Caregiving My Loved One Was Just Diagnosed with Dementia!
What Can I Do to Help? By Mayra Burgos , Aging and Caregiving Specialist If you are caring for a loved one with Dementia or Alzheimer's, it can be a challenging and emotional experience. There are things that you can do to make things worse or better. Here are some “do not” and “do” tips to help you: It is best to avoid: • Arguing or criticizing • Overstimulation (too much physical activity or sensory input) • Patronizing or “baby talk” • Ignoring or dismissing your loved one’s opinions or feelings • Leaving your loved one alone for extended periods of time You might encourage and create: • A regular exercise routine • A structured daily schedule • Simplified tasks with step-by-step instructions • Visual aids that include pictures and diagrams • Social activities for connection • Reminiscing about happy times As a caregiver, it’s important to educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about Dementia or Alzheimer's disease including its symptoms, progression, and available treatments. This will help you understand what your loved one is going through and how to best support them. It’s also important to create a safe and comfortable environment. Make changes to create a safe and supportive
environment that reduces confusion and enhances your loved one’s ability to function independently. Remove potential hazards like sharp objects or loose rugs, and make sure the room has lighting that reduces shadows. You may also want to consider installing locks or other safety features to prevent your loved one from wandering outside. Establishing a routine can benefit both you, and your loved one with Dementia or Alzheimer's. Setting a regular schedule for meals, activities, and rest creates predictability, and can help your loved one feel more secure and less anxious. Many people find visual memory aids helpful. As Dementia or Alzheimer's progresses, memory loss worsens. You can help your loved one by using memory aids like calendars, notes, or picture boards to help them remember important information like how to warm coffee, or who is coming to visit. Caring for someone with Dementia or Alzheimer's can be frustrating and emotionally draining. It is important to stay patient and calm, even when your loved one becomes confused or agitated. Try to maintain a positive attitude and remember that your loved one's behavior is a symptom of the disease, not a reflection of their personality or regard for you. And perhaps most importantly of all, take care of yourself! As a caregiver, you likely experience physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. Make sure to get
enough rest, eat well, and seek support from friends, family, or even a professional caregiver. Remember, you are not alone in facing Dementia or Alzheimer's. There are many resources and support groups available to help you and your loved one through this challenging time. For more information, or for assistance in meeting your unique needs, speak with an Aging and Caregiving Specialist by calling PCOA at (520) 790-7262.
June 2023, Never Too Late | Page 15
Pima Council on Aging
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online