If you or your loved one has dementia, daily tasks can suddenly cause practical issues. No one wants to have to rely on other people to do the simple things for them and having dementia may make people feel vulnerable so here are our tips for caring for someone with the illness. Make them feel […]
If you or your loved one has dementia, daily tasks can suddenly cause practical issues. No one wants to have to rely on other people to do the simple things for them and having dementia may make people feel vulnerable so here are our tips for caring for someone with the illness.
Make them feel assured whilst keeping their independence
Helping someone with dementia to feel secure in their own home is helped by creating a routine and a relaxed environment. Offering support to someone with dementia is critical but ensure that you do not take control or undermine what they do, it is important that they feel useful. Memory aids such as photographs on cupboards can be useful and may help them to remain independent for longer. Home care professionals can be on hand to help with any domestic tasks from shopping to cleaning. It is our job to make your loved one’s life at home as comfortable as possible.
Keeping up with hobbies
Hobbies are very important to those suffering with dementia. If they like cooking, help them to make a meal. Go out and get some fresh air for some exercise or let them look after a pet. Whatever their interests, these things can trigger memories and bring a real sense of joy. We offer a range of social inclusion activities and day trips to help people to get out and about.
Also, if the person you are caring for was once very sociable it is important to keep up regular visits from family and friends, try to keep it to one or two people at a time so as not to overwhelm them.
Maintain good health and nutrition
It is always important that an individual has a healthy, balanced diet and exercises to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This is no less important when an individual suffers from dementia.
People with dementia often don’t recognise foods, forget what they like or refuse food which creates added difficulty to those caring for them. Try to involve the person you care for in preparing food and ensure that you stay calm. If you grow even more concerned, then you should consult a GP.
Sleep Well
Dementia is known to cause restless sleep and these problems will get worse as the illness progresses. Medication can cause tiredness during the day and so ruin sleep during the evening which often leads to the prescription of sleeping pills. It is best to avoid alcohol and caffeine at night and stick to regular routine and bedtimes. Night sit care is always available with experts available to stay with your loved one throughout the night or to call in when needed, even in the early hours.
Self-Care
The final thing you should remember when taking care of someone with dementia is that you must look after yourself too. Support is on hand in the form of respite care and home care workers like us are only a phone call away. You cannot be expected to care for others 24/7 which is where our services come in.
For more information about how our home care professionals can help care for your loved one call 01482 629506 or email [email protected].
