5 Care Tips for Families That Are Dealing with Dementia

When you have a family member that has Alzheimer’s or another memory related disease, a lot of things change. Dealing with dementia means changing how life is approached and in some cases can alter lifelong relationships. This transition is not easy for the person who is suffering from the disease and for those that are providing care. Additionally, the changes that happen over the course of the disease can be difficult for the family as well. The good news is that there are a few things that can be done. These tips will help to transition a little easier for all.

Tips for Seniors and Their Families That Are Dealing with Dementia:

1. Routines Around the Senior Are Essential: Try to keep meals, sleep and bathing schedules so that there is an expected flow to the day. Sudden changes to a senior with dementia’s environment or schedule abruptly can cause them to become emotional or confused.
2. Allow the Elderly to be in a Familiar Setting: Confusion is scary but having a special chair, photos around that can act as reminders or even drinking a different thing than what they normally would can cause the symptoms to get worse.
3. Play Music or Introduce Music Therapy: If you haven’t read about music therapy, it is something you want to consider with a senior have any memory problem. Music can sooth the symptoms of assist in reducing some Alzheimer’s symptoms and increases the mood.
4. Reduce Noise and Agitation: Noise is usually a sundowning trigger and can agitate symptoms. Agitation will make the symptoms worse and the episode can last for a longer period or be worse than it needs to be. Gentle sound and lighting is the most helpful environment to reduce agitation.
5. Give them What They Expect: More than simply providing a routine of meals and company at standard times, dealing with dementia also requires you to provide the entire family with an expectation. Small kids to older adults all have difficulties dealing with unexpected shifts in routine.

Some studies suggest that melatonin can help with sleep cycles and also lessen some of the symptoms of dementia related illnesses as well as can reduce the severity of dementia and Alzheimer’s symptoms in the evening. Of course, never give a supplement or medication without checking with a senior’s medical professional first. However, it could be a good resource for those that are struggling with evening amplification of symptoms.

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.