When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, becoming a caregiver can be a rewarding way to show how much you love them. However, being a full-time caregiver can also be challenging, as dementia requires a specific caretaking approach to make sure your loved one is getting the care they need. So what kind of care do dementia patients need?
In its earlier stages, you can support a loved one with dementia at home, though you’ll need to make some modifications to the living environment to keep them safe. However, as the condition progresses, there may be a point at which you need to consider memory care for your loved one. Memory care is a special type of senior living designed specifically to support seniors with memory impairment.
What Is Dementia?
Many people think that dementia is a single disease, but this isn’t quite the case. The term refers to a group of symptoms caused by different neurodegenerative disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, or Lewy body dementia. These conditions damage cells inside the brain and lead to a host of cognitive symptoms, including:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Challenges with problem-solving
- Confusion about time and place
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Trouble communicating thoughts and words
- Difficulty with daily tasks and routines
- Wandering or getting lost
Usually, these symptoms progress slowly; they’re often mistaken for regular forgetfulness or age-related cognitive changes over time. However, if they start to interfere with your loved one’s everyday life, a proper diagnosis is crucial.
Understanding dementia is the first step towards getting your loved one the care they need to maintain their quality of life. So how can you help support a loved one with dementia?
How to Support Someone with Dementia at Home
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia and still lives at home, you’ll need to make some adjustments to keep them safe. This condition can impact almost every aspect of your loved one’s everyday life, often leading to confusion about where they are or what they’re doing.
Try to start by making sure the physical environment itself is safe and tailored to your loved one’s capabilities. It helps to:
- Remove tripping hazards, like rugs and clutter, from hallways and walkways
- Install grab bars in the bathroom and near stairwells
- Ensure adequate lighting throughout your home to improve visibility
- Simplify the home layout by keeping frequently used items in accessible locations
- Establish a daily routine to provide structure and predictability, which can help reduce confusion and anxiety
- Encourage the use of memory aids, such as calendars, notes, or digital reminders, to assist with daily tasks and appointments
Consistency is going to be key. It provides a predictable environment that minimizes distractions or frustration while making sure your loved one can safely stay in the home.
However, while these changes can be helpful, you need to keep in mind that dementia is progressive. The condition often worsens over the years, and there may be a point where your loved one needs more advanced care than you can safely provide at home. If your loved one’s cognitive decline is starting to affect their everyday routine, it’s time to think about memory care.
What Is Memory Care?
Dementia can be extremely complicated. Sometimes, a professional touch is needed. This is when memory care is an excellent choice—it’s a way to give your loved one professional care from a team that truly knows how to help.
Memory care is a type of senior living that caters to the needs of seniors living with all kinds of memory impairment. It allows your loved to move to a residential community and enjoy their days doing the things they love, all while receiving specialized support to address their unique needs. It’s a safe, supportive, and structured environment that provides your loved one with personalized care.
The Benefits of Memory Care
In memory care, the staff on-site undergoes additional training so they understand how to help those in need. There are plenty of benefits to memory care, from specialized therapy programs to engaging activities, all designed to improve your loved one’s quality of life. It’s an excellent way to make sure your loved one gets the care they deserve from a team that understands the challenges of conditions like dementia.
Meanwhile, the team assists your loved one in their everyday life, making sure that they can safely perform their daily activities like showering, bathing, and dressing themselves. Your loved one will be surrounded by a loving team of professional caregivers who will make sure that your loved one can live a dignified, supported lifestyle.
Is It Time for Memory Care?
If you think it’s time to consider memory care for a loved one with dementia, our team at Meadowcrest at Middletown can help. In our community, your loved one can get the care they need from our family of trained, loving caregivers. We’re here to help every single day to give your loved one a home, so book a tour with our community today!
