Caring for an elderly person is not easy, but if the person is suffering from dementia, the work can become even more difficult. Dementia is a neurological condition in which an individual’s cognitive ability declines, causing an issue in executing even the simplest of tasks. As this happens stage by stage, different levels of care are required, which means that a caregiver needs to adapt accordingly. 

A study conducted by the Alzheimer’s Association has stated that around 6.5 million Americans over the age of 65 are suffering from dementia. During the COVID-19, dementia was one of the top ten causes of death. With an experienced caregiver by the patient’s side, the sufferer’s life may become a bit eased out. Here are a few tips that caregivers can look for:

Tips for Dementia Caregivers

A dementia patient presents a unique set of issues and challenges that require to be tended with care, patience, and understanding. This disease is progressive; if one day the patient is showing only a few signs, the other day, it could intensify even more. The below-mentioned dementia caregiver tips can come in handy to tackle such difficult times:

1. Create a Healthy Eating Plan

People with dementia can find it difficult to prepare a healthy meal. In worst cases, they may also forget to eat or even overconsume. A caregiver can create a chart that mentions the patient’s daily meal intake, timings, and nutritional content. 

Adding seasonal fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help create a balanced diet platter. Offering small cups of water and other liquids throughout the day can encourage consistent fluid intake. 

2. Incorporate Physical Activity

Physical activity keeps the body mobile and ensures that the mind stays healthy. There are different types of exercises that patients who have dementia can try out depending on which stage and how physically fit they are. In the early stages, heavy-duty exercises don’t do any harm. But as the condition starts to progress, it’s better to limit the workout and perform less intensive movements. Light walking, doing housework, and taking dogs for walks are a few ways to help the patients in good condition. 

3. Do Not Argue With The Patient

Arguing with a dementia patient is like cutting an apple with a spoon, which will simply not work. You will only exhaust yourself, and the conversation won’t provide you with any fruitful outcome. These are the best dementia caregiver tips of all. A dementia patient does have the ability to think or reason, so arguing with them will only upset you. Here is how you can skip the argument:

Divert their Attention: When you want them to follow your instructions, do not use words like “no.” They might feel offended by this and not be willing to do that task then. Rather, divert their minds and make some excuses, which will stop them from doing the task. 

4. Make the Home a Safer Space

When the world outside seems like a dangerous space, a home is where people can find solace. Here are a few actions that one can take to make home a safe place for dementia patients:

• Clear the pathways: Keep the pathways clear of obstructions. People with dementia are at a serious risk of falling, so keeping the pathways away from obstructions can prevent that from happening.

• Car keys should be hidden away: People in the early stages of dementia may still be able to drive safely. However, as the condition progresses, their decision-making and memory skills may decline, which can put them in serious trouble. It’s better to keep the keys hidden so that the patient is not tempted to get behind the wheel.

• Enclose dangerous outdoor areas: Make sure to keep your garden or backyard enclosed. This way, they can wander around the house without getting injured. 

5. Create a Routine Plan

Individuals who are suffering from dimentia often spend their time thinking what to do. By setting up a routine for them you can allow patients to stay engaged for the whole day without them getting overwhelmed. Consider to be excellent tips for dementia caregivers; you can create their schedule for bathing, sleeping, eating, and everything else to make their day productive.

6. Understand the Concept of Sundowning

There is a phenomenon called sundowning that a patient suffering from dementia faces. As the day turns around the clock, the patient’s mood gets affected too. They can experience increased confusion, anger, and memory loss. To reduce this risk, patients need to stick with a routine that keeps them occupied during this time. 

Conclusion

As your loved one’s dementia progresses, it can make them confused and forgetful. This means that they may also forget who you are and might not want to listen to your instructions. But that does not mean that they don’t care about you or think less of you. All they need during this difficult time is their caregiver’s support.

Be it in a senior living community or home care, a caregiver needs to be be extra careful wile tending to an individual with dementia. With the above mentioned tips for dementia caregivers, you can change the way a dementia patient lead their life and help them become the best version of themselves. 

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, nor does it replace professional medical expertise or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

Published by: Nelly Chavez