Tips for Caring for an Aging Loved One with Dementia

November 21, 2022

Caring for a senior loved one with dementia, whether it's due to Alzheimer's or another dementia-related condition, isn't always easy. There will inevitably be days that are more challenging than others. Fortunately, there are ways you can effectively care for an older loved one with dementia in a way that's beneficial for both of you.

Take Appropriate Safety Precautions

Start by creating a safe environment for your loved one. This is something you can do by conducting a general inspection of the home. Look for anything that could pose a potential risk, such as: • Loose rugs • Anything with sharp corners, such as certain pieces of furniture • Everyday items that are on high shelves • Electrical cords that aren't secured After you do an initial inspection, consider making some modifications to your loved one's living areas. This might include installing alarms by doors if your loved one sometimes wanders. Caring for a senior with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is respite care Edmonton families can rely on. Our caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with the activities of daily living.

Keep Track of Health-Related Needs

Seniors with dementia may not remember to take their medications as directed. You can use a convenient medication reminder app to keep track of the medications your loved one is taking and when they need to be taken.  It's equally important to be mindful of any other health-related issues your loved one has, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. If these conditions aren't kept under control, they could exacerbate dementia symptoms. Also, address any nutritional concerns that may be an issue, such as a poor diet or a lack of sufficient vitamins.

Be Patient

There may be times when your loved one repeats questions or has unexpected emotional outbursts. While it's human nature to react to such behaviour with anger or frustration, realize your loved one isn’t doing it on purpose. Situations like these tend to be more common during the middle and later stages of dementia. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care at a reliable Edmonton care home. Family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Butterfly Dreams Respite Care. Our respite caregivers can help your loved one get plenty of mental and social stimulation and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.

Encourage Activities that Help with Memory & Other Skills

Contrary to popular belief, dementia doesn't just affect memory. It also impacts motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and similar abilities. For this reason, it's important to plan activities with your loved one that target these skills. For instance, you might play memory games or games that involve hand-eye coordination. During the more advanced stages of dementia, activities can be simplified to include games or activities involving more basic emotions or sensations.

Be Prepared for the Later Stages of Dementia

By the time your loved one reaches the later stages of dementia, he or she will need around-the-clock care. It can be difficult to provide this kind of care yourself. However, you can coordinate efforts with other family members to provide constant assistance.  Another option is to consider care provided by a respite care facility. This can be beneficial for you as well, since it gives you a chance to focus on your own needs and responsibilities without feeling guilty.  Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one with dementia and are feeling overwhelmed, reach out to the professionals at Butterfly Dreams Respite Care, a premier provider of Edmonton respite care. Our compassionate, highly qualified caregivers can assist your loved one while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation. Contact one of our experienced Clinical Managers today at 587-800-4822 to learn more about our reliable respite care services.