Any caregiver knows how to approach a person dealing with a certain medical issue. The same goes for people who are dealing with dementia. However, if you are a relative or a close friend caring for someone who suffers from this disease, then there are a few things you should keep in mind.
No matter who the person is, you should consider certain guidelines to avoid feeling overwhelmed when it comes to taking care of someone who is dealing with this condition.
Dementia is not a specific condition, yet a general term for the weakened ability to think, remember, and make decisions. One of the most common types of Dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. This alters their normal course and day-to-day life. Sometimes, the loved one may even experience difficulties completing some of the simplest tasks, such as changing clothes, bathing, and going from one room to another. As the condition progresses, if you want to nurture a relative, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
1. Make sure to maintain a routine that they will be able to follow. Dementia patients are fragile, so if you need to take care of them, it would be nice to schedule the bathing, grooming, dressing, and eating habits at the same time, every day.
2. If the condition is in the early stages, it would be great to help your loved one prepare for their activities. Help them keep up with their journal and the events in their calendar.
3. When it comes to taking medications, make sure to create a schedule for that too. Either come up with some reminders that are easy to track down, or create a special schedule. Whatever you decide to do, remember that, in this case, your relative should be reminded and checked whether they took their medications or not. It is best to be there with them and help them take all necessary medication.
4. Clothing them can be a tricky part. Sometimes, if a person is suffering from dementia, they might resist taking their clothes off or putting some fresh ones on. You need to understand that it is not something they are doing willingly and that the disease is most likely taking control of their brain at this point.
5. Communicate with your loved one and let them know they are taken care of. Show them that you are here through constant displays of affectionate words and actions. They might feel incredibly vulnerable and scared, so it is always a good idea to let them know that you are here for them.
Nurturing a person who is close to you can be a difficult task, especially because you have to go through the process of looking at how the person struggles every day. But, people who have dementia can have a close-to-normal life with the help of their support system. We are that support system, so let’s make it as good as possible!
Also, remember that sometimes taking care of people who suffer from this particular condition can be incredibly stressful and tiring. Note that it is absolutely fine to take a break and have some time for yourself when times get tough. We understand that caring for a sick person is an important task, but your personal health should always be a priority!
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