A family member suffering from dementia is a heartbreaking experience. There are many ways to help your loved one and make their life as easy as possible while still respecting their independence. The following five tips can help you provide support for your loved one through this challenging time:
Educate yourself about dementia
You can help your family member suffering from dementia by educating yourself about the disease. This will better equip you to understand how to help them cope with their condition.
There are many causes of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and strokes. There is no cure for these diseases yet, but there are medications that may slow down their progression in some patients. If a patient has other health problems, such as diabetes, therapy will likely involve treating these conditions.
When your parent is diagnosed with dementia, it can be overwhelming. They may not be able to take care of themselves anymore and will need help from you and other family members. If your parent needs 24-hour supervision, consider hiring a caregiver or moving them into a care facility.
Do outdoor yoga exercises
Yoga can be an effective way to help your family member suffering from dementia. Studies have shown that yoga can reduce the symptoms of dementia and improve memory, cognitive function, and overall well-being. Being outside in nature with gentle movements will release endorphins, reducing anxiety and stress levels. This can be a great way to bond with each other while getting some exercise at the same time.
Exercising outdoors is also a great way to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. You don’t have to go on a hike or run—just walking around your neighborhood will do.
You can also take them out in their wheelchair if they are too tired. The most important thing here is that they must get fresh air and sunlight daily to improve their mood and cognitive function.
Reminisce good old memories
Although reminiscing can be a painful process, it can also be comforting. Sometimes, people have to hold on to good memories as their loved ones suffer from the effects of dementia. As people with dementia grow older, their ability to remember things declines, and they may develop other behavioral problems like confusion and depression.
There are many ways you can help. For example, taking an active role in their lives by doing activities that stimulate their senses and make them happy will help keep your loved one’s mind sharp. You can also help them by getting involved in organizations that offer support groups for caregivers and people with dementia. Family members must take an active role in helping those with dementia live happy lives despite these challenges.
Have a dementia-free environment
The living space of a person with dementia can be a difficult place to live in. It’s essential to keep their environment as clean and clutter-free as possible, or they may become confused or agitated. You should ensure a place for everything so your loved one won’t get lost in their own house. This includes keeping all personal items organized and ensuring that any furniture in the room is functional.
A common mistake many families make is putting their loved one in a nursing home as soon as they’re diagnosed with dementia. However, this can be very detrimental to their overall health because it takes away their ability to live independently and control their lives. You should keep your loved one at home for as long as possible, so they can continue doing the things they love.
Consider hiring a conservatorship lawyer
If one of your loved ones is suffering from dementia, and you are concerned about their care, consider hiring a conservatorship lawyer. A conservatorship lawyer can help you make decisions regarding your affairs by drafting documents such as guardianship for the elderly, living wills, and trusts. A conservatorship lawyer can also provide guidance and advice on other issues related to elderly care. For example, suppose you are having difficulties with a family member with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
In that case, a conservatorship lawyer can help you understand the law in your state and whether you have any legal options available. A conservatorship lawyer may be able to assist in finding someone who will consent to be appointed as a guardian for your loved one.
In Closing
To help those with dementia, you must first know how to deal with their condition. Remember that every person is different and will respond differently to treatment and care. Hopefully, these tips will help you get started on the right foot with your loved one.