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Caring Workplace Monthly Newsletter: October 2005
Caring for a Loved
One With Dementia
Brought to you by the Caring Workplace
Being a caregiver for a loved one with
dementia can be a challenging yet rewarding responsibility. Along with
the difficulty in communicating with someone with memory impairment,
caregivers also often face issues such as behavioral problems, mood
disturbances, and a general physical decline. Completing basic daily
tasks such as dressing, eating, and sleeping can be both frustrating and
exhausting.
There are several approaches that are
relatively easy to put in place when it comes to caring for a loved one
at home:
-
Speak to the physician regarding any
behavioral, emotional, or physical problems that may be treatable.
There are medications that can help with depression, anxiety,
agitation, and challenging behaviors.
-
Remain active. While it is necessary to
avoid too much stimulation, it is still important that your loved
one gets regular exercise and activity. Do things your loved one
has always enjoyed. Activities may have to be broken down and
modified based on your loved one’s level of functioning, but can
still be meaningful for both of you.
-
Be consistent. It is very important to
establish structure and routine for a person with dementia. Try to
develop a pattern when it comes to bathing, eating, toileting, and
sleeping.
-
Put yourself in their shoes. It is
frustrating and upsetting for both parties if you try to force a
person with dementia to see your reality. Do not insist that their
thoughts are inaccurate. Try to divert their attention with
activity or a new topic.
-
Talk about the past. Many times a
person with dementia will not remember something that happened a few
minutes ago, yet they clearly remember details of their childhood.
For a person who is often faced with “I can’t remember” it feels
wonderful to reminisce about events in their past which they can
recall.
-
Make sure the environment is a safe
one. Keep medications and hazardous materials out of reach, locks
on doors and cabinets, etc.
-
Obtain outside services when needed.
There are many options for caregivers including At Home Services,
Adult Day Services, and Respite care. Take advantage of the
services your community has to offer
-
Take care of yourself. As a caregiver
it is extremely important to stay healthy. Be sure to eat well,
exercise regularly, and get adequate rest. Make time for yourself
each day, and ask for help when needed.
Fortunately, there are many sources of
education and support for caregivers who need assistance addressing
various concerns. One example is Memory Care Home Solutions. This
innovative program is designed specifically to reduce caregiver stress
and improve time at home for families caring for a loved one with memory
impairment. Customized, hands on training (in a home-like venue) and
home visits give caregivers the skills to manage daily stress, and to
transform their home into a place of safety and comfort for everyone who
lives there. “Memory Care Home Solutions...Improving Time at Home
Through Changes at Home.”
For further information about Memory Care
Home Solutions, community resources, or additional suggestions for
dealing with day to day challenges related to caring for someone with
dementia, please contact your ElderCare Specialist at (314) 802-5106 or
caringinfo@standrews1.com.
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Need Advice?
Ask Our Eldercare Specialist
A St. Andrew's Eldercare
Specialist is available to
answer your questions
about caring for an aging loved one.
 Ask Now!
..........................
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