6 Steps to Take when a Senior Is Diagnosed with Dementia

6 Things Families Should Do After a Dementia Diagnosis

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The first step in addressing your loved one’s dementia is to learn as much as you can about the condition. Dementia is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. There are several different types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and progression of the condition can help you better support your loved one.

Caring for a loved one with dementia is a challenging task for anyone. The responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming, but help is available. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Danville homecare provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care Danville is here to help.

1. Hire an In-Home Caregiver


As dementia progresses, your parent may not remember to eat or take medications. You or an in-home caregiver must be on hand to provide gentle reminders and assistance when needed. Your loved one may also need help performing self-care and hygiene tasks.

A professional caregiver with training and expertise in caring for seniors with dementia can be a wonderful asset for your whole family. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care service. You can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the progression of dementia.

2. Create a Safe Environment

Dementia can cause confusion, disorientation, and memory loss, which can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Creating a safe and supportive environment is crucial for seniors with dementia. This may involve installing safety features such as grab bars and non-slip mats in the bathroom, locking up dangerous items such as medications and cleaning supplies, and ensuring the home is well lit and pathways are free of obstacles. 

At some point, your loved one may forget where he or she is, even if it’s only a few blocks from home. Safety precautions are needed to protect your parent. Accompany your loved one when he or she leaves the home. Motion sensors or some type of door alarm can alert you if your loved one decides to leave the home unexpectedly without assistance. 

 

3. Provide Emotional Support

A dementia diagnosis can be emotionally distressing for seniors and their families. Providing emotional support and reassurance is essential during this time. Encourage your loved one to express his or her feelings and concerns while you listen attentively and validate his or her emotions. It’s also important to maintain a positive and supportive attitude while being realistic about the challenges that lie ahead.

4. Develop a Daily Routine

Establishing a daily routine can help seniors with dementia feel more secure and comfortable. This routine should include regular mealtimes, consistent sleep patterns, and engaging activities. Doing things that are familiar and enjoyable, such as listening to music, playing games, or doing puzzles, can reduce your parent’s anxiety and boost his or her cognitive function.

5. Seek Support from Others

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging and even overwhelming at times. Witnessing your parent’s cognitive decline may cause anger, anxiety, denial, and sadness. These feelings are normal. Seeking support from family members, friends, and healthcare professionals can alleviate some of the stress and burden. You should also consider joining a support group for caregivers of people with dementia.

Even when families have the best intentions, caring for a senior loved one with dementia can be challenging. Fortunately, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. We are a leading provider of dementia care. Danville families can take advantage of our flexible and customizable care plans, and our caregivers always stay up to date on the latest developments in senior care. Call 925-332-1276 today to speak with a friendly and experienced Care Manager to formulate a home care plan for your loved one.