Dementia Home Care
Dementia is not considered a specific disease, but rather a group of symptoms. These symptoms affect a person’s memory, social abilities and thinking so much that they interfere with day to day functioning. While there are many causes of dementia, there are no known ways to prevent it, which is why there are many seniors in Santa Clarita who are suffering from this disorder.
For many adult children, taking care of a parent or other loved one with dementia can be stressful and overwhelming. This is especially true if they need daily assistance, but do not want to go into an assisted living facility.
This is where the services of in home care can be invaluable. Some of the ways an in-home care provider in Santa Clarita can help with family members suffering from dementia are highlighted here.
While eldercare professionals, doctors and researchers are still working on what works and what doesn’t when it comes to caring for patients suffering from dementia, these tactics have been helpful in providing this care.
Develop and Stick with a Daily Routine
Assess the day to day activities to see if any routines can be put in place to help the seniors know what to expect next. Most people like to know what is going to happen next and creating a rhythm for the day can be extremely helpful when dealing with confusion. If there are certain times of the day the senior seems to be less confused, or even more cooperative, plan complex or more extensive activities for these times of the day.
Encourage them to be Independent
Studies have proven that a technique referred to as “graded assistance” along with positive reinforcement and daily practice can go quite far in maintaining functional independence. This is a method for assisting a senior in finishing a task with the least amount of help possible. In home care providers in Santa Clarita can determine the level of assistance that is needed based on the senior in question.
Music
Music can help to soothe and reduce problematic behaviors such as aggression and agitation, especially during bathing and mealtimes. However, music the senior enjoys should be chosen, rather than what the caregiver prefers.
Additional Tips for Working with Seniors Suffering from Dementia
When working with seniors suffering from dementia, use the following tips to help make day to day tasks easier and better understood:
- Minimize outside distractions
- Get the person’s attention prior to speaking
- Be patient
- Create a schedule
- Keep stress at a minimum
The tips here can help senior caregivers in Santa Clarita properly care for a senior who is suffering from dementia. Using the tips can make the caregiver’s and senior’s lives easier and less stressful. Contact Comfort Keepers in Santa Clarita to learn more.
Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Senior Dementia
Unfortunately, our seniors can find themselves in the clutch of dementia as they age. This disease can cause many other health concerns as our loved one’s mind deteriorates. We are seeing a dramatic increase in deaths due to this disease in the United States, according to new research. However, it is also true that certain lifestyle changes now can help prevent senior dementia. It is important to do everything you can to help your Santa Clarita senior develop good habits now to help prevent senior dementia and live a healthier life all around.
Do More Exercise
As we age, our bodies age too. It is important to stay active as our bodies age to ward off dementia. Studies show that walking in itself can boost brain function in those with vascular dementia. It is also proven that those who add walking into their routine showed improvements in overall health, blood pressure and cognitive skills. It is important to keep your blood pumping to ensure healthy flow to the brain.
Combat Loneliness
In recent studies, seniors who did not socialize or who could be categorized as lonely were very apt to develop dementia – quicker than those who were not. It is important that your senior have ways to connect with others and spend time outside of the home if able. There are various programs to help seniors connect with others that you may have in your own hometown. Share time with your loved one, or have an in-home care aide come in to help your loved one participate in activities that engage.
Create a Safe Environment to Combat Falls
Head trauma can cause dementia. It is important that safety measures are put in place to keep your loved ones from falling and severely injuring themselves. Head trauma is a leading cause of early dementia and can happen from a simple tumble. Add rails to the bathroom and keep extra furniture out of the way to ensure a safer environment for your senior.
Comfort Keepers in Santa Clarita wants to help prevent senior dementia. We have experts that know dementia, the symptoms and how to treat it when you don’t. We also know how to fight back and help your senior regain control. Reach out to us today to see how we can help!
