DEMENTIA CAREGIVING Managing the Challenges of Care
Caregivers of loved-ones with dementia face a unique set of challenges that demand immense resilience, compassion, and adaptability. Witnessing the gradual decline in cognitive function and personality changes can be emotionally taxing. Care providers often grapple with feelings of grief and loss as they navigate the evolving landscape of their loved one's identity. Practical challenges further compound the caregiver's experience. Daily tasks become more demanding as they cope with the increasing dependence of the individual with dementia. From managing medications to addressing safety concerns, caregivers must navigate a complex caregiving role that extends beyond the typical responsibilities associated with aging family members. According to a study by the Canadian Institute for Health Information, care providers of older adults with dementia provide 26 hours of care a week, on average. Communication hurdles present a significant challenge as well. Dementia alters cognitive abilities, making it difficult for individuals to express themselves coherently. Caregivers often find themselves deciphering non-verbal cues and adapting their communication styles to connect with their loved ones effectively. The emotional toll of caregiving is profound. Constant vigilance and the need for patience in handling repetitive behaviors or mood swings can lead to burnout. Care partners may experience feelings of isolation as the demands of caregiving limit their social interactions and personal time. Building a support network, seeking respite care, and staying informed about dementia care strategies can significantly alleviate the burden. The caregiving journey for those with a family member with dementia is a complex experience, requiring a delicate balance of empathy, self-care, and adaptability. Did you know, every year, family and friends provide more than 470 million hours of care to people living with dementia?
At the PCSBV we provide support to help the caregiver with the day to day activities and offer support to the loved-one experiencing dementia. Our Dementia Care Team is a dedicated upskilled group of volunteers supporting families. Volunteers provide caregiver respite, resource navigation and physical/cognitive nurturing activities for dementia clients and their families. They are creative in finding activities suitable to the client and/or caregiver that are rewarding, fun and gives them a sense of contribution and purpose, as their sense of, and status in their community, shifts and evolves. The volunteer is a solid and valued member in their circle of support and this gives the dementia clients more of a chance to be at home and maintain some independence. As with the care providers, our volunteers find that despite challenges, there is a real sense of purpose and fulfillment in their role. Please reach out if you would like access our network of support or if you are interested in becoming one of our volunteers!
Contact: info@pcsbv.ca
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