but it’s necessary as a way to rejuvenate your energy so you can better take care of someone else. 

 

Final Thoughts

Being a caregiver for a loved one with dementia can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming. Dementia can be lonely for the person living with it and for the person providing care. Remember you are not alone and that there are many resources to help you better care for someone with dementia as well as care for your own wellbeing.

 

**The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.**

Maintaining independence can be one of the biggest challenges of growing older. As age increases and health declines, everyday activities grow more difficult and assistance may become necessary. This can be hard to come to terms with because independence is essential to the physical and mental well-being of older adults.

Independence helps seniors feel like themselves, maintain a sense of purpose, boost mental health, enhance memory, preserve strength and balance, and more. So, it’s important to encourage independence in seniors as a way to support their longevity and wellbeing. Today, there are numerous resources and ways to maintain independence in old age, and a few aids can make a major difference.

 

Independence in the Home

For most, maintaining independence can be a key factor in determining someone’s ability to live at home. And as the desire to live at home grows, it’s important to ensure living spaces are well equipped so elderly loved ones can safely continue doing tasks on their own.

Consider the following home aids as a way to encourage and support senior independence:

 

Rollators

Losing mobility can mean losing independence and rollators are a great option for people who are experiencing mobility challenges. They provide extra support and balance for easier movement throughout the home and for maneuvering tight spaces. 

Struggling with limited mobility can cause some people to avoid going out to visit with friends and family, leading to feelings of isolation. Rollators allow people to maintain their mobility outside the home, providing more opportunities to experience an independent lifestyle.

 

Check out a HomeCare Hospital Beds favorite: 

The Drive Medical Adjustable Height Rollator Walker

 

Transfer Benches

Transfer benches help reduce the risk of falling and allow a person to independently move in and out of slippery, dangerous bathing areas. Transfer benches are ideal for individuals who struggle with balance, endurance, and strength issues. 

They allow a person to get in and out of bathing areas without having to lift their legs up and over the side in a standing position. Transfer benches provide full body support while entering and exiting the bathtub and offer a secure place to sit or rest while bathing. 

 

Check out a HomeCare Hospital Beds favorite:

The Drive Medical Splash Defense Transfer Bench with Curtain Guard Protection

 

Hospital Beds

As more people are remaining in their homes and delaying or avoiding an assisted living facility, the use of home hospital beds is rising. Home hospital beds empower people to live independent lives in their own homes by providing support for tasks that might otherwise be impossible without assistance. Hospital beds incorporate various features to reduce the risk of falling by making it easier to get into and out of bed. 

Accidents tend to occur when a bed is too high or too low, so it’s important to consider height-adjustable beds, known as Hi-Low beds, that can be raised and lowered to ideal heights. You may also want to look for a bed that features motorized configuration adjustments to make it easier for someone to adjust themselves into different positions for added comfort.

 

Check out a HomeCare Hospital Beds favorite:

HomeCare Hospital Beds Lynacare™ HC107 Hi-Low Hospital Bed Set

 

Final Thoughts

No matter our age, we all desire to be independent. As we get older it can be difficult to accept loss of independence leading us to feel nostalgic, depressed, angry, etc. Talk with your loved ones to identify where they may need extra support and remind them that asking for help is the first step in better maintaining their independence. Sometimes all it takes is a few home aids to help seniors live independently. 

 

**The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.**