Holistic Dementia Treatment: Professionals, Seniors and Relatives Improve Care Together

How dementia treatment is enhanced through holistic care

Alzheimer’s disease care and dementia treatment plans are created to meet the unique needs of every senior. The causes, symptoms, and long-term care plan for seniors with dementia varies greatly from case to case. As medical researchers and doctors continue to learn about dementia and perform studies to determine the best dementia treatment methods, new approaches have become common.

Holistic care is a method of treatment that focuses on the whole person, not the only internal workings of the disease itself. This technique focuses on the senior’s emotions, strengths, and remaining abilities to provide comprehensive care. Holistic dementia treatment incorporates the medical advice of your senior’s doctors with emotional support to provide a nurturing environment for seniors with memory illnesses.

How Holistic Care Works

Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia often feel confused, anxious, or frustrated. The person-centered approach to dementia treatment uses positive reinforcement to meet the emotional needs of seniors and helps them rediscover their identity [Source].

Implementing person-centered holistic dementia treatment into your loved one’s care plan requires communication between professionals, seniors, and you! A doctor can explain the severity a senior’s dementia, identifying their limitations and remaining abilities. They can also make prescribe medications and approve any integration of holistic care into the medical care plan. This allows caregivers and family members to create a plan for implementing successful person-centered care.

4 Pillars of Holistic Dementia Treatment

Environment, language, nutrition, and activity are the four corners of holistic, person-centered care. [Source] Creating a comfortable, safe, and nonjudgmental is necessary for this type of treatment to be successful. Caregivers can create a welcoming environment by organizing family gatherings.

Using language that is simple and comfortable lessens agitation and frustration for seniors with dementia. Remember that language includes verbal and non-verbal communication; seniors with dementia are often very susceptible to negative body language and will become upset if they feel as though they are a burden.

While a well-balanced diet is important for all aging adults, receiving the proper nutrients is an essential part of a holistic dementia treatment plan. Hunger and dehydration can exacerbate discomfort and agitation. Maintaining a regular eating schedule and encouraging social interaction during mealtime can enhance your loved one’s well-being.

Finally, activities can be a great way to implement person-centered care into your senior loved one’s dementia treatment plan. Holistic care is based on the belief that those with dementia can still live meaningful and fulfilling lives. Keeping your loved one active in gardening, drawing, music, or other hobbies that once enjoyed promotes a meaningful lifestyle and discourages depression, loneliness, and boredom.

A holistic approach to dementia treatment involves the professionals, family members, and individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Together, an effective care plan can be developed and carried out.

For more information about memory care services provided by ComfortCare Homes, please call our office at (316) 685-3322.

ComfortCare Homes of Wichita, KS provides memory care services to the following cities and neighborhoods: Wichita, Derby, Augusta, El Dorado, Newton, Hutchinson, Pretty Prairie, Kingman, Norwich, Conway Springs, Belle Plaine, and the surrounding areas of Kansas.