Most people will face the issues associated with caring for an ageing parent. But for many people, the added diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s makes the situation more difficult and stressful.
Dementia is a powerfully debilitating disease and caring for someone with this condition can be extremely difficult and stressful. It affects a person’s brain, memory, coordination, and behaviour. It may be a challenge to care for someone with dementia but there are certain things you can do to make the journey easier and less stressful.
- Be Patient
Your parent may need to carry out the same act or say the same thing over and over again, which can be extremely frustrating. You can manage this by staying patient and being kind on them. If you need to, take a few minutes out to take a break from the behaviour.
- Stay Calm
Your parent may become prone to angry outbursts or aggressive behaviour. This can be very difficult to handle especially as it is probably a great change to their regular personality. But remember that it is the disease, not the person, causing them to act in this way. Meet their aggression with calmness and keep your emotions calm in order not to inflame the situation.
- Put Safety Measures in Place
A person with dementia is at risk of wandering. Minimise the stress of this by putting good safety measures in place to make it difficult for a person to leave the home. You could set an alarm that sounds when they open the door, or have them wear a security bracelet that contains GPS.
- Don’t React to Inappropriate Behaviour
Your parent may use bad language or talk about things they would never have dreamed about doing before. Try not to make a big deal out of these outbursts. Remember that it is not your loved one who is expressing these opinions, but the dementia speaking.
- Care for Yourself
It is very important to take the rest you need in order to cope with a challenging situation. Make sure you arrange dementia care at home for either the short term or the long term if you cannot cope with the demands of caring for your parent. There is no shame in this, and it is healthier for everyone in the long run. You can arrange for live-in care that will not only meet your parent’s physical needs but will also give them companionship and emotional support. It is often an excellent option for family members.
dementia care at home
http://berkeleyhomehealth.com/dementia-care/
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