Dr. Eboni Green
January 10, 2022
Dementia can result in changes in your loved one or client’s life. As a caregiver it vital to understand how to care for and the different dementia care approaches available to you. Read on for more information.
Everyone needs the opportunity to socialize. If your loved one or client is diagnosed with dementia he or she needs the opportunity to socialize with others. A lack of socialization can exacerbate the symptoms of dementia and accelerate the progression of the disease.
You will want to ensure your loved one or client with dementia can engage in social activity as doing so can delay symptoms and improve their quality of life. If you are a carer for a loved one or client with dementia, it’s important to try to get them out and about as much as possible, and to show them new and interesting things. If your loved one or client is unable to leave the home, participating in a hobby – ideally a creative one, is good for keeping the brain active.
It’s easy to place your focus on dementia itself when you are caring for someone with this disease. This makes sense as a diagnosis of dementia will result in the need for care and support. However, although it is vital to pay attention to the symptoms associated with dementia (especially since it can deteriorate quickly), it’s also important to keep alert for other conditions. Remember, your loved one or client may not be able to tell you if they are feeling unwell because they can’t remember the words to use.
In addition, it’s important to ensure that your loved one or client has regular check-ups with the doctor, dentist, optometrist, and audiologist. By attending appointments regularly, any problems can be observed and dealt with quickly. A condition like hearing loss could be hugely detrimental to your loved one or client’s way of life. As hearing loss can be confusing for individuals with dementia, which is why it must be treated quickly. Learn more about how to communicate with the hearing impaired just in case this is needed.
It’s very easy for individuals with dementia to forget what is occurring in real time because short-term memory is impacted by the disease. Yet, while your loved one or client may lose their memory regarding current issues they remember much more about the past. Therefore, it is part of your role as a carer to keep their memories safe. Talk to them about the time you spend together, what you enjoy, and adventures of past and present. You may also make a point of sharing exciting events, even if your loved one or client doesn’t remember the conversation.
In other words, never forget that you are with a human being and your loved one or client deserves the best care possible.
