The Alzheimer’s Society estimates that 55 million people around the world live with dementia, and this number is expected to increase substantially in the coming years. But it doesn’t account for the many more millions of dementia caregivers, including professionals and family members.
This syndrome involves the gradual decline of cognitive function, motivation, social behavior, and emotional control. You’re not alone in this journey. Even though there is no cure, you can create a compassionate, structured environment for your loved one while maintaining your well-being.
The Retreat at Alameda caregiving team often advises family members about late- and early-onset dementia care and supports them through every stage. Our caregiving suggestions help seniors and their loved ones through rough patches and create joyful moments. Keeping that in mind, we have 10 tips to live by as you take on this important role.
1. Have a Plan For Medical Care
At the top of our list of tips for caregivers of seniors with dementia is creating a medical care plan* that includes emergency protocols. Work with their physicians for short-term and long-term steps, and have their contact information at hand at all times. Accompany your loved one to the appointments, take notes, and advocate for them.
If they have early-onset dementia, care plans involve finding supportive communities that take residents under age 65 (late-onset includes seniors ages 65 and up). The Retreat at Alameda has no age limits, so that won’t be a concern.
2. Know What to Expect
Dementia can take several forms, but it typically goes through common stages. Dementia caregivers should know what to expect over time; this helps them plan accordingly.
- Early Stages of Dementia: Your loved one will still be able to handle daily tasks like getting dressed. However, they may need help remembering when to take medication and recalling certain names and words. They might also start forgetting about medical appointments. At this stage, it can be difficult to know when to help and when to let them do things on their own.
- Middle Stages of Dementia: You’ll likely notice your loved one’s condition advancing. This can be very difficult for them; they feel like they’re losing their independence and identity. At this point, you will be less of a care partner and more of a caregiver.
- Late Stages of Dementia: At this point, it might be difficult for your loved one to walk, and they might not even be able to get out of bed. If they aren’t mobile, you’ll have to move them often to increase blood circulation, keep track of their bathroom visits, clean them, change bedpans and adult diapers, and check for sores. These stages usually require around-the-clock care.
3. Establish a Daily Routine
One of the most important things caregivers do is set daily routines. This means that waking up, eating, and sleeping happen at the same time every day. Regular patterns establish order and a sense of normalcy, which can decrease confusion and anxiety and improve their mood.
4. Focus on Meaningful Engagement
Our fourth dementia caregiving tip can also benefit your loved one. Meaningful tasks like scrapbooking, simple crafts, and listening to music are stimulating and pleasant for seniors with dementia. These activities trigger memories, engage the senses, and strengthen emotional connections.
5. Encourage Ownership
You’ll want to allow your family member to do as much as possible on their own, within reason. Act as a guide, don’t criticize, and step in to help when needed. Ownership fosters a sense of independence.
6. Limit News Exposure
When we turn on the news these days, there is often more bad than good. This can be incredibly stressful for even the healthiest person. When a person with dementia watches the news, they might not remember the content, but they can remember the feeling they had when they watched it.
For this reason, limiting or eliminating their exposure to anxiety-inducing news is best. Instead, watch lighthearted TV shows or movies.
7. Be Flexible
During this journey, your loved one will most likely become more dependent on your support. To avoid getting frustrated, be flexible and willing to adapt your expectations and routine as needed. Each day can be remarkably different when living with dementia.
8. Create a Protected Environment
Since dementia can reduce an individual’s problem-solving skills and judgment, their risk of injury increases.
- Make adjustments to the home to prevent falls.
- Don’t let the water temperature get too hot.
- Take fire safety precautions.
- Keep potentially dangerous things out of reach.
You can also label things like sock drawers to increase their independence.
9. Stay Calm
This is one of the most challenging tips: staying calm. People with dementia are quite aware of the energy others emanate, including nonverbal cues like body language and tone of voice. It is common for people with dementia to mirror the energy of the people around them. If you’re anxious or angry, that can cause them to have additional behavioral issues.
10. Remember to Take Care of Yourself
Our final tip for dementia caregivers considers your needs: As a dementia caregiver, you must prioritize self-care. Otherwise, your loved one won’t be getting the best support you can offer. Practice anxiety and stress-reducing methods like exercising, talking with friends, guided meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation. Our community offers respite care; your loved one will be in good hands while you rest and relax.
The Retreat at Alameda is a care home for early-onset dementia residents, but we warmly welcome residents of all ages, including seniors. When you’re ready to ease the burden and consider long-term memory care, we are here to help.
Find Peace of Mind With The Retreat at Alameda
The Retreat at Alameda offers compassionate memory care support in Phoenix, Arizona. Our team members can share more dementia caregiving tips and explain our three lifestyle options. To learn more, contact us to schedule an appointment.
*This article should not replace medical advice. Talk with your doctor regarding any issues you may experience, especially if you suspect memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s.
