3 Tips For Helping Your Loved One Live At Home With Dementia
When an individual becomes ill with dementia, it can become increasingly difficult to perform regular daily activities. For those suffering with dementia, it can seem like a huge chore to simply get dressed in the morning if the activity isn't made a bit simpler for them. So, if you are trying to help a loved one deal with their new life, here are a few tips that may make things easier on both you and them:
1. Only Provide Them With What Is Necessary.
Individuals with dementia can become overwhelmed and confused when they receive too much information at a time. This includes too many choices, such as their full wardrobe in the morning. Instead of allowing them to choose their outfit out of the closet as they normally would, you need to simply break it down for them. For example, grab a couple of shirts or blouses out of the closet and the same number of bottoms. This ensures that they have what is necessary in front of them to perform the task that is needed to be completed, but it isn't so much that it is going to overwhelm them.
2. Take the Time to Simplify Instructions.
When you are communicating instructions to your loved one, it is imperative that they are simple. While you don't necessarily want to act as if you are talking to a baby, you don't want to act like you are talking to an adult either. For example, rather than letting your loved one know the entire morning routine of brushing their hair, washing their face, and getting into new clothes for the day, simply let them know that you are going to help them brush their hair. Once their hair is fixed, you can let them know it is time to wash their face. Then, you can mention a wardrobe change. Just remember to take it one step at a time.
3. Only Help When/If They Need You to.
As a family caregiver, you are only there to help if your loved one needs you to. Many people tend to assume that they are there to do everything for their loved one. However, you need to let your family member do what they can on their own in order maintain a sense of independence and to possibly regain some of their self-esteem that they may have lost. If you see that they need help, ask them if you can assist them.
If you find that being a family caregiver is simply too much for you, or you don't want to do full-time, consider reaching out to an in-home health care service like Wellspring Meadows Assisted Living.
Share